The Roshans, on Netflix, offers an engaging look into the life of a family that has shaped Indian cinema across three generations. The series captures their highs and lows with refreshing honesty, making it an easy watch for fans of music, film and storytelling. What sets it apart is its balanced approach — neither over-glorifying nor downplaying the family’s challenges.
Roshan Lal Nagrath: The Musical Trailblazer
The series opens with Roshan Lal Nagrath, who transformed Bollywood’s music scene with timeless compositions. His qawwalis, like Na Toh Caravan Ki Talash Hai, set new benchmarks in the genre. A memorable moment from the 1950s recounts a Binaca Geetmala broadcast when his song Zindagi Bhar Nahi Bhulegi was up against Chaudhvin Ka Chand. Rakesh Roshan recalls the family’s joy when Roshan’s song won: “We celebrated with a party,” he fondly shares in the first episode. Despite his amazing melodies, Roshan Lal faced challenges later in life as the industry began to overlook him. In the same episode, Asha Bhosle reveals that even R.D. Burman admired Rajesh Roshan’s work, underscoring how Roshan Lal’s influence extended beyond his family to shape an entire generation of musicians.
Rajesh Roshan: Rajesh Roshan: From Struggles to Stardom
The narrative then shifts to Roshan’s son, Rajesh Roshan, who emerged as a composer of his own merit. Rajesh’s early struggles are brought to life, from his mother asking lyricist Anand Bakshi to help him find a job to Laxmikant-Pyarelal giving him his first opportunity. Pyarelal tested him by asking him to play the Jhooth Bole Kauwa Kaate solo in front of none other than Lata Mangeshkar, which became a defining moment in his career. Hrithik Roshan also goes on to share a vivid memory of watching his uncle compose music: “He would sit at the harmonium, take a breath, smile, and then begin. It was such a joy to watch,” he says.
Rajesh Roshan’s work, such as Dil Kya Kare, received a lot of love. Sanjay Leela Bhansali marvels at the maturity of such a young composer, calling it “unheard of.” He adds, “Roshan Sir would have been proud to see his son create music as melodious and extraordinary as his own.” Rajesh Roshan’s collaborations with Dev Anand, particularly for Des Pardes, marked a turning point in his career and is talked out at length in the docu-series.
Rakesh Roshan Finding His True Calling
Rakesh Roshan’s transformation from an actor struggling for roles to one of Bollywood’s top directors is a story in itself. He speaks about his failures as an actor and producer, admitting, “I was told to call producers daily for work. I thought, how long will this go on? That’s when I decided to become a director.”
Once Rakesh turned to direction, there was no looking back. Shah Rukh Khan recalls how he initially rejected Karan Arjun but was later convinced, calling the film “a gift to his fans.” The series highlights Rakesh’s ability to create groundbreaking films, from Koi… Mil Gaya, India’s first sci-fi hit, to Krrish, the superhero film that became a cultural phenomenon.
Hrithik also goes on to share how his father’s endless stream of ideas shaped their creative collaborations: “He would come to me with an idea every week. Some I loved, some I didn’t. But Karan Arjun stayed with him for years.” Actors like Priyanka Chopra, Preity Zinta and Abhishek Bachchan also share their love for Rakesh’s unique storytelling approach.
Hrithik Roshan’s Superstardom
Hrithik Roshan’s rise to fame with Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai forms the final act of the series. His debut brought overnight success but also challenges. The near-fatal attack on Rakesh Roshan shortly after the film’s release is portrayed with raw emotion.
Hrithik also reflects on how failures shaped his journey, saying, “Through those failures, you realise you were meant to become who you are.” Abhishek Bachchan calls Hrithik a rare talent, while Ranbir Kapoor shares how his father, Rishi Kapoor, was moved by songs like Chal Kahin Door Nikal Jaaye.
The Verdict
The four-part docu-series is a light and enjoyable watch for film buffs.
