Ronit Roy, widely recognized for his outstanding performances in television serials like Kasautii Zindagii Kay and Adaalat, has led a life full of ups and downs. While he enjoys immense respect in the entertainment industry today, his journey was far from smooth. From experiencing massive success with his debut film to struggling with financial instability and alcoholism, Ronit Roy’s career has been a rollercoaster ride.
In a candid conversation on Podcast RedCarpet, the actor shared details about the toughest phase of his life when he was out of work and even ventured into the security business—not as an ambition but as a necessity for survival.
Early Success and Unexpected Career Halt
Ronit Roy made his Bollywood debut in 1992 with Jaan Tere Naam, a film that turned out to be a huge success at the box office. The movie was a silver jubilee hit, running for over 25 weeks in theatres. However, despite this grand start, the film industry did not offer him more work.
“I had no idea why I wasn’t getting work. My debut film was a silver jubilee success, but then, nothing. No offers, no opportunities. I was confused, frustrated, and scared,” Ronit recalled.
As time passed, the desperation to sustain himself led him to make poor professional choices. He signed films without proper thought, and when they failed, his career prospects worsened.
Desperation, Financial Struggles, and Wrong Choices
Like many aspiring actors, Ronit Roy struggled to stay relevant in an industry that quickly moves on. He needed money to pay rent, afford daily meals, and survive. Out of sheer desperation, he took up roles in subpar films, most of which failed at the box office.
“I got scared because I had responsibilities. I had rent to pay, I had to feed myself. So, I started signing the wrong films, which flopped. Then I was back to square one, again with no work,” he said.
The financial crisis took a severe emotional toll on him, leading him into a dark phase.
Battling Alcoholism and Emotional Turmoil
The pressure of failing in Bollywood pushed Ronit Roy into alcoholism. He revealed that he began drinking as an escape from his problems. However, instead of helping him cope, it worsened his situation.
“My alcoholism started out of that frustration. Everything went downhill after that. I would wake up at 3 PM with a terrible hangover, and it just made things worse,” he admitted.
As his drinking habits worsened, the film industry slowly distanced itself from him. He was labeled a “finished” actor, and work completely dried up.
Turning Point: Entering the Security Business
When Ronit Roy hit rock bottom, a close friend came forward with a suggestion that changed his life. This friend, who owned a security agency, saw potential in Ronit beyond just acting. He advised Ronit Roy to enter the security business, believing that his face and name still held value.
“I was told that my name still carried weight. I had nothing to do, so I started learning about the security business from my friend,” Ronit shared.
This led him to establish Ace Security and Protection, a company that has now become one of the most trusted security firms in Bollywood. Today, his agency provides security to some of the biggest names in the industry, including Amitabh Bachchan and Akshay Kumar.
Rebuilding His Career in Television
While his security agency was thriving, Ronit Roy never gave up on his passion for acting. His big break in television came with Kasautii Zindagii Kay, where he played the iconic character of Rishabh Bajaj. This role redefined his career and reintroduced him to the entertainment industry.
Television offered Ronit Roy the recognition and stability he had been seeking. He later starred in successful shows like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Adaalat, and Itna Karo Na Mujhe Pyaar. His transition from Bollywood to television was smooth, and he became one of the most respected actors in the industry.
Also Read : Halle Berry Reflects on Her Historic Oscar Win and the Ongoing Struggles for Black Actresses
Recent Projects and Ongoing Success
Despite his early struggles, Ronit Roy has managed to make a remarkable comeback. His versatility allows him to work across mediums—television, Bollywood, and even OTT platforms.
Recently, he appeared in Farrey, a heist thriller directed by Soumendra Padhi. The film, starring Alizeh Agnihotri, Sahil Mehta, Zeyn Shaw, and Prasanna Bisht, is an official remake of the 2017 Thai film Bad Genius. His performance in the movie was widely appreciated.
Apart from films, Ronit Roy continues to take on challenging roles in web series and TV shows, proving that determination and resilience can turn any life around.
A Story of Survival and Success
Ronit Roy’s journey is a testament to the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry. His story teaches us that setbacks are temporary and resilience is key to long-term success. Despite being written off at one point, he reinvented himself, proving that talent and perseverance can overcome even the darkest of times.
His transformation from a struggling actor to a successful entrepreneur and respected performer is truly inspiring. Today, Ronit Roy stands as a symbol of hard work, adaptability, and the undying spirit to fight against all odds.
