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August 15, 2005: Roy brothers, finally Success!!
Chandrika Bhattacharya
Rohit-n-Ronit. Two brothers. Opposite personalities. The
elder brother Ronit Roy began his career with films like Jaan Tere
Naam, Bomb Blast, etc, didn’t do well in films, his professional life
came to a standstill, his personal life went through its upheavals,
till came Kasautii Zindagi Kay and his portrayal of the business
tycoon Mr Bajaj, made Ronit the star of the TV world. He also plays
Mihir in Kyunki… Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, but it’s the suave, classy
Bajaj that has struck gold.
The younger brother Rohit began his acting career with a TV serial
Swabhimaan, went on to anchor shows, was seen in Des Mein Niklla Hoga
Chand, was seen in a film Plan, now can be seen in Dance Divas as its
host. While Rohit is the funster, bringing smiles on his sets, is
married to actress Mansi Joshi, with a cute daughter Kiara, and
carries their picture on his laptop.
Elder bro Ronit on the other hand is dignified, responsible, runs a
security agency, ACE, lives with wife Neelam and awaits the arrival of
his baby.
For the first time both the brothers will be seen together in Zee
channel’s serial Sarkar. Caught TV’s first siblings for a chat and a
photoshoot.
For the first time two real brothers will be seen together in a serial.
Ronit (elder bro): Yeah, finally we will be seen together in this
serial. Here too, I am the elder brother, Rohit is the younger brother.
Rohit (younger bro): I play the obedient younger bro, who always
follows his brother’s orders.
Ronit: He bullies me on the sets like he does at home. And I listen to
him.
imageRonit, you began as an actor in films and Rohit started his
career in TV. Ronit: I had signed 40 films during that time. My first
film was Jaan Tere Naam. Some flopped, some didn’t get made. I used to
hear comments like `better take a junior artiste than Ronit’, that’s
when I decided to wait for better movies.
Rohit: I began my acting career with a TV serial Swabhimaan, hosted
and anchored shows, you have seen me in Des Mein Niklla Hoga Chand and
now this serial Swaarth will come soon. I did a great film Plan. The
film didn’t do well, but our group had a lot of fun. I began with TV
and I am most comfortable with the medium.
Kasautii Zindagi Kay gave Ronit’s career an upward swing. Is TV a
lifeline for actors?
Ronit: Before Kasautii… I had done a serial with Bhagyashree,
Balaji’s Kammal for Zee, this is my third serial. But yes, Kasautii…
gave me everything as Mr Bajaj, dignity, personality and I am playing
Mihir in Kyunki… Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. I am packed with work. Now
I am doing Swaarth which is Manish Goswami’s serial and for him I
would have removed time and done his serial. I had spoken to Ekta
Kapoor and she had understood my thoughts, so here I am. TV is a
lifeline for good actors. The role of Mr Bajaj, the name, character
and the look is given by Balaji Telefilms. But the soul is mine, the
heartbeat is mine. This character is permanently fixed on my resume.
Rohit: I am a chilled-out actor. I work only one shift a day. My wife
takes acting seriously. I like to spend time with my family, my
friends and I think I am doing lots of work. Wait, I want to wish
Divyaji (Sheth).
And he zoomed off to meet his screen-mother.
Ronit: I have a security agency called ACE and we provided security
for Aamir Khan’s Lagaan, then for Black and most of the top people.
That reminds me I have done another serial, Ramsay’s Nagin for Zee.
But it was during Lagaan, we were in Bhuj for three months, it changed
my perspective. I learnt sincerity, dedication from Aamir Khan. While
people would fly back and forth, he was there till the film was completed.
Do you still desire to do films even now?
Ronit: I consider Subhash Ghai my father, he’s a great teacher. I did
three scenes in Kisna. When I was in front of the camera and he said
`action’, that was my finest moment. I have always said that when you
do honest work and earn your living honestly, be it before the beta
camera or the lipsync camera, it’s the same. Television gave me what
films did not (name and fame). I try to give an honest performance.
Rohit, you are not seen as often in serials.
Rohit: Yeah, it’s been a long time. See, I have nothing against the
saas-bahu serials, but I can’t see myself doing them. Actually I can
play the bahu, like Tulsi. She’s a strong-willed woman, as opposed to
a male crying. I watch Kyunki… because my mother watches it, and
Kasautii… again because of my mother.
