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Hrithik partnered with Afsar Zaidi for HRX.
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HRX rapidly grew into massive Indian brand.
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Zaidi also founded star-studded Exceed Entertainment.
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House of Pataudi co-created with Saif Ali.
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HRX Myntra alliance boosted early e-commerce success.
In recent years, many actors have stepped beyond the world of cinema and built impressive business ventures across fashion, fitness, technology, and lifestyle. Hrithik Roshan is a standout example of this shift. With HRX, he has successfully created one of India’s most influential homegrown fitness and lifestyle brands, admired by millions. But the true business genius behind Hrithik Roshan’s HRX is Afsar Zaidi — the strategic mind working behind the scenes, whose sharp vision and entrepreneurial skill have played a pivotal role in turning HRX into the powerhouse it is today.
Meet Hrithik Roshan’s Business Partner: Afsar Zaidi
Hrithik Roshan’s partner in HRX is Afsar Zaidi, the co-founder and CEO of the company. Since its launch in 2013, HRX has grown from a simple fitness and casual wear label into a massive lifestyle brand.
According to DNA India, the company’s revenue nearly touched ₹1,000 crore in 2023, placing HRX among top competitors like Nike, Puma, and Decathlon in India’s activewear segment.
A big part of this growth comes from Zaidi’s long-term vision and Hrithik Roshan’s strong influence in the fitness world.
Beyond HRX: Afsar Zaidi’s Celebrity Empire
Afsar Zaidi’s association with Hrithik runs deeper than HRX. He is the founder of Exceed Entertainment, one of India’s biggest celebrity management companies.
Exceed manages an impressive roster of Bollywood stars, including:
Hrithik Roshan, Saif Ali Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Shahid Kapoor, Ajay Devgn, Kajol, Emraan Hashmi, Arjun Rampal, Malaika Arora, Bipasha Basu, Shilpa Shetty, Dia Mirza, Sonakshi Sinha, Chitrangda Singh, Mithila Palkar, Rahul Khanna, and Zarine Khan.
This powerful client list reflects how successfully Zaidi has built his influence in the entertainment business.
From a Corporate Job to a Celebrity Business Leader
Before becoming a prominent entrepreneur, Afsar Zaidi started out as a salaried employee. Until 2005, he worked at Mahesh Bhupathi’s Globosport India Pvt. Ltd.
His entrepreneurial journey began when he launched Carving Dreams, a sports and celebrity management venture. The company eventually evolved into Exceed Entertainment, now a giant in the industry.
Reports say Ajay Devgn signed with Exceed in under a minute — a testament to Zaidi’s credibility.
Partnering With Bollywood Royalty: House of Pataudi
Afsar Zaidi didn’t limit himself to HRX. He also co-founded The House of Pataudi, Saif Ali Khan’s premium ethnic wear label.
Both HRX and House of Pataudi grew rapidly because they entered the market when online shopping was taking off in India. HRX’s early partnership with Myntra proved to be a masterstroke the brand reportedly earned ₹350 crore in its very first year (Financial Express).
Afsar Zaidi’s Background
Afsar Zaidi studied at Sacred Heart Boys High School. Over the years, his deep understanding of branding, celebrity partnerships, and business strategy has made him one of the most influential entrepreneurs in Bollywood’s business ecosystem.
Vision and Strategy Fueling HRX’s Massive Rise
Afsar Zaidi’s journey proves that great brands are built not just on star power, but on vision, strategy, and relentless execution. While Hrithik Roshan gives HRX its identity, it is Zaidi’s business acumen that has helped shape the brand into a market leader. Together, they’ve created a blueprint for modern celebrity-led businesses in India — one that blends passion with precision. As HRX continues to expand, Afsar Zaidi’s influence will remain at the heart of its success story.