Rahul Roy, who became a household name with films such as ‘Aashiqui’, ‘Junoon’ and ‘Phir Teri Kahaani Yaad Ayee’, has opened up about the financial difficulties he has faced in recent years and his efforts to rebuild his career. The actor, who suffered a brain stroke in 2020, revealed that the past five years have been particularly challenging, with limited work and mounting responsibilities.Rahul found himself in the spotlight last year after videos of him dancing at a wedding and performing to his songs with a content creator went viral. The clips led to speculation that financial difficulties had pushed the actor towards smaller projects and wedding performances. In a recent conversation with the Times Of India, Rahul addressed his financial situation and explained why he continues to take up such work.The actor revealed that he and his brother have been dealing with a legal case for several years, involving around Rs 30 lakh, which he is hoping to settle. He also spoke about starting over financially after transferring his assets to his wife during their divorce. Rahul said he is now trying to rebuild his life and career from the ground up.“I am 60 and trying to set up my empire,” Rahul Roy said.Reflecting on the years following his stroke, Rahul admitted that his career effectively came to a halt while he focused on recovering. He said, “The last five years have almost been like a break because I was recuperating. There was no work. If that hadn’t happened, I would have done much more. But now, I am getting some work and want to do a lot more. I was happy to be back on the set and face the camera. I am really thankful to the people who are trusting me. In my 37-year journey in films, I believe I have done some good work, and now I am looking forward to doing more.”The actor also explained why he has continued to accept opportunities such as wedding performances despite the criticism they have attracted online. Rahul said his financial responsibilities leave him with little choice and that earning through performances is simply part of his effort to sustain himself.“I have expenses, and I need the money. Getting work after my brain stroke in 2020 was difficult. It’s been five years since then, and I was doing whatever I could to keep things going. Sometimes, I earn Rs 2 lakh or 4 lakh by dancing at weddings. People who troll me don’t know that this is hard work. I have to earn my bread and butter too.”Rahul also acknowledged the people from the film industry who stood by him during difficult phases of his life. He named Salman Khan, Karisma Kapoor, Raveena Tandon, Farah Khan, Archana Puran Singh and Pooja Bhatt among those who have supported him. Salman had also helped with his medical expenses following the brain stroke.The actor further revealed that he remains in touch with several of his ‘Aashiqui’ collaborators and hopes they could potentially work together again.“I am in touch with my Aashiqui co-stars Anu Aggarwal, Deepak Tijori, and Avatar Gill, and even Mahesh Bhatt. Deepak is doing well, and hopefully, we will reunite for work.”Rahul has also made significant changes to his lifestyle following the health crisis. Speaking to the Free Press Journal last week, he recalled just how uncertain his recovery initially seemed and revealed that he has completely changed his diet and habits.“After my brain stroke, I didn’t even know if I would be able to walk or talk again. I used to be a heavy smoker and a non-vegetarian, but I’ve turned vegan, and I’m off onion, garlic, and milk and I’m basically having Jain food. Every day after breakfast, I have 8 medicines. But things are much better now than before.”The actor had previously addressed the criticism over his wedding dance videos in April. At the time, Rahul clarified that the performances were part of his attempt to earn money and deal with his ongoing legal expenses. In a post on Instagram, he wrote, “I do my work with honesty and modesty. I have some legal matters to pay for, and these are not from today, they are from before the brain stroke happened. If you mock my simplicity or make fun of my struggles, it says less about me and more about you. If you are truly so concerned, then help me find some genuine and decent work so I can pay for these cases. At least I am earning through hard work, not by mocking others.”
