This Actor Once Ate Only Onions, Survived on One Meal a Day, and Is Now Worth Rs 99 Crore
This Actor Once Ate Only Onions, Survived on One Meal a Day, and Is Now Worth Rs 99 Crore
Ronit Roy opens up about his days of struggle, from surviving in Mumbai with barely any income to becoming a household name
Actor Ronit Roy, now a renowned name in the Indian film and television industry with a net worth of approximately Rs 99 crore, recently reflected on his difficult beginnings in Mumbai. Long before achieving fame, Roy experienced severe financial hardships, so much so that he could afford only one meal a day and often survived on just onions.
During an appearance on the Hindi Rush podcast, Roy revealed that his early days in Mumbai were marked by extreme poverty. Isolated and reserved, he often found himself cut off from social circles, which, he believes, affected his chances in the industry. Despite making his film debut in 1992 with Jaan Tere Naam, financial struggles persisted. At that time, his acting fee was Rs 50,000, paid in monthly installments of Rs 4,000, barely enough to survive in the city.
Even after entering the entertainment industry, things didn’t improve overnight. “The money never really came,” Roy said, admitting that his life was “hand to mouth” even after doing multiple films.
A turning point came when a Dhaba owner extended help during those dire times, offering him food when he had nothing. Roy’s perseverance eventually paid off. He transitioned into television and became a star with shows like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Kasautii Zindagii Kay, which made him a household name.
Today, Ronit Roy is celebrated for his powerful supporting roles in both cinema and TV, known for his commanding screen presence in projects like Udaan, Student of the Year, and Boss. His journey from surviving on scraps to becoming one of the industry’s most respected figures is a powerful story of resilience and transformation.
