Actor Ronit Bose Roy has become the latest victim of digital impersonation. On Thursday, the 60-year-old warned fans on Instagram, writing that scamsters posing as him have been approaching people, asking for Rs. 45,000 for private meet-and-greet sessions (see right). Roy also shared screenshots of the poser’s WhatsApp chats with fans.

Speaking to us, the actor says this incident was brought to his notice by a friend, whose acquaintance received messages soliciting money.

“The message in my name was asking for a meet and greet with fans, asking them to pay Rs. 45,000 for it,” he says, adding, “How could I do such an obnoxious act? Asking fans to pay up to meet me? I had to put my fans on alert. People are out there to target you whenever they get a chance.”

Theactor, known for TV shows such as Adaalat and Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, now says he will be pursuing the matter legally to “curb it at the right time”.

“Of course, I will take legal action on this. All will be done to prevent the misuse of my name. Scamming is a criminal activity and an offence. I will follow the due process to deal with it and curb the menace. I don’t want anyone’s hard-earned money to be lost to scammers,” he says, adding, “Now it is for the law to see and take action, and to check if anything like this has happened before. I hope they nab the person behind it to stop this from spreading.”

While Roy remains confident that his friends will never fall for such messages or requests for money, he feels fans, too, should exercise vigilance.

“Too many such instances are being reported, though a lot of awareness is being created, but many people out there are still gullible. It’s essential to think twice before sending money to anyone in response to a social media request. A basic awareness of performing due diligence should be in place,” he concludes.

On Sunday, actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s security were forced to create a human chain around her, after fans broke barricades to click a selfie with her at a store inauguration in Hyderabad. Last Wednesday, Hyderabad Police booked a mall and the event’s organizers after actor Nidhhi Agerwal was mobbed and manhandled by fans while trying to leave the venue. On November 30, actor Dhanush had to step in to save his co-star Kriti Sanon from being mobbed by an overenthusiastic crowd at a screening of their film in Mumbai.

The list of celebrities being mobbed seems to keep growing, with negligence being highlighted.

So, why do such lapses happen, despite the organizers having prior knowledge about the presence of public figures and anticipation of a large crowd? Security experts and industry insiders weigh in on the concerning issue.

At events like in colleges, we employ 20 bouncers, but the numbers don’t matter as much as smartness. Once the celeb is on stage, we never disclose their exit venue, or else people start crowding the gates. That seems to be what happened in recent cases.

I visit the event location to figure out security and do recce myself. There’s always plan A and a secret plan B for situations like mobbing. With female celebs especially, zyaada dhyaan rakhna padta hai.

The only issue here is that people try to save a little money. And security is about brains more than brawn. With female celebs, it is trickier, not just in India but worldwide. The negative intentions of some people towards a female star is more.

In 2013 in Gurugram, I had to literally run away with hundreds chasing me. Such incidents are traumatising. It comes as a part of the profession, but it is scary and affects you for years. I am not saying organisers don’t do their bit, but then things go out of hand.

The stabbing of actor Saif Ali Khan in January stunned the film industry and nation. After the attack, actor Ronit Roy’s security agency took over Saif’s protection. In an interview with Hindi Rush, Ronit disclosed that shortly after Saif was discharged from the hospital, actor Kareena Kapoor Khan faced a scare of her own.

He said, “Saif was on his way home after being released from the hospital. There was a huge crowd, with media and onlookers everywhere. As Kareena was also heading home from the hospital, her car was slightly attacked, which really frightened her.”

He continued, “Because the media and public were so close, her car got jostled a bit. She was understandably shaken and immediately asked me to bring Saif home myself. I went to get him, and by the time we returned, security had already been set up, with strong police support in place.”

Ronit’s agency found safety gaps at Saif’s home after the incident and recommended changes that were implemented. He said, “I gave some very basic suggestions, but none of those things were in place. There’s no reason why they weren’t there… but they should have been. These are basics. Every home should have them. So, I implemented those basic measures.”

Katrina Kaif being recorded while she takes a dip at the Triveni Sangam. Pic/youtube@showsha

Ronit Roy, known for his roles in the film Udaan and TV shows Swaran Ghar and Adaalat recently came to Lucknow to attend the ET Leadership Excellence Awards, 2024. He sat down with us for a chat where he revealed why he took a break from social media and what’s keeping him away from doing television.

