In Bollywood, many stars come and go, but only a few leave behind a story worth remembering. Rahul Roy is one such name, an actor who once ruled hearts, signed films faster than anyone else, and was even compared to the biggest names in the business. His rise and fall remain one of the most talked-about tales of the 90s.
Rahul Roy burst onto the scene in 1990 with Aashiqui, a film that didn’t just make him a star but turned him into a national sensation overnight. His romantic charm, boyish looks, and soft-spoken demeanour made him the ultimate lover boy of his generation. Within weeks, he became a household name, and the film’s songs, still timeless, sealed his place in Bollywood history.
Was Rahul Roy really a threat to the Khans?
For a while, yes. Rahul’s popularity soared so high that people began comparing him to Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan, the trio who would later dominate Hindi cinema. Reports claim that at the peak of his fame, Rahul signed 47 films in just 11 days, a feat rarely seen in the industry. Producers lined up outside his door, eager to cash in on his fresh, romantic image.
But success in Bollywood is fickle. Rahul’s subsequent films failed to impress audiences, and after delivering nearly 20 back-to-back flops, his star power began to fade. The same industry that once celebrated him slowly moved on.
What happened after the fall?
Disheartened by continuous failures, Rahul stepped away from acting. However, destiny had other plans. In 2006, he made a comeback on television with Bigg Boss Season 1 and emerged as the winner. It was a brief but strong reminder of the stardom he once held.
But in 2020, life threw another curveball his way. Rahul suffered a brain stroke and had to be hospitalised for over a month. The expenses were overwhelming, and reports suggest that Salman Khan came forward to help pay the medical bills. This gesture once again showed the fraternity’s bond that often extends beyond the big screen.
Did Rahul Roy make a comeback?
After recovering, Rahul didn’t let the setback define him. He returned to acting in 2023 with the film Agra, where he played a supporting role. While the spotlight may not shine as brightly as it once did, his determination to keep going speaks volumes about his spirit.
From being the face of 90s romance to battling health scares and industry setbacks, Rahul Roy’s story is a reminder that fame in Bollywood is never permanent, but passion always finds a way back.
Highlights:
- Rahul Roy once signed 47 films in just 11 days after Aashiqui’s success.
- He was compared to Shah Rukh, Salman, and Aamir Khan in the early 90s.
- Salman Khan reportedly helped him financially during his health crisis in 2020.
