Rahul Roy, the actor who became a household name with the iconic 1990 romantic drama ‘Aashiqui’, has spoken out after a series of reels featuring him alongside content creator Dr Vanita Ghadage Desai went viral on social media. The videos drew a mixed response, as some showcased concern for him; others mocked him for the same. Rahul has now broken his silence, revealing he is dealing with financial pressure from ongoing legal matters and pushing back firmly against those who chose to ridicule him.
Rahul Roy reveals financial strain from legal matters after brain stroke
Taking to Instagram on Wednesday, Rahul Roy shared a heartfelt note addressing the online chatter directly. He made clear that the legal matters weighing on him financially predate his brain stroke and that he is working to manage them on his own terms.“I do my work with honesty and modesty. I have some legal matters to pay for, and these are not from today—they are from before the brain stroke happened.”Rahul did not hold back when addressing those who mocked him online. Rather than staying defensive, he flipped the lens, arguing that ridicule of someone’s hardship reflects poorly on the person dishing it out, not the one enduring it.“If you mock my simplicity or make fun of my struggles, it says less about me and more about you. If you are truly so concerned, then help me find some genuine and decent work so I can pay for these cases. At least I am earning through hard work, not by mocking others.”
Rahul Roy shares why staying active matters
Rahul Roy also spoke about the importance of keeping himself active following his recovery, describing work as something that gives him both purpose and mental strength, and making clear that no amount of online mockery will stop him.“And after the brain stroke, it is important for me to stay active. I want to work for as long as I am alive. It keeps my mind active and gives me the sense of purpose and responsibility that I am still working today. Yes, it may hurt a little sometimes, but you cannot break me.”
More about the controversy
The controversy began earlier this week when multiple reels of Rahul Roy with Dr Vanita Ghadage Desai began circulating online. One clip showed him dancing to ‘Tere Dar Pe Sanam’ from his 1993 film ‘Phir Teri Kahaani Yaad Aayi’, in which he starred opposite Pooja Bhatt.While a section of viewers expressed genuine concern, others dismissed the videos as cringe, and trolling followed. Rahul made his Bollywood debut opposite Anu Aggarwal in Mahesh Bhatt’s ‘Aashiqui’ and was last seen on the big screen in Kanu Behl’s ‘Agra’ (2025). His last television appearance was on ‘Bigg Boss‘ Season 1.