Ronit recently posted a cryptic note on social media about needing to heal, which he later deleted.

Discussing this, he shared, “I put that post because everybody needs periodic healing, especially artists. Artists have heightened emotions, and sometimes it gets overwhelming. Social media can be toxic, and sometimes I need a break from it to focus on my family and personal life.”

Mostly seen wearing either white or black outfits, we quizzed Ronit about it. “I wear only white shirts and white t-shirts. It’s like the Steve Jobs angle. I don’t want to spend half my time thinking about what to wear. It’s about simplifying my life. I have a lot of clothes, but I don’t wear them anymore. Slowly, I have already emptied about 20% of my closet, including shoes and other things and accessories. I’m donating them. Even after emptying 20% of my closet, I still don’t have space to stand in it, it’s that packed. Now, whenever I am shooting and I see that they are buying new clothes for the shoot, I tell them that please take it from me and return them to me later. In the end, a green suit is a green suit, why buy a new one for a shoot.”

When asked about returning to television, Ronit said “Television doesn’t know how to slot me right now. But if something like Adalat comes up, it would be interesting. A lot of my fans ask me to bring back the series. Even if not the same series, long time back I told the network to bring a 2025 version of Adalat. If something like that comes up I would love to do but for me to take a long-running television is not possible now. I think the time has come for finite series on television. We are ready for seasons ranging between 50 to 90 episodes. This change could bring new pathways for actors.”

A picture of Ronit Roy with Sridevi, Mohnish Behl, Sudesh Berry, Harish, and Ravi Kishan, took rounds on social media. Having seen it himself, Ronit told us that the picture was from the movie Army. 

Reminiscing about that moment which he calls special, Ronit says, “We were shooting near Mysore at a beautiful but steep waterfall location. Like many waterfalls, a viewing area was accessible by a long flight of about a hundred steps. We had a long day of shooting and finally called it a wrap in the evening. As everyone started to pack up and head back, we began to climb up the steps. I was just ahead of Sridevi ji. Suddenly, in her soft, graceful voice she called out to me, ‘Ronit, can you hold my hand?’ I turned around and saw her standing there. Without hesitation, I held her and helped her up the steps. It was a treasured moment for me that I got to help her.”

Ronit Bose Roy is gearing up for his honeymoon after renewing his vows with wife Neelam on their 20th wedding anniversary. Ronit says, “It feels good. Now we get to go on a honeymoon again! Neelam’s favourite places are Amsterdam and Gstaad. It may sound silly to go on a honeymoon again, but all these years, we have never travelled without our children. Now, we plan to do that because my daughter is studying in Los Angeles and my son will soon go abroad, too.”

Sharing details of the ceremony that took place at their farmhouse in Goa on Monday, Ronit says, “It was a wish come true. Neelam wanted to renew our wedding vows for a long time, and I was keen, too. We regularly perform puja at this temple on our property in Goa and Neelam had expressed her wish to get married here again. So, during this trip, we planned to tie the knot. Her family’s presence was a surprise for her, and my mother, who does not go anywhere, also came to bless us. My children joked how they were not present for our wedding, but were happy to see their parents get married again.”

Ronit and Neelam tied the knot in 2003. Talking about their life together, he says, “We dated for three years before getting married. Back then, when I asked her about her future plans, she had said, ‘I want to get married, have children and be a homemaker.’ Being a homemaker and keeping the home front going well is a big task.”

He adds, “We do have our issues and fights, but we sort them out and that’s how our marriage has become stronger. Neelam has been a pillar of support and that’s why I say I can marry her over and over again.” Before trying the knot with Neelam, Ronit was married and had a daughter from his first marriage.

Be it Anil Kapoor (66), Suniel Shetty (62), Milind Soman or Ronit Roy (both 57), celebs well past their 50s have turned the tables when it comes to fitness — their chiselled physiques can give many youngsters a run for their money! Recently, actor Hrithik Roshan, who is inching closer to the big 5-0, has grabbed eyeballs because of his jaw-dropping physique. Fitness trainers spill the beans while sharing a note of caution with those inspired by these men.