Do you watch your brother Ronit in any of his serials?Rohit: I would
love to play Mr Bajaj. He became a star because his first film Jaan
Tere Naam was a silver jubilee. He’s a terrific dancer and a great
actor, but a terrible movie star. He’s been through shit, the angst
was building up and it came through Mr Bajaj, he’s just terrific, then
you see him as Mihir and you go `wow’.
Kkusum is a nice show, can’t say anything about it, my wife is in it.
What about films?
Rohit: Plan gave me a lot of hype, but it failed at the box-office. I
love modelling. Modelling is a holiday for those two days. I go and
chill out. Television is the medium of realism.
And your new serial Swaarth?
Rohit: I play a youth leader Karan Pratap Singh, a fire-brand. My body
language is that of a man in a hurry. Then there’s Dance Divas which I
anchor for Zoom, it’s doing so well.
How much time do you spend with each other?
Rohit: I have time, but Ronit is very busy. We hardly get time
together at home. Because of this serial, after 10 years, we get to be
together on the sets while shooting.
What are the similarities you both share?
Rohit: Like our characters in Swaarth, he is a lot like Kunal Pratap
Singh, and I am like Karan Pratap Singh.
Ronit: We both love our mother.
Rohit: Everyone loves their mother, brother.
And elder brother only smiled at his younger brother’s repartees.
Rohit provides the perfect foil, goodlooking, a great
conversationalist with a naughty sense of humour to the dignified,
suave and elegant elder brother Ronit. The Roy brothers are on a
roller-coaster ride.
August 19, 2005: What's in a name?
The actors believe that being called by their screen names is a sign of how famous their character is. ”I feel that when people call you by the screen name it is a sign of the popularity of the character you play.
And the character becomes more important than the actor who’s playing it. When I go out, people refer to me as Shobha because of the recall value of the character I play. I certainly have no qualms about that,“ avers actor Ritu Chaudhary alias Shobha, the ladli beti of Tulsi and Mihir in Kyunkii Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi.
And now the plot thickens. Ronit Roy, the brooding Bajaj of Kasautii Zindagi Kay feels that once people begin calling an actor by his screen name, his/her professional competence is naturally proved.
”In the daily soaps, the plot is more character driven and people associate themselves with the characters we play. Even if three actors play Kkusum, people will still watch the soap. Without the character the actor is nothing.
The on-screen name leaves more of an impact than the real name. Believe it or not, even people on the sets refer to me as Mihir or Rishabh! When people start referring to you with your on-screen name, you can be sure you’ve done a good job,“ he reasons.
August 20, 2005 - Reel life meets real
He plays: Mr Bajaj in Star daily Kasautii Zindagi Kay.
Reel-life situation: A sly entrepreneur Mr Bajaj forces Prerna to marry him as he threatened her that he’ll take over Basu Publications.
Real-life reaction: I would never do such a ridiculous thing. Although he was on the look out for a perfect mother to his kids and reacts in that way as he finds Prerna suiting his bill, it is definitely not done.
September 1, 2005: TV's Golden Boy
Actor Ronit Bose Roy revels his role as television’s Golden Boy.
Ever since he stepped in as Mihir Virani in television’s biggest soap Kyunki…for actor Ronit Bose Roy, life just hasn’t been the same. True, the once sky high ratings of Ekta Kapoor’s saas-bahu saga may have dropped, but that hasn’t affected Ronit in the least. On the contrary, with the added advantage of a power pact performance as Rishabh Bajaj in Kasautii…. the actor is revelling in his role as television’s most wanted actor.
While this ardent admirer of Russell Crowe and Robert De Niro looks forward to getting a few memorable roles like them some day, for now Ronit feels that the high point of his career has been playing the role of Rishabh Bajaj. While a lot of research went into the character, Ronit was advised by many not to go for it. That he did, despite all objections, and the rest, as they say is history.
It wasn’t always easy though, for Ronit Roy had to come up the hard way. Nephew of Subhash Ghai, who learnt ”many important lessons about films and life from him“, Ronit started out as a model in Thumps Up and Vimal commercials. Films followed, along with his first hit with Jaan Tere Naam, but soon he faded into oblivion. It was only in 2000 he resurfaced in a small role in Aandhi, a serial on Zee TV.
Meanwhile, with success in show business proving illusive till Ekta Kapoor spotted him, Ronit put his other skills to good use. The engineer from Baroda’s Sayaji Rao College served a stint in hotel industry following it up with a diploma in applied nutrition. He also set up a security Agency for films stars which brought him close to the likes of Aamir Khan who hired his Agency’s services during the making of Lagaan.
