Rahul Roy’s Debut Made Him a Superstar, but an 11-Day Mistake Nearly Ruined His Career

Rahul Roy shot to instant stardom with his debut film Mahesh Bhatt’s Aashiqui in the 1990s. The blockbuster success made him an overnight sensation, but one hasty decision soon derailed his meteoric rise.

Overnight Superstar

Born on 9 February 1966, Rahul Roy became a household name with Aashiqui, which ran in theaters for six consecutive months. He received a modest ₹30,000 fee for his first film, while lead actress Anu Agarwal reportedly earned more. The film’s music album became a cultural phenomenon, outselling even albums of Shahrukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan at the time. His boy-next-door looks and charming persona captured the hearts of millions.

The 11-Day Mistake

Riding high on fame, Rahul Roy made a critical error: he signed 47 films within just 11 days after Aashiqui. Many of these projects, including Gajab Tamasha, Sapne Sajjan Ke, Phir Teri Kahani Yaad Aayi, Gumrah, Naseeb, Dilwale Kabhi Na Haare, and Barish, flopped at the box office. What followed was a flood of failures that overshadowed his initial success. Critics noted that while his looks were appealing, his acting lacked the depth to carry films on his own, leaving him vulnerable to repeated flops.

Health Setbacks

Amidst career struggles, Rahul faced severe health issues. In November 2020, while shooting the film Walk in Carghil at -12°C, he suffered a brain stroke. The actor experienced aphasia, affecting his ability to speak and comprehend. He was immediately admitted to the ICU, first in Srinagar and later at Nanavati Hospital, Mumbai, and required extensive recovery, including medical treatment and speech therapy.

Life After the Setback

After recovery, Rahul returned to acting in smaller projects. He participated in Bigg Boss to reconnect with audiences and recently appeared in the film Agar, released in October 2025. Besides films, he also performs at weddings and events to sustain his livelihood.

The Film Walk

Walk, which he shot across Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Carghil, portrays the challenges of the COVID-19 lockdown. Rahul played the role of Roshan, who carries his friend’s son on a 1,000-mile journey on foot during the pandemic. The film received critical acclaim at the Jammu & Kashmir Film Festival, winning the Best Feature Film award. Rahul credited his recovery to exercise, diet, meditation, and strong support from his team and loved ones.