One of the pillars of fitness is, without a doubt, consistency. “If you see Hrithik’s journey, it is not like he suddenly woke up from zero and went to 100. He has always looked after his fitness, whether he is working or not,” says Yasmin Karachiwala, a celebrity fitness instructor.

While one may feel inspired to achieve a body like that of their idol, it is important to tailor fitness goals according to one’s body type and not blindly copy, caution trainers. Roshan’s personal trainer, Swapneel Hazare, tells us: “One has to consider their genetic make-up, gender, age, lifestyle, eating habits, fitness levels, working hours and sleep patterns. What suits one need not necessarily suit another.”

Celebrity fitness coach Shivohaam, whose clientele includes Amitabh Bachchan, Ranbir Kapoor, Abhishek Bachchan and Sushmita Sen, says one should not take their body for granted and push themselves beyond a limit after a certain age.

“I have been training Mr Bachchan [for years] and I make him do everything. Our goal while training is not aesthetics. Instead, we work on balance — a bit of jogging, joint mobility, muscle strength and core…. Age is a number, but a number that we must take seriously,” he asserts.

Raima Sen is looking forward to working in a Bengali film after a hiatus of almost three years. “My last Bengali film, Dwitiyo Purush, released in 2020, so I’m eagerly looking forward to the shoot of Hawa Bodol 2, which also stars Parambrata Chattopadhyay. In between, I acted in a Bengali web series, but films are always special. Moreover, we’ll be flying to London in mid-August for the shoot — the bonus of working in this film (laughs),” the actress told us during an exclusive photoshoot and chat. Raima also spoke about her camaraderie with Parambrata, upcoming projects, Pujo plans and her personal life. Excerpts:

I have great camaraderie with Parambrata Chattopadhyay, both on and off screen. Even the audience wants to see us more on screen. We’ve done innumerable ad commercials together. Now we’ll be working together in the sequel of Hawa Bodol, which was appreciated by the audience.

I owe a lot to the Bangla film industry because both my grandmother (Suchitra Sen) and mother (Moon Moon Sen) built their careers here and I have quite a few good Bengali films on my resume too.

I don’t want to get married right now. I’m not in that headspace. But if I get a good companion, I might think it over. Right now, it’s only about doing good work. I don’t regret my past relationships and trust me, I’m happy that none of them worked. (Laughs) I deserve much better!

I’m not sure if my work will permit me to be in Kolkata during Durga Puja. But I’ll try to be around, as I had missed Pujo last year too because we were in Goa celebrating my father’s birthday. The city is so vibrant during Durga Puja! I don’t want to miss that this time. Moreover, I wear only saris during Pujo and ma does all our shopping. Dida used to do that in our childhood. My mother is the best when it comes to buying saris and jewellery and I completely trust her. Food is also an integral part of Pujo, so diet takes a back seat. For me, the festival is incomplete without enjoying some street food.

Pics: Prathamesh Bandekar

Makeup: Babusona Saha

Hair: Ginni Halder

Stylist: Sumit Sinha

Having done films for over three decades now, actor Ronit Bose Roy knows the ways of the industry, which sometimes include parts being chopped. “You get shortchanged for whatever reasons. This sh*t happens in our industry. My scenes have been cut, too,” he says, adding, “If you cut an actor’s scene for length purposes or whatever, you are actually cutting important chunks out of the script. It doesn’t feel good to an artiste. What you’ve been promised, should be there.”

Roy, known for playing iconic roles in Udaan (2010) Ugly (2014) and 2 States (2014), says the last time his role was cut short this way was quite recent. “But let’s not point fingers at anybody — we don’t know what pressure people go through. We need to digest it and move on,” he notes.

But ask the 57-year-old how he reacts in the moment, and Bloody Daddy and Shehzada actor says, “I don’t have time to deal with idiots, so I walk away. I dissociate myself at that point, too. Shoot ke time samajh aa jata hai that the lead actor is getting nervous or insecure, and suddenly aapki script change hoke aati hai, lines gaayab ho jaati hain aapki. Life is too short, so I move on to better things.”

Ronit Bose Roy took to Instagram recently to share a mirror selfie flaunting his chiselled physique. At 57, the actor says his younger co-stars “inspire” him to work out and get in shape. He adds, “I am not competing with people my age, but those aged between 25 and 30. I want to be better than them.”

