Television industry veteran Ronit Roy recently said that he was paid less than junior artists that worked with him. He claimed that even his driver considered his remuneration too less. In a new interview to a leading entertainment daily Ronit revealed about his initial days in the Indian entertainment industry.
Known for his portrayal of characters that featured in Balaji shows, Roy revealed that his first show was called Kamaal and was broadcasted on Zee TV back in 2003. Roy revealed that he received Rs. 1,200 per day and was shocked to know that junior artists were paid more, Rs. 1,500 per day, during the same period.
The Kasautii Zindagi Kay actor however agreed to the offer as he “needed to get back to work”. Reminiscing about his journey forth his first project, Roy was further quoted saying, “…be it Kasautii Zindagii Kay or Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. It has been a wonderful ride.”
The Facts of the Matter
Zoya Akhtar’s 2009 sleeper hit Luck by Chance showcased the tough and unforgiving beast that Bollywood and entertainment industry in the nation is. It showed how talent could be at times, cheaper than a pinch of sugar, and all it takes to make it big is luck. Recently actor Ronit Roy gave an interview where he shared the challenging and humble beginnings he had.
Ronit Roy’s First TV Project
Giving a heartfelt account of his first major television project, Roy shared that he received a call from Balaji Telefilms for a show that was called Kammal. During one such calls, Roy was exchanging notes on how the world of television industry works with the Balaji Telefilms people. He claimed that he had the call put on loudspeaker and was told that he would be paid Rs. 1,200 per day.
“Sir yeh to junior artist se bhi kum…”
When his driver, who was with him when he was on call, heard this he informed that Roy was being paid lesser than junior artists. ‘Sir yeh to junior artist se bhi kam paise hai. Unhe bhi 1500 milte hai (Sir, this is less than even what junior artists are paid. Even they get paid Rs. 1,500)’. I just smiled, reached home, and called them to say yes,” Roy said.
Roy explained how he needed to “get back to work” and hence said yes. Reminiscing his journey after his first project, Roy further added, “I am glad that I did that as it translated into more work, be it Kasautii Zindagii Kay or Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. It has been a wonderful ride.”
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When asked about whether he has any regrets as to how his journey panned out, Roy said that he had none. He said that his successes and failures are his and he loves them. He added that at times there are no reasons for a failure. “The team works hard but the product doesn’t end up the way you envisaged. The audience is smart. That’s constructive feedback and you get the medium to change things for you,” Roy added.
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How COVID-19 Affected Ronit Roy’s Business
Earlier 2021, Roy made buzz for revealing how his private security agency had taken a toll due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The actor revealed that due to the pandemic his company Ace Security lost a slew of clients. However, he thanked Amitabh Bachchan and Akshay Kumar who supported him during the tough time.
“So, Mr Bachchan, Akshay Kumar and Karan Johar. They never even called me. Actually, I was in doubt that all of this is shut, all the boys are at home. Their office called me that we have done the transfer, but send us the bills when things open again. I didn’t ask them to do it, but they did it,” he was quoted saying.
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