Deepak Tijori on Rahul Roy's health: 'He is absolutely fine'
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Bollywood actor Deepak Tijori has moved to put to rest speculation about the health and well-being of his longtime friend and 'Aashiqui' co-star Rahul Roy, asserting that the two remain in close contact and that the actor is doing well. Tijori's remarks came on 30 May amid a wave of unverified reports and social media chatter about Roy's condition.
What Deepak Tijori Said
'I am in touch with Roy regularly. Roy is still my brother, my friend. He is absolutely safe, absolutely fine,' Tijori said, referring to Rahul Roy by his surname. The actor expressed clear frustration at rumours he described as baseless, adding: 'People make news for no reason. And there are no such things that have been written about him.'
Tijori acknowledged that inaccurate stories are an occupational hazard in the film industry. 'By the way, many things have been written about me that are not true. So this is part and parcel. This is a problem of our trade. We can't do anything about it,' he said.
Rahul Roy's Own Response to Trolling
The renewed attention on Rahul Roy follows a wave of trolling and online speculation in April, after several of his public appearances and videos circulated widely, drawing insensitive remarks about his speech and physical condition from some users. Roy responded directly on his social media account, addressing both the criticism and his circumstances.
'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,' Roy wrote. He also appealed for genuine work opportunities, noting: 'At least I am earning through hard work, not by mocking others. And after the brain stroke, it is important for me to stay active.'
In a particularly candid passage, Roy wrote: '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.'
Background: The 2020 Brain Stroke
Roy's health has been a subject of public concern since 2020, when he suffered a brain stroke while shooting for the film 'LAC – Live The Battle' in Kargil. He subsequently underwent extensive treatment and a prolonged rehabilitation process before gradually returning to public life and professional activity.
Rahul Roy's Career and Legacy
Roy rose to national prominence with his debut in director Mahesh Bhatt's musical blockbuster 'Aashiqui', released in 1990. His pairing with Anu Aggarwal, bolstered by the film's iconic soundtrack, made both actors overnight sensations. He went on to appear in films including Junoon, Sapne Saajan Ke, Phir Teri Kahani Yaad Aayee, and Gumrah, and later won the first season of reality show Bigg Boss.
Deepak Tijori and Roy have maintained their friendship since their shared debut in 'Aashiqui' over three decades ago. With Tijori's public reassurance, the immediate concerns about Roy's well-being appear to have been addressed — though the actor's ongoing recovery and his candid words about financial pressures and the need to stay active underscore the very real challenges he continues to navigate.