Roy, who was last seen in Shehzada and Gumraah, says, “I am in the hungriest phase of my life. I cannot ever retire, that word doesn’t come into my mind. It’s fine to chill in Goa [and be laid-back] for two-three days, but I cannot sit at home for long. I need to work all the time. I am thinking of the next 25 years. I obviously can’t work if I am not fit.”

Ask if he hopes to inspire people by sharing his fitness journey online and the actor says, “I don’t feel I’m competent enough to give advice. If somebody gets inspired by what I do, that’s good.”

Actor Ronit Bose Roy’s last few projects, including Thugs Of Hindostan (2018), Shamshera (2022) and Shehzada, failed to impress the audiences or work at the box office, but the actor prefers to look at the brighter side.

“These films are allowing me to build a bridge between me and filmmakers like Rohit Dhawan and Ali Abbas Zafar,” shares Roy, confessing that Shehzada was one such movie that he did only for its director, Dhawan. Without hesitation, the actor calls these no-brainer projects “a vacation”.

The 57-year-old explains, “In some films, performance isn’t needed. There’s barely any prep; you just get in there and be true to your role. These are like a vacation where you go on set and chill. And I don’t mind it because simultaneously, I’m also getting to play lead roles in other smaller films.”

While the failure of these films often leads to fans questioning his choices, the actor says he’s aware of their disappointment, and hence, he often writes to them on social media that he has no choice but to keep working. “Wahi baat hai, ‘marta kya na karta’. You can’t even say no to projects because it’s your job, and you have to continue doing it,” the Bloody Daddy actor says, adding, “Though I’m always aware what I’m getting into, there have been times when you are promised something, and then the results are something else. Those are the times you feel underutilized also, but then you can’t do anything about it.”

Nonetheless, Roy is happy with his career trajectory because of other factors, including good money. “I’m paid three times more than the next guy who’d do the role. That means there’s respect for my name and face. People recognize me as a good actor and that matters,” he ends.

Sometimes, poor scripts are elevated by great performances. But, what do you expect when best of actors are given sketchy characters in a badly written story? Case in point: Gajraj Rao in Bholaa, Sanjay Mishra in Jogira Sara Ra Ra and more. Such actors, known for their versatility, were reduced to frivolous characters in certain projects, which left their fans, and audience at large, disappointed. The bigger question is: Is it fair to sacrifice talented artistes at the altar of shoddy scripts? Industry experts help us decode.

Actors state their reasons

Gajraj Rao says he’s “very selective” with picking films, thus he doesn’t regret taking up any role. “If I start getting bothered by what people like to see, I won’t be able to survive in this industry. I feel, you’re the best judge of your work, so I only focus on what I think is good for me,” he says.

Renuka Shahane was highly criticized for Govinda Naam Mera (2022), but she doesn’t take “vague opinions” seriously. “If you tell me that this role wasn’t good enough for me, it does not make sense to me. How is it going to change anything for me? I can only do what’s being offered.”

Ronit Roy, who played Kartik Aaryan’s father in Shehzada, opines that decisions are often determined by several factors. “I have to create a balance between the films I like and projects that will facilitate putting bread on the table. I never feel short-changed because I sign the film knowing what my role is,” he says.

Siddharth Jadhav was brutally trolled for his cringe acting in Rohit Shetty’s Cirkus (2022). He admits that sometimes actors sign up a film only to collaborate with a director and banner. “Kabhi kabhi achche logon ke saath kaam karna bhi impactful hota hai. That’s why I took up Cirkus and Radhe (2021), which had Salman Khan in the lead and was directed by Prabhudheva,” he says.

There are several factors at play, say trade experts

Taran Adarsh feels that actors’ judgement can in no way be blamed for a script misfire. “Actors very well know what they are signing up for. Nobody is cheating or lying to them or making false promises. This used to happen earlier when there was no hard bound script, but that’s not the case anymore,” he says.

Atul Mohan explains how at times, the character’s strength gets lost in script-to-screen transition. ”Paper par jo hota hai, wo bahut exciting hota hai. I’ve been part of so many narrations where the director described a character in such a way that any actor would get convinced. But it did not translate well in the final outcome.”

