Ronit Roy opens up on struggle with alcohol, recalls arriving hungover on set: ‘I would be drinking four hours before the shoot’

Actor Ronit Roy carved a niche for himself by portraying two of the most iconic characters in the history of Indian television – Mihir Virani from Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Rishabh Bajaj from Kasautii Zindagii Kay. While many remember him for his television roles, Ronit initiated his career in films with the 1992 blockbuster Jaan Tere Naam. Despite a promising start in the entertainment industry, Ronit Roy faced a downfall due to his casual approach towards success, leading him to indulge in alcohol. This phase lasted for nine years until he found his breakthrough in television, eventually marking his big comeback.

In a recent interview with Lehren Retro, Ronit opened up about his struggle with alcohol, recalling instances where he would arrive on set after a night of drinking. He said, “I didn’t understand success. I became a hero and I never thought it would end. When you are drinking you make a host of other mistakes. One mistake I never made is that I have never been late for a shoot but, despite reaching on time, I didn’t have my faculties around me because I would be drinking four hours before the shoot. I didn’t sleep and my eyes would be bulging. You are not supposed to look like that. There is a responsibility on you. People come to theatres to watch you and you have to give back to them.”

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The actor also shared his fear that made him quit drinking. He said, “Another thing is that you have kids and wife at home and I have this phobia inside me. My daughter is studying in Los Angeles. I have this phobia that what if something happens in the night to anybody, to my family or my close friends, and I get a call from somebody who is reaching out for help and I am not able to react because I am under the influence of alcohol. I don’t want that to happen.” While he admitted that she shares a glass of wine with his wife once in a while, he doesn’t drink like he once did.

After featuring in various television shows, Ronit made a remarkable comeback in films with Vikramaditya Motwane’s Udaan, where his portrayal of a strict, oppressive father received widespread acclaim. His most recent appearance was in the film Farrey, marking the debut of Salman Khan’s niece, Alizeh Agnihotri.