A true Libran, Ronit admits to being frightfully religious. The actor is all praise for her while wife Neelam, who he married last December, he claims is another pillar of support along with his mother. ”It is difficult to find a person as good and devoted as Neelam considering the errant lives most actors and actresses lead“. While he has only just set up home on the work front, Ronit has already won the awards for Star Parivar’s best Pati and Pita. And the latest feather in his cap is the Hero Honda Indian Television Academy Award for Best Actor consecutively.
Ronit attributes a part of his success to Smriti Irani, his screen wife Tulsi and feels audience appreciation is more important then raking in the moolah. Remarkably well grounded about his star status, he prefers to stick to a few friends in the industry. That’s when he is not putting in long hours at the gym, something that gives him energy to work for up to 14 hours a day, slipping in and out of roles with practised ease.
For Ronit, though, there’s more in the offing. The talented actor can soon be seen in a Siddhant Cinevision serial where he is particularly excited about his role as a dual personality. Films have also started to come his way and the one to look out for is Subhash Ghai’s Kisna. ”I’ll chase my goals till the end“ avows Ronit, determination writ large on his face. And judging by his never- say-die attitude, you can’t help but believe him.
September 2, 2005: Roy versus Roy
Sudipto Chattopadhyay
Friday, September 02, 2005 17:53 IST
In a predominantly female bastion, the Roy boys have carved a niche for themselves. Like the onscreen characters they essay in ‘Sarrkkar’, in real life the younger Rohit seethes while the elder Ronit is more benign. After Hrs gives you their take on each other
A mutual admiration society…
RONIT: Rohit always excelled in his studies and had the potential for an academic career option.
ROHIT: Ronit has always been like a dad. He has been extremely protective about me from the beginning.
No sibling rivalry…
RONIT: Professionally, we are into separate brackets. I am doing character roles. Rohit could probably play the roles I play but he wants to do different work.
ROHIT: There has never been any kind of rivalry between us. It’s not that we don’t have differences. We may have them regarding the colour of my car or the seat covers of his car. When it comes to work and bigger issues, there have never been any animosity.
My brother best…
RONIT: He is better than me.
ROHIT: That’s his point of view. The character of Risabh Bajaj that he is playing is not an easy one. I would never be able to play it.
On playing a Rajiv Gandhi clone in ‘Sarrkkar’…
RONIT: If I were to play Rajeev Gandhi in the serial, I would have played it in a different manner.
On playing a Sanjay Gandhi clone…
ROHIT: I have never seen Sanjay Gandhi in my life. Whatever I know about him is through the media. Maybe the story is inspired by the Gandhis. Even if it is, there is no harm done. It is the writer’s prerogative.
DNA readers rate the Roys…
I definitely prefer watching Rohit. He is younger and livelier. Ronit has too much of a Risabh Bajaj hangover. -Bashira Khatri, 22, nutritionist
Ronit Roy is charismatic and has tremendous screen presence. I also like him because he typifies the strong and silent types. -Virginia Rai, 49, journalist
I prefer Ronit Roy. He’s a good actor who takes on interesting roles. -Dimple Vahi, 23, designer
Ronit Roy is a better actor. He’s got a good personality that comes across on screen. -Krupa Gulati, 27, housewife
”Ronit Roy is a better actor. He picks his characters well and his role as Mr Bajaj in ‘Kasauti Zindagi Kay’ is fabulous!“ - Pinky Kapoor, 24, housewife
September 14, 2005: "I am on a brink of a boom time" - Ronit
I’m on the brink of a boom time - Ronit
He wanted to become a fighter pilot but instead chose to make a career in the big bad world of glamour and acting. His career took off with ”Jaan Tere Naam“, a silver jubilee hit, but it soon hit an air pocket and went into a tail spin. But he has the roaring spirit of a fighter pilot. He held on. Came out triumphant and scaled new heights. Meet Ronit Bose Roy, popularly known as Rishabh Bajaj from `Kasautii Zindagii Kay“ and Mihir Virani from `Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi’. He loves cars, practices loyalty and lives one day at a time. In an exclusive interview he spoke with Ronnie Shah for the Hitavada. The excerpts-
Q: when were you bitten by the acting bug?
A: I was always attracted towards the glamour and the lifestyle of film stars. All this razzmatazz and flashy cars and spotlights pulled me towards it. I was never into acting. In fact, I was stage shy. I never acted in school or college. But always longed to experience the lifestyle of the rich and famous. So after completing my engineering and hotel management, I came to Mumbai to pursue my dream. I’m from Ahmedabad . When I was there, people around me used to say-`you are a good looking guy. Why don’t you become an actor?’ So their comments fuelled my desire. Today, I would easily give away all I have if I have a chance to become a fighter pilot.