Ronit Bose Roy, who’s been part of showbiz for nearly 30 years across different mediums, says acting is “not a journey” for him, and that the most important thing for him as an actor is getting the details of his character right. In the initial part of his career, Ronit says people thought he was difficult to work with because he “asked a lot of questions about my character, because I wanted to be completely prepared.”

Now, however, the actor says, the newer lot of filmmakers “sit and discuss characters. It’s a 360-degree view of the entire arc and how I can best play that character. ”

In a chat, Ronit explains why he isn’t doing TV just now, his ‘cryptic post on social media’ and more. Excerpts:

For anything I do on TV, things need to work out from both sides (mine and the makers). Two things happen to actors on TV – either you wither away, or you grow, and I feel I have grown as an actor.

I did try to do a show on TV, but then COVID happened. All of us tried to do the show even after COVID, but we realized that it wasn’t really working, the numbers weren’t good. The math and economics to have me on a show don’t work out for a lot of people. It is now difficult to sign me for a TV show. I am still offered a lot of TV shows, but either the budget doesn’t click, or the show lacks creativity. But I am not saying I wouldn’t do TV. If I feel a show has the potential to touch hearts, then I’m game and would do it with all the love.

A lot of people have asked if I am doing okay. Well, I am doing fine. It is just that this episode has happened three-four times now, so I couldn’t just stop but share the wisdom that I gained from it. Some people can do anything for their careers, I am not one of them. I have achieved a lot without betraying people. I trust people until they let me down. My father always told me to trust people with a hint of distrust, now I feel that he was right.

When I started doing OTT (with Kehne Ko Humsafar Hain), traditional TV was the bigger medium. Back then, I was among the first ones to say that OTT is here to stay, and it will be the next big thing. 2020 was a game changer for OTT and now it is the only leading player. People are so used to watching shows and films on OTT that they aren’t even going to the theatre unless it is a lavishly mounted project. Audiences have become discerning about the content they want to watch; they understand the value of good content and accordingly choose their shows. Even show makers are creating content only for OTT. Having said that, I don’t think TV viewership has been impacted by OTT.

I am currently shooting for Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, and am also working on a film that’s very close to my heart. No formal announcement has been made yet, but the film and content are my kind of cinema. I’ll also start shooting for Darshan Trivedi’s mature love story, Aaj Jaane Ki Zidd Naa Karo, in May. After that I have two web shows that I will be shooting for in September. Besides these, I will also be shooting for Rohit’s (Roy) directorial debut in Gujarati.

After a successful reign in television, Ronit Roy turned his attention to movies and digital entertainment. But one can rarely forget their first love — the actor returns to the tube whenever he is offered a compelling story. This time around, he is gracing the small screen with Swaran Ghar, which sees him play a doting husband and father, [Kanwaljeet Bedi]. Ahead of its airing, we sit down with the actor as he discusses the changing content on TV, his global aspirations and his relationship with children — Ona, Agasthya, and Ador.

Edited excerpts from the interview.

Yes, but it is not only [because of the OTT boom]. I remember the Krishi Darshan shows we used to watch on Doordarshan. Then, there was the satellite TV boom. It is not that people didn’t try to do different things on TV, but it didn’t work. When something doesn’t work, people get scared. Conversely, when one [theme] works, everybody jumps on the bandwagon. Now, people are realising that [stories about] reptiles and animals are not working, which means we have stretched it too far. So, they are attempting different themes. Three or four years ago, people would tell me that television is a done industry. I would say that it’s getting a dusting, but in the end, it will be cleaner. Television is a beast that cannot die. The revenue here is many folds higher than on OTT.

The few days of shoot was an important factor in giving my nod. But I said yes for a selfish reason — Sargun’s narration, and the potential of the role itself. I have played a father and a husband many times, but I felt he could be a poster father. It could be an iconic character.

Two things are critical to making content successful — creativity and math. Ravi and Sargun have done a brilliant thing by dividing their work. Ravi takes care of the math, Sargun looks at creativity, and they don’t get into each other’s territory.

My son [Agasthya, 14,] calls me Broski. I try to pick up their lingo, which keeps changing every month [laughs]. Sometimes it is, ‘Hey, what’s going down?’ or ‘What’s good, Broski?’ Then, there are the emojis used to express feelings. I try not to make the mistake of picking the wrong emoji at the wrong moment [laughs]. One needs to adapt to the changing world. My kids are my friends, and I need to speak their language to understand them.

