Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; May 21, 2020)

Actor Ashiesh Roy, who has featured in several TV shows, including Sasural Simar Ka, Jeannie Aur Juju, Tu Mere Agal Bagal Hai and was last seen on Mere Angne Mein, admitted himself to a city hospital for dialysis on May 14. Soon after, he appealed to people in a post on social media, requesting monetary help for his treatment.

However, he now wants to get discharged as he is not able to bear the medical expenses. He tells us, “I was already facing a money crunch as I have been out of work for six months. And, the situation has worsened owing to the lockdown. I had savings of Rs 2 lakh, which I spent during the first two days of being hospitalised. First, I was tested for Coronavirus, which cost me around Rs 11,000, followed by other expenses. I spent around Rs 90,000 on a single round of dialysis. I have to undergo a treatment, which will cost me Rs 4 lakh, but I don’t have the money to pay for it. So, I want to go back home, as I can’t afford the treatment. I am seeking financial aid from people, so that I can clear my medical bills to get discharged. I can’t continue staying here even if I were to die tomorrow.”

Ashiesh hopes to get back to work as soon as possible, as he does not want to be dependent on anyone. He shares, “My condition is such that I need to go for dialysis every two weeks. I just need time and money to recover. I know that I can get back to work, and so, I am requesting my industry friends to help me with that. I don’t mind playing any character, I just need to keep going.”

He is in a vulnerable state emotionally, too. He says, “I had planned to relocate to Kolkata where my sister lives. I don’t have any emotional support here. I should have got married, but I didn’t when the time was right. The only thing I want is to get back on my feet again.”

Meanwhile, Sooraj Thapar, his co-actor from Rishta Sajhedaari Ka, who is in constant touch with Ashiesh, has been requesting people to help him monetarily. He has also approached a few NGOs for help. Sooraj tells us, “Ashiesh’s sister, who is married and settled in Kolkata, has managed to send some money. Some others from the industry have also transferred money into his account after reading his post. But, we need more money, as we don’t know for how long the treatment will last. We need someone to take charge of his medical expenses.” He adds, “Ashiesh has been wanting to sell off his 2 BHK flat to take care of his medical expenses, but that’s not easy in the current scenario and will take time.”