Archana Puran Singh backs Rahul Roy's reels, calls out online trolling
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Actress Archana Puran Singh has publicly endorsed actor Rahul Roy's recent social media activity, throwing her weight behind him after he responded to online criticism of his dance reels. Roy posted an emotional note on Instagram addressing trolls who dismissed his videos as "cringe," defending his work as a genuine attempt to earn through honest labour while managing financial obligations.
What Rahul Roy said
In his statement, Roy wrote, "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. If you mock my simplicity or make fun of my struggles, it says less about me and more about you." He further challenged critics to help him find legitimate work rather than ridicule his efforts, stating, "At least I am earning through hard work, not by mocking others."
Industry support floods in
Archana Puran Singh responded in the comments, writing, "More power to you @officialrahulroy. Love that you are doing what works for you and keeps you happy. You're always amazing and I totally binged on the reels with your OG songs. Lots of love and strength to you Rahul." Director-choreographer Farah Khan and actor Sonu Sood also voiced their backing, with Sood commenting, "Keep Rocking Brother."
The trolling that sparked the backlash
The controversy began when Roy uploaded several dance reels, including one where he performed to 'Tere Dar Pe Sanam' from his 1993 film 'Phir Teri Kahaani Yaad Aayi,' co-starring Pooja Bhatt. While some social media users expressed concern for the actor's wellbeing following his 2020 stroke, others dismissed the videos as outdated or cringe-worthy, sparking a wave of mockery.
Context: Roy's health journey
Rahul Roy suffered a massive brain stroke in June 2020, which left him partially paralysed and required months of rehabilitation. His return to public activity, including social media presence, has been closely watched by fans and peers. The actor's willingness to engage in content creation despite his health challenges has drawn both admiration and, as recent weeks have shown, unwarranted criticism from sections of the online community.
Why this matters
The incident underscores the gap between constructive concern and casual cruelty on social media. Roy's statement and the subsequent industry support highlight a broader conversation about mental health, resilience, and the right to earn a livelihood on one's own terms—regardless of public perception or past celebrity status.