Q: What happened after `Jaan Tere Naam’?
A: After the success of `Jaan Tere Naam’, I thought I’d arrived. But things took a down turn. My first marriage was on the rocks and I was practically living out of the suitcase moving from one place to another doing odd assignments. Maybe things happened too fast and too soon for me. I couldn’t handle my life and I take all the blame for all the mistakes that were made because I firmly believe that it’s your action and your deeds that lead you to a particular situation. But then que sera sera. Whatever is destined to happen will happen. My ex-wife and I decided that the marriage wasn’t working out for us and so we decided to part ways. That’s my past. I’ve left my past behind me and I don’t think about it much now. So there was a slump of about five and a half years after my initial success.
Q: How did you rise back?
A: Besides doing the odd assignments I was getting, I started a security and protection agency called `Ace security and protection’. My company provides security and protection to film stars and film units. Gradually my business picked up. And
till today, my company has provided security to many big projects. For instance-`Lagaan’ where we had to manage big crowds.
Q: How did your second marriage happen?
A: After my first marriage, my life was pretty simple .It revolved around my work, and my daughter from my first marriage whom I love very much. I had no complaints in life and was moving on pretty smoothly. I then met Neelam Singh who brought love back into my life. I started leaning on Neelam for her love and support. My family members advised me that I should marry her. A year ago, I got married to her and life has been wonderful ever since.
Q: You are practically shooting from dawn to dusk, how do you manage
your career?
A: My wife is my CEO. Neelam was a model and has acted in a few serials. So she knows how the system works. She manages my security business and my finances. So I’ve got the best CEO who works for me for free.
Q: Which character is closer to your heart, Rishabh Bajaj or Mihir
Virani?
A: It’s like choosing between two children. They are like my two hands. But I would choose Rishabh. Rishabh was a dish which I had to prepare from the beginning- buy the vegetables, chop them, cook them, make the dish look and taste good whereas Mihir was a readymade dish served to me on a platter. So Rishabh’s character excites me more and is closer to my heart.
Q: Your next project `Swarth’ is already creating a buzz in the
industry. What’ve you got to say about it?
A: `Swarth’ is again a very interesting and exciting project. It’s totally different from what’s being aired on channels currently. It
should be on air in a couple of months on Zee TV. Shobha De has written it. My younger brother Rohit is also acting in it. So I’m
pretty excited about it and feel that I’m on the brink of a boom time!!!
September 25, 2005: How Ronit made it big!
Ronit Roy I’m from Ahmedabad. I stayed with a family friend, until I found my bearings in Mumbai. I’ve strayed, made my share of mistakes, made wrong career choices, had bad dealings… I’ve been through all of that. I got my first break in television in 1996, in a serial called Samjhota with Bhagyashree, for Doordarshan Network.
I’ve struggled for years, and am still slugging it out. You can never say your struggle is over. It goes on. Yes, it may get easier.
You get work, you make enough money to buy a bigger house, but you still struggle. If you want to stay in this industry, you have to work hard.
I was at the right place at the right time. Balaji gave me a great platform. Since then, the going is good (Roy plays the popular character Mihir Virani in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Mr Bajaj in Kasautii Zindagii Kay).
Apara Mehta on Ronit
Among your male co-stars whom do you find charismatic?
Personality wise, I like Ronit Roy. He is also a very good actor. Be it as Mihir or Mr. Bajaj or his character in Sarrkkar, he portrays them all with ease. He has an aura.
Ronit Roy : Crystal healing
He has a crystal collection at home, surfs the web, reads literature
and consults masters to help him practice this therapy.
What it is: Crystals have fascinated mankind since prehistoric times.
Beyond their intrinsic beauty, they help you focus on the hidden
energy in the universe. Their crystalline structure can collect, focus
and emit electromagnetic energy. When a crystal is squeezed, it
releases its own internal energy. Of all the natural crystals, quartz
is supposed to be the master gemstone. It’s similar to gemstone
therapy; the difference lies in the fact that you can wear gems, but
can’t do the same with crystals, since they’re heavier.
Effects: When placed on the seven chakras that the body is divided
into, the crystals resonate in a way that stimulates the aura and
heals the body. Another form of crystal therapy is practiced in
conjunction with hydrotherapy. Here, a piece of crystal (in an
appropriate colour) is soaked in a bowl of water that’s placed in
sunlight. Benefits accrue on ingestion of this water. They include
treating arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, sciatica, chronic back
and neck pain and severe stomach problems.
