My Stammering Wasn’t The Problem, The Stigma Was: Hrithik Roshan

Hrithik Roshan talks about growing up with a speech disability and the stigma around it.

Hrithik Roshan has come a long way in life, from being a boy with a speech deficiency to one of Bollywood’s biggest superstars. On International Stammering Awareness Day (22 October), the actor tells The Quint all about his struggles and how he overcame them.

Sweet! Who found this? my fan moment as a kid!I think there's a little bit of Bachchan in every actor since. Agree?

A photo posted by Hrithik Roshan (@hrithikroshan) on Apr 24, 2016 at 10:17am PDT

Q: How tough was it for you to tackle and overcome your stammering?

Hrithik Roshan: Well, it was a lonely battle. I struggled alone for a long time but powered on fighting my problem. But in the course of my struggle I learnt so many beautiful and amazing things .

Q: Have the hardships toughened you up?

Hrithik Roshan: I am in gratitude for each and every problem and struggle I have faced. It makes me who I am. I just wish the stigma around such issues was erased from our minds. We all are sufferers in some form and we all are heroes in some form. It's ok. Don’t feel weak about your shortcomings. Use them to grow.

Also Read: After Deepika & Karan Johar, Hrithik Speaks Out On Depression

Don't try those puppy eyes on me son, I TAUGHT you that trick. You chose it, you have it. #nocompromisesonicecream #noexchange

A photo posted by Hrithik Roshan (@hrithikroshan) on Sep 3, 2016 at 10:22pm PDT

Q: Today when you look back at those days of struggle, with your stammer what are your thoughts?

Hrithik Roshan: Back then I used to think of myself as weak. Not capable. Not equal, not normal. School and college was hell. And children as sweet as they are, can be quite mean unintentionally. Not having enough information or education was the problem. Not the stutter itself. Awareness is what we need.

Q: How do you look back on your struggle?

Hrithik Roshan: Today I look back and label all those moments as moments of strength and power. It ignited a passion in me that made me invincible. Now I believe I can do anything in life.

Wish my children were here with me 2watch their daddy help clean d neighbourhood. No better way 2 teach than by example. #swachhbharat

A photo posted by Hrithik Roshan (@hrithikroshan) on Oct 25, 2014 at 12:52pm PDT

Q: You should come out with a book on how you overcame your disability...

Hrithik Roshan: I’ve been thinking about that. Today on World Stammering Awareness Day, I would like to tell all my fellow-stutterers to be proud of who they are and to be unafraid of expressing themselves. It is our character that defines us, not our disabilities. Power ahead!