Ronit Roy’s journey in the entertainment industry began on a high note. At just 27, he entered Bollywood with the 1992 film Jaan Tere Naam, which became a box office success. The following year, he starred in Bomb Blast alongside Aditya Pancholi and Kishori Shahane. The film also performed well, yet, despite these achievements, his career did not progress as expected. Opportunities stopped coming, leaving him confused and frustrated.
The unexpected downturn in his career left him struggling financially. He could not understand why, after delivering a hit equivalent to a modern-day blockbuster, there were no offers. His disappointment soon turned into frustration, pushing him into alcoholism. With no money for food but always finding alcohol, he spiraled further downward.
Looking back at that difficult time during a conversation with Podcast Redcarpet, Ronit described his situation with raw honesty. He admitted that his security agency was not born out of strategy but desperation. He recalled, “I am a honest kind of guy, I can only tell you the way it was. It was (the result of) hunger, poverty.” His struggles forced him to take drastic steps to survive.
He explained that some of the biggest changes in his life stemmed from sheer desperation. After his early success, he signed films that did not work, which pushed him further into uncertainty. With no job and growing financial pressure, he turned to alcohol as an escape. He admitted that despite not having enough for essentials, he somehow always found a way to drink. “Somehow the alcohol would come. I cannot think where the alcohol came from,” he said, reflecting on that period.
His drinking habits worsened his situation. He spent his days sleeping in, waking up late with hangovers, which only made things harder. His reputation in the industry suffered, and people dismissed him, believing his career was over.
During this phase, a friend advised him to leverage his name for business. This friend ran a security agency and encouraged him to do something similar, as his face and recognition still held value. Ronit took the suggestion seriously and began training at his friend’s office, eventually establishing his own agency. He acknowledged that this venture was not a calculated business move but a desperate attempt to stay afloat. “It was a result of desperation,” he admitted.
As Bollywood continued to overlook him, television became his lifeline. Unlike what people assumed, he clarified that this was not a planned shift but a means of survival. He found success with popular shows like Kasautii Zindagii Kay and Bandini, which made him a household name. Television not only gave him financial stability but also brought discipline back into his life. The attention and work helped him quit alcohol and regain control. He shared how everything began to improve. He mentioned, “The alcohol stopped. Attention, and discipline returned. Roles worked.”
His television success eventually opened doors back in Bollywood. He returned to the big screen, playing supporting roles in films like 2 States, Student of the Year, Shootout at Wadala, The Girl in Yellow Boots, and Ugly. His work was appreciated, and he even expanded his career to Telugu cinema with Jai Lava Kusa, starring Jr NTR.
Ronit Roy’s story is one of resilience and transformation. From being a promising actor who lost everything to rebuilding his life through sheer determination, he proved that setbacks are not the end. His journey serves as a reminder that success is not just about talent but also about perseverance and the ability to rise again after hitting rock bottom.