What the skeptics say: It can take a while for the results to show.
October 14, 2005: Ronit on his money
Plays: Mihir on ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi’, Mr. Rishabh Bajaj on ‘Kasauti Zindagi Kay’, Kunal Pratap Singh on ‘Sarrkkar’.
Bracket: Rs 10-20 lakhs per month.
First reaction: ”It’s an illusion that I am in the A-list; I am in the B rung.“
Divulged further: ”I’m not getting paid stupendously high sums of money. Only exclusive contracts get that kind of money.“
Money talk: ”The security of my wife and daughter is my first priority.“
Splurge: ”I have a fetish for cars. And I would love to splurge on an old Portuguese house in Goa.“
Hot wheels: ”A Mercedes that has been damaged by the rains.“
Homestead: ”I live in a modest
apartment. I still have loans to pay off.“
Parting gyan: ”I’m very scared of unlimited wealth - that’s always accompanied by a lot of trouble.“
October 19, 2005: "Even for me it is a matter of wait and watch"-Ronit
Your character in Sarrkkar is assumed to be dead after a helicopter crash. Will it be back in true telly style?
As of now I have no idea. No one has told me anything about it. The character that I play in the show was different from what I’m doing presently in TV. But honestly, I would not like to comment on this issue. All we have to do is just wait and watch.
Ekta had gone on print saying that now you will be working only for Balaji Telefilms. Is it true?
I would not like to comment on this too. Presently I’m only…
… doing Kasauti Zindagi Kay and Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhie Bahu Thi.
Are you keen on taking up other projects or you would prefer to stick to the ones that you are doing?
As of now I’ll just stick to what I’m doing. That’s because these shows take up a lot of my time. My hands are so full that I don’t even have time to consider other projects.
Sometime back Rohit had said that the two of you will be performing together at an awards ceremony…
Now I’m actually contemplating the idea. It’s not only because of the time problem. There are health issues as well. Hopefully if things work out you’ll see us together.
November 2, 2005: Family trip for Ronit
Ronit Roy is a complete family man. He says that he has to hear his six month old baby gurgle every now and then. ”That’s how I keep re-charging myself,“ he smiles. He gets locked in his vanity van for hours when he’s talking to his wife and kid daughter. The actor has planned a long vacation with his family in December and is looking forward to it. ”I wanted to go somewhere abroad to celebrate New Year but decided against it as my daughter is too small. Also, my mother will be accompanying us and I’m not sure if she’ll be okay with traveling so much,“ he says. So it’s destination Goa for now.
November 3, 2005: Shweta gir-paddi
The Roy brothers — Ronit and Rohit — along with Shweta Tiwari danced to Kajra Re. But the talking point of the night turned out to be Shweta’s unrehearsed fall in the middle of the song.
She slipped and fell flat on the ground. Ronit leaped to her rescue, lifting her up — making it look part of the show.
However, despite the pain Shweta managed to salvage the song, forgetting all about the fall. And in the finale, Ronit even lifted her in her arms.
HitList says: Elder bro Ronit grooves better that Rohit
Ronit Roy
Did you always want to be an actor?
A: Yes,but its been a long journey getting to where I am today.I have done a gamut of things,to bartending to washing dishes to advertising,then Jaan Tere Naam,my first film happened.But my TV characters are what really got me noticed as an actor.
What gives you more satisfaction,television or films?
A: I see no difference,An actor is an actor,its his work that counts.
Q How do you rate Rohit as an actor?
A: He is a much better actor then I am.Ironically its me who discouraged him from becoming an actor.He is intelligent and hard working.I had always picturised him as an buissnessman,I even warned him about the speculative nature of this profession,but he puts in a lot of effort,which is why he has come so far today.
Q And as a brother?
A: I see him more as my son,rather then my youunger brother and yes,I pamper him a lot.
Q: Will you continiue in television or venture into films again?
A: My objective is to do good work be it on television or films.I have no qualms of doing films as long as the role and the script is good.
Is there any sibling competition considering you both are in the same profession?
A: I dont see us as competing in the same race.We are in different age and character brackets.
———————————————————— —————————
Rohit Roy
Q: Did you always want to be an actor?
A: No,I always wanted to be behind the camera,but a few ads and tv serials came and I began to enjoy acting.
What gives you more satisfaction television or films?
