Before becoming a celebrated name in both television and cinema, actor Ronit Roy faced severe financial challenges during the early 1990s. Now widely known for his performances in Adaalat, 2 States, Student of the Year, and Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Roy’s path to success was anything but smooth. In a recent conversation on the Hindi Rush podcast, the actor reflected on his early career and the personal hardships that nearly broke him.
Sharing his story, Roy admitted that despite landing a film debut with Jaan Tere Naam (1992), he remained financially unstable for a long time. Even after stepping into the industry, the money was just enough to get by, with no real financial comfort in sight. He revealed that his first payment was Rs 50,000, disbursed in monthly installments of Rs 4,000—a significant amount for him back then, but insufficient to lift him out of a hand-to-mouth existence.
Isolation In Industry
Ronit explained that one of the reasons his career didn’t progress initially might have been his own reserved nature. He shared that he often stayed in his own space, avoiding the usual networking that many rely on in the entertainment world. Over time, this self-imposed isolation led to fewer work opportunities. “I used to think about it a lot before, but now I don’t,” he said while reflecting on that period.
Dhaba Incident That Stayed With Him
A particularly emotional memory that Roy shared was from his time near Bandra station in Mumbai, where he used to eat at a small, well-known dhaba. Due to financial constraints, he could afford only one meal a day, usually alternating between two rotis with either kaali daal or palak paneer. One day, when he had run out of money, he asked the staff for just two rotis and some onions. The dhaba owner, recognizing Roy as a regular customer, handed him not just the rotis but also a serving of daal. When Roy pointed out that he hadn’t asked for the lentils, the owner replied it was on the house, saying, “Aaj aapka daal ka din hai.”
The actor became visibly emotional recalling this gesture, stating that the man’s face still remains etched in his memory. The experience, though painful, is one he cherishes because it reminded him of the kindness that can be found even in the harshest times.
From Struggles to Stardom
Despite these early difficulties, Ronit Roy’s perseverance eventually paid off. He found success on television with roles in Kasautii Zindagii Kay and Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, which helped him gain widespread recognition. Over time, his work in both TV and films earned him respect in the industry and a strong fan base.
Today, Roy is considered one of the most dependable character actors in the Indian entertainment industry. His story, especially moments like the humble meal at the Bandra dhaba, serve as a reminder of the difficult road many artists travel before achieving fame.
Sharing his story, Roy admitted that despite landing a film debut with Jaan Tere Naam (1992), he remained financially unstable for a long time. Even after stepping into the industry, the money was just enough to get by, with no real financial comfort in sight. He revealed that his first payment was Rs 50,000, disbursed in monthly installments of Rs 4,000—a significant amount for him back then, but insufficient to lift him out of a hand-to-mouth existence.
Isolation In Industry
Ronit explained that one of the reasons his career didn’t progress initially might have been his own reserved nature. He shared that he often stayed in his own space, avoiding the usual networking that many rely on in the entertainment world. Over time, this self-imposed isolation led to fewer work opportunities. “I used to think about it a lot before, but now I don’t,” he said while reflecting on that period.
Dhaba Incident That Stayed With Him
A particularly emotional memory that Roy shared was from his time near Bandra station in Mumbai, where he used to eat at a small, well-known dhaba. Due to financial constraints, he could afford only one meal a day, usually alternating between two rotis with either kaali daal or palak paneer. One day, when he had run out of money, he asked the staff for just two rotis and some onions. The dhaba owner, recognizing Roy as a regular customer, handed him not just the rotis but also a serving of daal. When Roy pointed out that he hadn’t asked for the lentils, the owner replied it was on the house, saying, “Aaj aapka daal ka din hai.”
The actor became visibly emotional recalling this gesture, stating that the man’s face still remains etched in his memory. The experience, though painful, is one he cherishes because it reminded him of the kindness that can be found even in the harshest times.
From Struggles to Stardom
Despite these early difficulties, Ronit Roy’s perseverance eventually paid off. He found success on television with roles in Kasautii Zindagii Kay and Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, which helped him gain widespread recognition. Over time, his work in both TV and films earned him respect in the industry and a strong fan base.
Today, Roy is considered one of the most dependable character actors in the Indian entertainment industry. His story, especially moments like the humble meal at the Bandra dhaba, serve as a reminder of the difficult road many artists travel before achieving fame.
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