Actor Rahul Roy, who achieved nationwide fame overnight with the 1990 musical blockbuster movie Aashiqui, has surfaced in news headlines once again as he spoke candidly about his severe personal and financial hardships. Recent videos of the actor performing at private wedding functions sparked widespread discussions and concern among fans regarding his financial stability. Addressing these ongoing rumors in a detailed interview, Rahul Roy reflected on the major turning points of his life, including surviving a debilitating brain stroke during a film shoot in Kargil in 2020, the end of his 14-year marriage to ex-wife Rajlaxmi Khanvilkar, transferring his primary real estate asset to her as part of their divorce settlement, and an unresolved legal dispute involving Rs 30 lakh with his own brother.
Breakthrough with Aashiqui and Early Career Challenges
Directed by Mahesh Bhatt, the 1990 musical romance Aashiqui turned Rahul Roy into an immediate cinematic icon, making him a household favorite across India. Despite this massive initial stardom, his subsequent film releases failed to perform well at the box office. By the time he reached the age of 30, his acting career entered a sharp downward trajectory, eventually leading to his disappearance from mainstream Hindi cinema. In 2006, he joined the inaugural season of the reality television show Bigg Boss and emerged as the winner. However, winning the reality show title did not yield major film offers, leaving him striving for a successful cinematic comeback that remained unrealized.
Meeting Rajlaxmi Khanvilkar, Her First Marriage, and Wedding
Rahul Roy and supermodel Rajlaxmi Khanvilkar first met at a party in 1998. At that time, Rahul Roy was a widely recognized celebrity in the film industry owing to the enduring fame of Aashiqui. Rajlaxmi had built a distinguished career in the fashion industry as a leading supermodel. During that period, she was also experiencing loneliness following the end of her first marriage. Rajlaxmi's ex-husband was actor Sameer Soni, who is currently married to actress Neelam Kothari. Developing a strong mutual connection within just a few meetings, Rahul and Rajlaxmi built a deep friendship that soon turned into romance, culminating in their marriage in the year 2000.
Relocation to Australia, Distance Strains, and 2014 Divorce
The early years of their married life were smooth and harmonious. However, changes began when Rajlaxmi decided to relocate from India to Australia to manage and expand her business enterprises. Initially, Rahul Roy moved to Australia alongside her to help establish her business operations. Nevertheless, Rahul Roy found limited career prospects for himself as an actor in Australia, prompting his decision to return to India. Although he won Bigg Boss in 2006 after returning, the geographical distance created persistent strains on their relationship. Unable to sustain their marriage across long distances, the couple mutually decided to end their 14-year marriage in 2014.
Brain Stroke in Kargil, Medical Expenses, and Asset Transfer
In 2020, while shooting for a movie in Kargil, Rahul Roy suffered a sudden and severe brain stroke that critically impacted his health. The stroke severely impaired his physical functions, leaving him unable to speak clearly or walk properly. Having already separated from his wife prior to the incident, he had to navigate this medical crisis alone. In a recent interview, Rahul Roy revealed that following their divorce, he had transferred his primary real estate property to Rajlaxmi. The combination of transferring his main asset and incurring heavy medical bills for stroke rehabilitation severely strained his financial standing. He noted that having no children together made the mutual divorce process legally smoother, but left him in severe financial distress.
The 30 Lakh Rupee Dispute with Brother and Rebuilding at 60
Providing further details about his current financial difficulties, Rahul Roy disclosed that he is currently trying to resolve an old legal dispute involving Rs 30 lakh with his brother. The financial burden of medical treatments, the loss of his main property, and ongoing legal issues heavily depleted his savings. To earn a living, he now performs at private events and wedding functions, charging between Rs 2 lakh and Rs 4 lakh per appearance. Reflecting on turning 60 and attempting to rebuild his life, he shared that the past 5 years brought intense physical and financial upheaval. He acknowledged that had these health crises not occurred, his career might have fared better, yet he remains content and deeply thankful to those who continue to place their trust in him.