A: Theatre,television,films and ads are all different media,each being a stepping stone for the other,but films offer more to an actor.
How do you rate Ronit as an actor?
He has grown as an actor,since he has joined television.TV provides an actor the best training ground,in terms of camera angles,lightingetc.His potrayal of Rishab Bajaj is fabulous,there are some scenes,which bring tears to my eyes.
And as a brother?
Our is more like a father-son relationship,Our father died when we were quite young,so Ronit always has been the protective elder brother.
So he wasnt the Bullying big brother?
A: No.He never bullied me,bit if anyone else doing so,would have had it.
November 18, 2005: "She's a frightfully intelligent girl"-Ronit
My first wife moved to America when Ona was only six months old. To maine uska bachpan nahin dekha. Till upto 6 months I have a record of everything… What she did, when she did, when she crawled. I didnt have my bearings, everything had crashed for me, it was like a 9/11 in my life. I used to meet her every 3-4 months and I would make money and rush to America, but now she has grown up, I can talk to her, the bond between us is very strong. The moment we meet we connect instantly.
Everytime I meet her she’s grown up a bit more. So everytime I meet her we do different things. Sometime back, I bought her a cycle and we would go to the park, at one point she wanted skates. Now she has grwon up so it’s more talking and going out for lunches and dinners, walks or just hanging out at home. She just stares at me and then I ask ”what are you staring at?“ she says ”I am looking at your eyebrows, they are so bushy“. After so many years she discovered that her father has bushy eyebrows! Now we have begun discovering each other. We communicate on e-mail she is a frightfully intelligent girl and Neelam and she share a great relationship. She has got a good mother, it’s not easy to bring up a child single-handedly, I can understand the sacrifices that she has made.
On14th of May Neelam and I were blessed with another daughter, and we named her Aador. I was in the labour room when she was born. I have been big time on the night duties trying to change nappies– ofcourse Neelam is coping with it largely and very well too. Aador is wide eyed and she cries like a koel. She is well-behaved and is not a wailer. We are enjoying her thoroughly and I cant get enough of her.
The BIG comeback!
His is one comeback that would go down as one of the more dramatic ones on the Indian screen, big and small. From a teenage heartthrob who ”lost his way“ after the mega success of Jaan Tere Naam to the biggest thing on the small screen, Ronit Bose Roy has been there, done that. And he now has almost ”every television award in the last two years“ to show for it.
”I have certainly learnt to handle success better than I did last time around. At that point of time, I hadn’t taken my career all that seriously. Those wrong moves had put me out of work but this time I am aware of what I am doing,“ says Kyunkii Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi’s Mihir, with a confident smile.
Ronit doesn’t mind admitting that his life has witnessed a complete turnaround after his exploits in Kammal, Kyunkii… and Kasautii Zindagii Kay. ”Not only has it got better for me materialistically, the love I have received from everyone has been amazing. They hug me, kiss me, even worship me — I couldn’t have dreamt of all this a couple of years ago.“
Now the former assistant editor at Mukta Arts (he plays a brilliant cameo in Ghai’s Kisna) is planning to direct his own venture. ”It will not be something on television — it has this stagnancy factor, which has me playing three different lives at the same time. I would direct a film some day — I am still learning the craft.“
And if ex-co star Rituparna Sengupta’s acknowledgement of ”Mr Bajaj“ when they shared the spotlight briefly on Thursday was anything to go by, Ronit is learning his craft really well.
November 23, 2005 :Aador, Ronit Roy’s bundle of joy
By: Vickey Lalwani
Ronit Roy (Mr Bajaj of Kasautii, Mihir Virani of Kyunki) and his wife Neelam’s firstborn daughter, Aador, is a little over six months. Born on May 14, 2005, Aador was named by her father.
”Aador, in Bengali, means love and affection. I had this name in mind since a long time. It’s such a beautiful word, and I am surprised that I have not come across a single Bong child by this name.“
Son was predicted
 The Roys, married on December 25, 2003, after a four-year courtship, say that all their friends and relatives had predicted they would get a baby boy.
