Rahul Roy reveals his post-stroke hustle, earning Rs 2-4 lakh dancing at weddings

Actor Rahul Roy, who also won Bigg Boss 1, has spoken about the financial difficulties he has faced while trying to rebuild his career after suffering a brain stroke in 2020, saying that he has at times earned Rs 2 lakh to Rs 4 lakh by dancing at weddings. In a recent interview, Rahul said work became difficult after the stroke and that he took opportunities as they came to keep things going.

The 58-year-old also spoke about the wider pressures he is dealing with, including an ongoing legal dispute involving him and his brother over Rs 30 lakh, and his finances after his divorce. Rahul said he had transferred his assets to his wife during the separation and is now trying to rebuild his life financially. "I am 60 and trying to set up my empire," Rahul told The Times of India.

Addressing the criticism over viral videos of him dancing at weddings, Rahul said, "I have expenses, and I need the money. Getting work after my brain stroke in 2020 was difficult. It's been five years since then, and I was doing whatever I could to keep things going. Sometimes, I earn Rs 2 lakh or 4 lakh by dancing at weddings. People who troll me don't know that this is hard work. I have to earn my bread and butter too."

Rahul said the stroke had a major impact on his career and that much of the past few years went into recovery, leaving him unable to work as much as he wanted.

He said, "The last five years have almost been like a break because I was recuperating. There was no work. If that hadn't happened, I would have done much more. But now, I am getting some work and want to do a lot more. I was happy to be back on the set and face the camera. I am really thankful to the people who are trusting me. In my 37-year journey in films, I believe I have done some good work, and now I am looking forward to doing more."

Rahul said the legal matter involving his brother concerns Rs 30 lakh and that both of them are working towards resolving it. He also said he has personal court cases to handle while waiting for good work and taking up available opportunities.

Response to viral reels

Earlier this year, Rahul urged people not to believe or engage with fake videos seeking money in his name. He said he is safe, living with his sister Harimaa Priyanka and brother-in-law Romeer Sen at their home in Madh, and is being well looked after by them.

He also said his twin brother Rohit Roy lives in Canada and that they have not met for almost nine years because of work commitments. Rahul said he is not abandoned and that he has clothes, shoes, food and a car.

Rahul said his simple lifestyle is a personal choice. He said he prefers simple clothes, does not keep a bodyguard, and sometimes travels by auto because it is easy and quick. He added that the reels that drew attention online were work and not any form of financial help.

He asked people to verify any claims about money being raised for him only through his official account or through the accounts of his sister and brother-in-law, and not to rely on other sources.

The statement came after several reels featuring Rahul with content creator Dr Vanita Ghadage Desai circulated online. One of the videos used the song Tere Dar Pe Sanam from Phir Teri Kahaani Yaad Aayi, in which he starred opposite Pooja Bhatt. While some social media users expressed concern, others criticised the clips.

Rahul Roy is best known for films such as Aashiqui, Junoon and Phir Teri Kahaani Yaad Ayee. He was last seen in Agra, directed by Kanu Behl.