Children never approach their parents for advice; they think they know it all. They only come to me when they want my credit card [laughs]. We have lived our life, and can now anticipate problems. They’ve not been there, so they don’t know what to anticipate. I’ve had chats about the prevalent dangers that one will encounter, like drugs, being taken advantage of, or alcohol consumption. No one is restricted in my home. After you reach a certain age, you can sit with me and have a drink. The only rule we follow at home is not to hide anything. If you need to hide it, don’t do it.

Yes. I may be slow to get there, but there is so much to be done. There are many actors and directors I have not worked with yet. I want to be an actor on a global scale. I want to speak different languages. It would seem impossible about 20 years ago, but not any longer.

Having been in showbiz for almost 35 years now, actor Kishori Shahane admits she is content with her work, however, she has one resentment.  

“Back in the day, my husband, (film director) Deepak Balraj, gave a break to several newcomers including actors and singers,” Shahane says, while mentioning names like “Baba Sehgal, Ronit Roy, Ali Asgar”. She adds, “We gave them a platform. But today, it has become so tough to make a career in Bollywood.”

Shahane has been part of Hindi and Marathi films as well as is a regular on television, having made her mark with shows such as Shakti - Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki, and Rishta Likhenge Hum Naya.

Shahane’s bone of contention is that her son Bobby Vij, 25, is not getting the much-needed break in film which she thinks he deserves. “We feel that Bobby should be recognized and given a good chance. If I have given decades of my life to the industry, Deepak ji has given decades of his, our son should get the platform at least,” she says, adding she doesn’t “understand the word nepotism”.

“We are quite sure of his talent. He is such an all-rounder. Whoever he talks to, finds him interesting, they talk for hours but kahi na kahi baat ruk jaati hai. Talent pe do, but chance toh do. So I wonder why is he not getting the break that he deserves?” she laments. 

Shahane’s son is currently auditioning and is making the most of social media to get recognition. Despite her good contacts, the actor is yet to introduce her son to biggies of the industry. “I haven’t taken Bobby to anyone yet. But I will soon start introducing him to everyone. We should have a good time to discuss (these things) with people. I’m not bitter about any of it, but yeah there is a bit of a grudge. Iss industry ke bacche hai toh wo aane chahiye,” she ends.

Completing three “glorious” decades in the industry, actor Ronit Roy is as driven as ever, and is looking forward to adventures the next 30 years will bring. Calling his career full of “major ups and downs”, Roy says, “I feel my rough journey made me the actor I’m now. Actor, actor hota hai aur star, star hota hai. Had I become a superstar back then, I might have faded away, not learnt from life or the industry.”

The actor, who started as a model and editor before he landed his debut film, Jaan Tere Naam (1992), is still proud of his project and its success at the box office. “It was a silver jubilee film... But even though it was such a huge hit, stardom was elusive then. I didn’t have money to pay rent even after doing the film,” he says.

Recalling how he lost 24 kgs in two months by “drinking chicken soup and water” to bag the role, the 56-year-old adds, “But after the film was a hit at the box office, there was no call, no flowers, no reaction from the industry for three weeks. The film began a new chapter in my life and jerked me out of my comfort zone.”

Grateful for all the love and appreciation he has received in his career, the Udaan (2010) and Adaalat actor mentions feeling vindicated. He explains, “I’ve been written off, insulted, called names and abused by the industry. And today, the same people praise me. The ones who tried to pull me down aren’t here anymore, yet I am still standing. My father used to say, ‘Baaton se nahin, kaam se darao’. I am hugely respected by everybody in the industry today and I bow my head in thanks for the love and support.”

Seven years after his daily soap outing with Itna Karo Na Mujhe Pyaar, which wrapped up in 2015, Ronit Bose Roy is returning to the grind with Sargun Mehta and Ravi Dubey’s Swaran Ghar. It is the short and sweet track that prompted him to take up the offer. He shares, “I don’t have a full-length role with an indefinite end in the show. It’s a sweet and short outing. However, one can't predict how things shape up on a TV show. I was roped in for a three-month track in Kasautii Zindagii Kay, but it ran for nine years.”