”Even the pandits had predicted a son,“ says Ronit (who already has a teenage daughter, Ona, from his first marriage). ”I am cool with two daughters; girls are more caring towards their parents. But of course, I would have loved it if I had a son, after Ona.“
Neelam says Aador resembles Ronit, but he says their daughter is a mixture of both. ”Her eyes are quite chinky, similar to Neelam’s.“ Do they plan to have a second child? ”Yeah. As soon as Aador starts walking on her own, we will go in for our second baby.“
Any sleepless nights, courtesy their bundle of joy? Says Neelam, ”I think every night is a sleepless night. Aador is just six months old, and wakes up in the middle of the night.“
Says Ronit, ”There were slight complications at the time of her birth, and that, I think, was the most anxious night we spent after our marriage. But everything is okay now, and we have put that behind us.“
Home bound
Ronit’s mom has shifted in with the couple at their new residence in Arshi Towers; earlier, she stayed with Ronit’s brother, Rohit and his wife Manasi Joshi Roy. ”Aador is very comfy with her grandma. I can go out for a while and come back, and I need not worry,“ says Neelam.
Wouldn’t Neelam like to work again? Ronit interrupts, ”I am from the old school of thought. I am very clear that the woman, or at least one parent, has to be home, and give priority to the family.“ Would Neelam like it if Ronit sits at home? ”I wouldn’t like it that way. I am comfortable as a housewife,“ replies Neelam, a former Miss India contestant.
Ronit and Neelam feel that Aador should be educated either in Pune or Goa. ”I am pretty clear that Aador should grow up in a khullam khulla environment, unlike Mumbai, where I can see hardly anything except concrete. How I shuttle between Pune and Mumbai is a distant story — we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.“
December 7, 2005: Ronit Roy Panchgani bound this New Year!
Guess why tellydom’s superstar, Ronit Roy is going to Panchgani this New Year’s eve? Well, he is all set to wish big screen counterpart, Aamir Khan a very happy married life!
”Aamir is a dear friend and I am going to Panchgani and will be there for four to five days with my family to attend his wedding,“ says Ronit, when we met up with him at Ekta’s Kkusum party on 7 December.
Aamir and Ronit met during the shoot of Lagaan, when the latter’s security agency provided security for the entire starcast of the film. The bonding happened when Ronit stayed on the sets and personally supervised the security arrangements. This was of course before the actor got Kyunki…and became a household name.
December 4, 2005: "I have been relieved from Sarrkarr"- Ronit
Ronit Bose Roy is a name synonymous with success on Indian television, having immortalised characters like ‘Mr Bajaj’ and ‘Mihir Virani.’ If he had his way, he would have had three shows on air right now. But the actor has decided to quit Zee’s Sarrkkar, a show that had put him in the spotlight not so long ago. In an exclusive chat with Prashant Golecha, Ronit comes clean about the show and about his his life, love and art!
”Three dailies affected my health“
I have been relieved from Sarrkkar. I had a contract with them. There are three reasons for leaving the show. Firstly, my health was affected by working for three dailies. Second factor was time and the third factor was justice was not possible to all the three characters in the different shows. Manish Goswami is like an older brother and in future we would work together.
”I feel older and wiser“
13 years have gone by. I feel older and wiser. It’s the same wine but a little aged now. If one compares oneself with people internationally, definitely one feels as an actor there is a lot to do. In Bollywood as well as in television, there are people with a good body of work. It is just the beginning of television as a medium and it’s growing by leaps and bounds in all areas. I have been ”Mihir“ for the last three years. I am thankful to Ekta Kapoor as well as God for giving me such wonderful roles. It’s all destiny. My wife used to watch Kyunki… and I didn’t, and I used to tell her that I would watch it when I play Mihir!
”Balaji knows how to take care of its actors“
There’s just one word I want to say to Ekta and Balaji Telefilms — Thanks. Because of Ekta and Balaji, my career was revived. I have to live up to their expectations. Their production values are excellent. They know how to take care of their actors. Shobha Kapoor looks and talks like a professional businesswoman. Not many know she is soft-hearted and fair too. Her adminstration and management qualities deserve a mention. Jeetu Saab is the guiding force of Balaji.
”Where Mihir stops, Bajaj can cross limits“
I like both the characters as they happened around the same time. Personally, I would opt 49 per cent for Mihir and 51 per cent for Mr. Bajaj. There is scope for more emotions in case of Mr. Bajaj. Where Mihir stops, Bajaj can cross limits.
”Friction on the Kasautii sets is more“
Both are parivaars. On Kyunki… it’s the Virani parivaar and even when an outsider comes he becomes a Virani. On the sets of Kasautii… sets it is Basu family and Bajaj family. Friction on the Kasauti sets is more. Every set consists of a set of people and on the nature of the people, depends the nature of its problems. Everyone in the Kasautii unit is good but together they don’t gel. My association with people is limited to my work.
”I would want to be Mihir till the end of Kyunki….”
