Ronit Roy on after-effects of lockdown on his previously-packed diary and plans for comedy
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 9, 2020)

Ronit Roy entered our living rooms as Mr Bajaj in Kasautii Zindagi Kay. The show recently got a reboot with Karan Singh Grover stepping into the character. Confessing that he hasn’t seen the upgraded version, the actor points out that it is a “different show with new actors,” adding, “But I have seen Karan jump off a building in the promo. He is a fine actor and I am sure he has done a good job.”

Ronit has another iconic TV character to his credit: advocate K D Pathak in Adaalat. The show ended after the second season in September 2016. “In between, we were talking to get K D Pathak back with another name in the courtroom drama space. But everything has gone out of the window now, and we will have to wait and see what happens,” he sighs referring to the lockdown.

Pointing to the effects of the pandemic, he says, “What would have taken four years has happened in four months. Laptops are the new offices and people are watching films on OTT platforms.”

But unlike many of his peers, Ronit didn’t read scripts when at home. He explains that he is a little old school in that aspect and prefers to listen to writers narrate stories. Is he looking for any specific genre to explore in the post-Coronavirus era? “My thumb rule is to only accept jobs I know I would enjoy doing; that’s the fun of being in this industry. An actor who likes to live in his comfort zone never grows,” he reasons, adding that several things have been keeping him busy, from procuring essentials and grooming his dog to repairing the fridge and air-conditioner and sanitisation. “I also work out and study acting as much as possible.”

The actor recently wrapped up shooting with Ranbir Kapoor on the period drama Shamshera, and was in the middle of filming for Fighter, which is fronted by Arjun Reddy actor Vijay Deverakonda and Ananya Panday. While Ronit isn’t authorised to speak on either project, he shares that after a series of negative roles in intense settings, he is eager to do a comedy. “It’s a difficult genre to write, but I would love to do a slice-of-life comedy in the near future,” he says, informing that his 2020 calendar was packed before the Coronavirus brought everything to a standstill. “I was supposed to shoot for a film towards May-end and fly to London in mid-June for another project. I don’t know what will happen to them now, it’s going to be a logistical nightmare.”

Actor says he’ll create opportunities in the industry for his kids
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; September 13, 2017)

An established name in the movies and a force to reckon with in television, Ronit Roy juggles the two worlds with enviable ease. At a time when the web is enjoying as the new platform for entertainment, it’s only natural for an artiste of his caliber to explore opportunities. As he makes his debut on the digital platform with the Alt Balaji show, Kehne Ko Humsafar Hai, Roy talks about his love for TV and matter being more important than the medium.

What prompted you to say yes to Kehne Ko Humsafar Hai?
It’s not your run-of-the-mill teenage love story. Mona [Singh] and I play mature adults, who cross paths and fall in love. It is a love triangle involving people above 40.

Neena Gupta is coming back with this show.
Yes, that is exciting. I’ve met Neenaji once. Unfortunately, she does not come on the set too often, which is why we haven’t interacted much.

Having played a hero on TV for over a decade and a baddie in movies, which role offers you creative satisfaction?
Playing a character, irrespective of whether it’s positive or negative, offers creative satisfaction. As an actor, I look for variety. Be it on TV or movies, the purpose of the medium is to provide entertainment. And it is unfair to compare the two mediums.

Now that you’ve established yourself in the movies, will we see you less on TV?
Television is one of my top priorities. I have been in the industry for 15 years and done everything that has excited me. However, of late, none of the projects offered to me have been exhilarating. If I’m offered something interesting like Adaalat, I will give my immediate nod.

At a time when nepotism is a raging debate, would you want your children to follow in your footsteps?
I’ve taught my children that if they love their profession, it’s great. But their job is not the be-all and end-all of their lives. They can choose to do whatever they want to. And because I’m their father, I will help them in whatever way I can. A father who refuses to create opportunities for his kids — what would you call him? So if I can help, I definitely will.

You’re playing a cop for the third time with Lucknow Central.
As a cop in Boss (2013), I played an out-and-out baddie. In Ugly (2014), I was a father and an insecure husband; being a cop was incidental. My character in Lucknow Central is different. He is a jailer, he is not dealing with crime. He handles a bunch of men, who want to form a band. Ideologically, it is different from the other pieces of work I’ve done.