In an industry where roles are pitched, negotiated and carefully packaged, Rahul Roy did something entirely different, he simply declared he was doing the film and left director Kanu Behl with no real choice but to agree. In an interview recently, Kanu opened up on the unlikely collaboration that brought the once-iconic ‘Aashiqui’ star back to the screen in the psychological drama Agra, a film that premiered at Cannes in 2023, navigated a long journey to Indian theatres and is now streaming on OTT.
How did Rahul Roy first came into Kanu Behl’s orbit?
‘Agra’ was being cast through an extensive three-month workshop process with three actors being considered simultaneously for seven primary characters, with final decisions made halfway through.“Ruhani is a big star down South. But at that point, she was also just starting out. So, I felt like we needed a little something. We talked to a few people who were not completely unknown, including Rahul. He was looking to transition into something he usually doesn’t do,” recalled Behl.What struck Kanu immediately was Rahul’s extraordinary commitment, showing up every day at 9am and leaving at 10 or 10:30pm, despite having no confirmed role.“In that environment, for someone with the pedigree of a Rahul Roy, with the history that he has, to come in every morning at 9am and be the last one to leave at around 10-10:30pm, that just had me hooked early on,” said Behl.The decisive moment came during a late-night chai session, just the two of them left at the workshop.Out of the blue, Rahul said: “You know what? Ye picture main hi karunga. Aur koi nahi karega. Main bata raha hu aapko.” (I’ll only do this film. No one else will. I’m telling you right now.)“I think that made the final decision for me because he wanted to do it so bad, and he was putting so much into this, that he’s probably the right choice,” said Kanu, adding with a smile, “He didn’t give me a choice. He cast himself.”Rahul Roy’s return in ‘Agra’ was his most significant screen appearance in years and the character of Daddy ji, Kanu felt, demanded precisely that kind of weight.
Rahul Roy addresses the rumours
Last week, Rahul Roy was forced to clarify his personal circumstances after online rumours claimed he had been abandoned by his family and was collaborating with social media influencers out of financial desperation.Roy responded on Instagram stating: “I live at my sister’s place. We have a lovely house in Madh, and I’m deeply loved by her, which makes me the luckiest brother in the world. I have clothes, I have shoes, I have food, I have a car, and I’m not an abandoned person on the road. The way fake videos are coming out is not true. My sister, Hari Maa, and my brother-in-law, Romeer Sen, have provided me with everything. Please do not disturb their sanity. They are the only thing that is left to me.”He added: “I don’t take bodyguards, that’s my personal choice. If I sometimes travel by autorickshaws, it’s easy and quick; it’s my personal choice. I did those reels with simplicity, not with clever thoughts. It was work and not any financial help to me. I always think work is work; that’s my personal choice. My decisions are my choice. I waited for good work long enough, but it didn’t come. I cannot sit and waste myself.“
About ‘Agra’
Directed by Kanu Behl, ‘Agra’ is a psychological drama that premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2023 before making its way to Indian theatres last year following a long journey. The film is currently streaming on Prime Video India.
