In the early 1990s, Bollywood saw a young and promising actor rise to stardom overnight. Rahul Roy, who debuted with the blockbuster Aashiqui in 1990, was hailed as the next big thing. At just 26, he was already drawing comparisons with rising stars Salman Khan and Aamir Khan, and Shah Rukh Khan, who had only begun his journey in films, wasn’t even in the reckoning yet. However, what seemed like the beginning of a stellar career soon took a downward spiral, leaving Rahul Roy struggling to reclaim his place in the industry.
The Meteoric Rise
Rahul Roy’s performance in Aashiqui and the film’s massive success catapulted him to household fame. His subsequent hits like Pyaar Ka Saaya and Junoon solidified his standing as a promising leading man. Bollywood had high hopes for him, with some even predicting he would surpass the Khans in popularity.
The Downfall
However, by the mid-1990s, Roy’s career began to falter. A series of missteps, including turning down major projects like Yash Chopra’s Darr (which turned Shah Rukh Khan into a star), coupled with a string of box-office failures, derailed his trajectory. After Junoon in 1992, Roy delivered 15 consecutive flops over nine years. His last lead role was in Afsana Dilwalon Ka in 2001.
By the 2000s, he had taken a break from acting but attempted a comeback in 2006, only to face further failures. He transitioned to supporting roles and participated in the first season of Bigg Boss in 2006, even winning the show. However, the victory did little to reignite his career.
A Medical Crisis and Salman Khan’s Support
In 2020, Rahul Roy faced a severe health crisis when he suffered a stroke followed by a heart attack. The medical emergency left him partially paralyzed and in need of extensive and expensive treatments. In a 2023 interview, Roy revealed that he lacked the funds to cover his medical bills. It was his former co-star Salman Khan who stepped in to provide financial assistance, a gesture Roy credits for his recovery.
A New Beginning
Despite the challenges, Rahul Roy has shown remarkable resilience. In 2023, he returned to the film industry, both as an actor and producer. He was last seen in a supporting role in Kanu Behl’s critically acclaimed film Agra. Though he may no longer dominate the box office, Rahul Roy continues to contribute to cinema, embodying the spirit of perseverance.
His journey serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictability of stardom and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
Sources BY Agencies