I am 40 years old now and I view life in totality. Responsiblities started early for me in life and I have taken everything as an experience. At 40, I can definitely differentiate between day dreams and actual dreams. Jaan Tere Naam was a hit and my last major film was Army after which and before Kyunki… there was a time when I had all the time in the world to just think. Whenever a generation leap happens, I am open to playing a grandfather. It’s a natural progression. I would want to be Mihir till the end of Kyunki….
”Rohit’s range as an actor is better than mine“
I am extremely fortunate to have him as a brother. He is just four years younger to me. I feel happy in his happiness and vice-versa. His range as an actor is better than mine- he can do comedy as well as seious roles with equal ease. It is a coincidence my character is called Rishab Bajaj in Kassauti… and his character in Swabhimaan was called Rishab Malhotra.
”I work best when under pressure“
Life is divided into 12 hours on sets and 12 hours at home. Out of those 12 hours at home, five to six hours are devoted to sleep. I constantly keep a tab on what’s happening on my business front with regards to our security agency. It’s just a matter of good delegation of work and time management besides hard work. Sometimes, I do feel I am not giving enough time to my family but then I am working hard for them. I want a secure future for them. I once noticed the Raymond hoarding which said ”The complete Man“. It made me think - when can a man be called complete? I have to do justice to all my relations. I am a father, son, brother, husband and above that an actor which makes the audience also my family. Somehow I work best when under pressure.
”Being a father is an experience in itself“
It is not comparable to motherhood. It is next to motherhood. I have a 14 year old daughter. When she was six months old she went abroad. I missed her growing up years. Now I have time for my little daughter. It is an experience in itself.
”I don’t need to react or explain to everyone“
It does affect me, but it is a matter of how you view it. My fans follow me - they know me. Even before any clarification comes, they know if any news about me was false. People who matter know me and I don’t need to react or explain to everyone.
”I believe in luck and destiny“
I take life as it comes. Circumstances have taught me things rarely happen as per your plans. I believe in luck and destiny. I have struggled a lot and experienced everything from remaining hungry to walking for miles. I am internally very strong. I have been the same person throughout. Success, fame and money haven’t changed me. I live in today and I try to make the most of it. I do my best and don’t worry unnecessarily. I try to fulfill current expectations rather than thinking of future expectations.
December 15, 2005: Ronit’s security for Aamir-Kiran’s wedding
Courtesy: Tushar Joshi, Mid-Day
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Everyone knows Ronit Roy for his character of Mr Bajaj in ‘Kasautii Zindagi Kay’, and Mihir Virani in ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi’. But not many know that Roy is also the man who provides protection to Aamir Khan.
Lagaan association
Roy has been closely associated with Aamir since the days of Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak. But his professional relations with the actor started in 2001, when Roy’s security agency, Ace Security and Protection, was in charge of the actor’s film, Lagaan.
”I’ve known Aamir since his early days and worked with him closely during Lagaan, when I was in charge of providing him with security. My professional relationship with him has continued since then… now, I have the task of making sure his wedding goes off without any glitches.“
Cancelled trip
Roy was scheduled to take a trip with his family around the time of Aamir’s wedding (in Wai, near Panchgani), on December 27, but cancelled his plans, so he could attend the function. Sources claim the wedding festivities will last a whole a week. ”I will be going not only as a family friend, but also with the responsibility of supervising security-related issues,“ said Roy.
Family invited
Refusing to give details about the location and infrastructure, Roy said, ”I cannot give details as it hampers the security work.“
Is this the most difficult task Roy will face? ”Not really, everything should go as planned.“ Sources reveal that the entire Roy family, including wife Neelam and baby daughter Aador, is slated to attend the ceremony.
Covered personal tours
”After Lagaan, we have provided security for every event or project Aamir is associated with. In fact, even his personal trips have been made under our cover,“ says Roy.
So how is Aamir to work with? ”He is extremely hard working and professional. There is a lot I have learnt from him; post-Lagaan, he has been responsible for turning my life around in a very positive way.“
Viral attack
The actor is recovering from a serious viral attack that made him lose weight. ”I don’t know exactly what went wrong, but thankfully all my tests were normal. I have recovered and am back to my shoots. I have lost weight, but I am sure I will catch up soon.“
Aadorable tyke
Daughter Aador has also been keeping the actor busy. ”I missed raising my first daughter, and the whole experience of watching her grow. I can do all that with Aador, and am enjoying every bit of it. She hasn’t started speaking yet, but keeps making sounds. The other day, she even said Ma!“
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