Rahul Roy: I have learned that we, as actors, must take risks, but not at the cost of our lives – Times of India

How are you feeling now?
I am feeling better with each passing day.

What was your biggest fear during the health scare?
I had a brain stroke, so I wouldn’t be able to answer this because I was totally under observation and heavy medicines.

But now, when I look back at it, it makes me release many things. I have learnt through this incident, that we, as actors, must take risks, but not at the cost of our own lives. It is dangerous to just trust random, unripe professionals who have no idea of the process of making films and may do hazardous things to achieve their goals.

I would like to especially say this to actors of this generation and to aspiring actors who are looking forward to entering this industry to be an actor. Don’t let your work go to your head and don’t let anybody take your advantage and put you on your deathbed. This is the scariest thing that can happen to anybody. You must only trust amateurs and the right professionals.

What is the first thing that you want to do post complete recovery?
I have not yet thought about it. Firstly, I want to focus on getting better, which, I believe I am doing with each passing day. My priority is to first start talking fluently.

You became an overnight sensation after ‘Aashiqui’, and despite your on and off presence in films, your popularity hasn’t fizzled out. How do you look back at your journey so far?
When I look back, I am happy about my journey, and I thank all my fans for the love that they still give me.

The film completed 31 years of release in August this year. Did you anticipate back then that it would go on to become a cult film in Bollywood someday?
No, I did not anticipate that, but I am happy now, and I know that it will continue to be a cult Bollywood romantic film till the time the film industry exists.

Is there any fond memory that you cherish from the film… one that is associated with your co-star Anu Agarwal or director Mahesh Bhatt?
Mahesh Bhatt sir is an incredible person on sets. He knew what he was making. He always told me you would be a superstar and that is exactly what happened. So that’s going to be my fondest memory of him. As far as Anu is concerned, she is a thorough professional. Shooting the iconic jacket scene would be my fondest memory of her.

We believe you never intended on becoming an actor. What did you want to be during your growing up years?
Yes, I never started out to become an actor. Actually, I always wanted to be a supermodel.

Has the industry changed today from what it was when you made your debut?
Yes, a lot of things have changed. We have now moved to the digital space where we have web series and movies releasing on the OTT platforms. It has given and continues to give opportunities to so many actors and technicians, with no barrier of age, which is great.

Several actors have had a successful second innings in Bollywood. How do you plan to join their league?
I don’t plan to join any league. What I am looking at is good work and the opportunity to explore all sides as an actor. I want to get out of the regular romantic hero image. There is something which will be released soon. It’s a film which I have done through methodical acting and it’s different, fresh and new, so I really hope my fans love it and give me their love.

There has been a surge of new and varied content on OTT. How do you look at this change, as an actor?
I feel that the audience today is looking more for good content than star power. OTT has opened doors for actors to explore their versatility. I believe that today is the best time to be an actor.

Do you have friends from the industry you can hang out with?
I don’t have too many friends in the industry. I just have a few, and we hardly hang out. However, whenever we meet, we cherish the old days.

Whether it’s your personal or professional life, you’ve always interested people. Have you thought about writing a book on your life?
Yes, a few writers and publications had come to me, but, at that moment, I was occupied with a lot of other things. It’s a good thought and I will surely think of writing it myself or bring on someone to do that for me.

If someone was ever going to make a film on your life, who would play you?
When, and if the time comes where a film will be made on my life, it will be totally up to the director to cast actors. I just want him/her to choose someone who would justify playing me on screen.

Who from the new crop of actors do you think has potential?
All of them are very good; it would be totally unfair to name just one. Everyone has something in them.

Your sister and brother-in-law have been your pillar of support throughout…
Hari Maa Priyanka is my whole life. She means everything to me. And I love Romeer very much. My sister literally brought me back from the dead, and that speaks volumes. She stays awake to check if I am sleeping peacefully and breathing. She makes me do exercises to make me fitter. The music and speech therapy given by her is making me able to speak again. Her breathing exercises bring down my pressure levels and the satvik foods she cooks for me helps maintain my sugar levels. Overall, I am operating perfectly with her new proposed lifestyle. It’s like I have a new life. She is more like a mother than sister to me now.

My sister had sent me for the shoot on foot and when I came back I was on a wheelchair. Within minutes, they arranged to get me to the hospital. From that day, until this minute, there has never been a time where my sister is not there to protect me like a shadow. I have quit all my bad habits, including cigarettes and eating non-vegetarian food. I don’t have those urges now. I feel fresh and amazing.

What other projects do we see you taking up now?
I am the health brand ambassador of a health app. It is my way of sharing my health benefits with my fans. And on the films’ front, there is a film that is releasing which would showcase my methodical acting. I will continue to share details of my upcoming projects, as and when they come.