Today, Ronit has struck a fine balance between all three mediums — TV, films and web. Talking about why he hasn’t been seen on the small screen for a while, he says, “The primary reason was that nothing that I was being offered interested me. I had also started doing films. So, it was not possible for me to dedicate the time and energy that would be required for a daily soap.”

Over the years, the seasoned actor has reached an enviable position, where he can afford to be selective. He shares, “There is no strategy. I don’t work with people I don’t like or who treat art as a mere business. Actors are highly emotional. So, somewhere I feel the need for that love. I can’t work just for the money even though I don’t have crores of wealth put away unlike what most people assume. Money is also important, but it is not a belief that I live by. I have declined innumerable offers from big either didn’t work out or I didn’t like the role. However, I am working with all of them today. They understand my reason. I don’t worry about the length of the role. The only term I look for is whether it is meaningful, if it is making a difference to the story or if I am doing something I have not done before.”

Ronit is averse to the number game and says, “I want to play the part assigned to me to the best of my ability. The number game doesn’t interest me and I don’t want to get into the rut because it’s a mind-muddler. Maybe, I made mistakes and wrong choices after Jaan Tere Naam (his first film that was released in 1992). But today, I am receiving love, and I feel blessed. I truly believe that there is no actor in the world who is bigger than the show. If that was the case, then no actor would have had flops. Content is most important.”

We had reported about Jimmy Sheirgill being approached to play the male lead in Sargun Mehta and Ravi Dubey’s Swaran Ghar. He was likely to make his TV debut with this show. However, the deal between the actor and the makers has fallen through. We have now learnt that they have roped in Ronit Bose Roy to play the part in the daily soap, which will also star Sangita Ghosh.

Informed a source associated with the show, “Ronit has signed on the dotted line and will shoot a promo with us in a couple of days. The shoot will take place in Chandigarh, as the story is set in the city. The show revolves around a couple, who have sacrificed a lot in life for their children, who, however, abandon them later in life.”

Ronit’s last daily soap was Itna Karo Na Mujhe Pyaar (2015) after which he reprised the role of advocate K D Pathak in Adaalat 2 (2016), a bi-weekly. In recent years, he has mostly made cameo appearances in shows like Naagin 3, Shakti - Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki and Yeh Rishtey Hain Pyaar Ke. Swaran Ghar will mark his return to daily soaps in a full-fledged role after almost seven years.

The actor started his career in films, but switched to television and catapulted to fame as Mr Bajaj in Kasautii Zindagii Kay (2001) and Mihir Virani in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi (2002).

While Ronit remained unavailable for comment, Jimmy told us, “Sargun and Ravi, who are very close to me, narrated an idea, which I quite liked. We thought we could work it out. However, with the third wave striking us and leading to a lot of restrictions, my dates had to be shuffled. It was very difficult to squeeze in this show among my other commitments. The dates couldn’t be worked out.”

It’s been long since actor Ronit Roy picked up a regular role on TV, and that’s because he doesn’t want to feel unsatisfied as an artiste. “Before the Covid-19 pandemic hit, I got some TV offers, but nothing was interesting. Sometime back, I also did Shakti - Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki, woh role kya tha aur kahan chala gaya...”

Talking about the medium, he adds, “Satisfaction toh dur ki baat hai, you come out of that work feeling unsatisfied.”

Elaborating on the reason behind it, the actor shares, “That’s because TV has its own limitations. They have to work within that little arena. As a result, similar content is churned out, and it becomes repetitive. It gets frustrating.”

However, Roy, who is still remembered for his portrayal of Rishabh Bajaj in Kasautii Zindagii Kay and Mihir Virani in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, is not averse to the idea of picking a TV project.

“I have been in talks with two-three people about some projects. But my problem is that if I am not excited, I find it difficult to step out of the house,” says the actor, adding, “Woh ek driving force hona chahiye role mein, which pushes me to go to work.”

He has also explored the web space with impressive performances in projects such as Kehne Ko Humsafar Hain, Hostages, 7 Kadam and Candy. “The craving to do more is always there. Ek accha kaam kiya, aur logon ko pasand aaya, that is the biggest high for me. But I like to go beyond that. I am always greedy and hungry to do more and better (roles). The quest is on,” the actor concludes.