Rohit Bose Roy is an Indian actor, director, and television personality whose career spans over two decades across television, film, and digital media. He first rose to fame with the 90s series Swabhimaan and went on to appear in shows like Des Mein Niklla Hoga Chand and Kkusum, as well as films such as Shootout at Lokhandwala, Kaabil, and Fashion. Recently seen as DCP Avinash in Saubhagyavati Bhava: Niyam Aur Shartien Laagu, Rohit also underwent a fitness transformation, losing over 14 kg through clean eating and functional workouts. Speaking exclusively to Bollywood Hungama, he opened up about his fitness journey, acting goals, and his new entrepreneurial venture.
EXCLUSIVE: Rohit Roy reveals fitness secrets and acting journey: “I’m especially keen to play a mentally challenged or specially-abled character…”
You’ve played both massy and layered roles in films like Shootout at Lokhandwala and Fashion. What do you look for in a script before saying yes?
The one thing I always look for in a script whether it’s for television, film, or OTT is whether my character is truly driving the story. I’ve never played a character that was meaningless to the plot. It’s simple for me: I want to go to work feeling happy that I’ve contributed to the narrative. If that’s missing, then what’s the point of being an actor? Fortunately, in every project I’ve taken on, my character has been pivotal to the plot. That’s the only non-negotiable for me. I don’t particularly care if it’s a first-time or established director. Of course, the production house matters to some extent, but I’ve worked with new ones like I did with Forensic two years ago and they were fantastic. Ultimately, it comes down to what my character is doing. That’s what matters most.
You underwent a massive physical transformation in your late 40s. What triggered that shift in your approach to fitness?
When I turned 40, I had already been quite fit. I would often take time out between or after shoots to work out and stay healthy. For instance, if I was shooting till late, I’d run back home from the location. The car would follow, and if I got tired after 30–45 minutes, I’d get in and ride home. I used small windows of time to fuel my fitness. At 40, I just wanted to be the sexiest 40-year-old in India pure vanity! I went through a major transformation, and once I saw the results, I was hooked for life.
Many men in their 40s and 50s struggle to restart their fitness journey. What advice would you give to them, especially those balancing work and family?
You’re absolutely right. Turning 40 or 50 is a major milestone not just for men, but for everyone. Many people feel bored or tired in this phase, but I believe it’s a very important decade. Forget how old you are, just go to the gym and do what makes you happy. Once you start, you’ll realize you’re doing it for yourself. You’ll wake up feeling fresher, sleep better, and your mental health will improve. On days I don’t work out, even my sleep is disturbed. We all have responsibilities, but working out gives you the mental strength to handle them. I meet many people who say, “What’s the point now?” That’s exactly when you should begin.
You’ve credited Salman Khan as an inspiration. What about his fitness journey resonated with you personally?
I’ve been in Mumbai for 32 years, and I met Salman the moment I arrived. He was friends with my brother, and I was just a kid hanging around. When I became an actor purely by chance, he was the one who gave the clap for my first film and introduced it because the director had earlier made Patthar Ke Phool with him. Salman has always been a strong presence in my life. He used to compliment how I looked and still does. He even compares me to classic Hollywood actors from the 60s. He’s given me advice on how to dress, and has always been incredibly supportive. He’s also incredibly inspiring. Even when people troll him about his weight, he bounces back fitter than before. Once, I was out of shape and told him I wasn’t getting the kind of work I wanted. He said, “You’re only down when you let yourself go.” He shared how, during his own rough patch, he focused completely on fitness instead of vacations or distractions. That inspired me. I hit the gym with a vengeance, transformed my body, and I’m proud of what I achieved. I truly thank him for that turning point.
Looking ahead, how do you see the next chapter of your career, more acting, direction, or something completely new?
I’ve never really planned my career. I’ve always taken it one day at a time. Now, I’m ready for the next phase, whether it’s direction, hosting, acting, producing, or writing. I’ve completed my first film script and two OTT scripts that my production house hopes to produce soon. I’m ready as an actor, too. I’ve always stayed fit and prepared but, like I said earlier, I will only take on roles where my character drives the story. I’m also venturing into entrepreneurship. Coming from a business family, it’s in my blood. I’ve invested in a company which produces India’s best transdermal patches. I use the product myself and have seen amazing results in my workouts and daily life. I don’t invest for the sake of it. Just like I buy art I love not just for value but for how it looks in my home.
You have played a wide variety of roles in your career. How do you look back at your journey so far?
From the beginning, I’ve tried not to repeat roles. Whether that’s good or bad, I’m not sure if some actors believe in building a fixed image to become a star. After Swabhimaan, I did Baat Ban Jaaye, a comedy. Then came Badman, followed by roles as gangsters in films like Shootout at Lokhandwala, Kaabil, and Mumbai Saga all very different. On TV and stage too, I’ve done varied roles. I’ve come to know myself better as an actor. I’ve realized I can play a wide range of characters confidently and competently. I’m still hungry to try new, unexplored roles. I’m especially keen to play a mentally challenged or specially-abled character, something I’ve never done before.
Swabhimaan was a turning point in your career. When you look back at your early TV days, what memories or lessons stand out the most?
My first big break on television was Swabhimaan, which aired in 1995 and introduced me as Rishabh. That was the beginning and a major turning point. The second big turning point came with Shootout at Lokhandwala. Before that, I had done films and received appreciation, but they hadn’t worked commercially. With Shootout, the audience clapped for my dialogues in the theatre. That performance established me as a respected actor in cinema.
Do you think OTT is a competition for TV?
Yes, OTT is definitely a competition for television. But while OTT is in demand, television still has greater reach, especially in tier 2 and 3 cities and villages, where cable is more accessible than internet streaming. Earlier, there was a clear divide: OTT viewers were mostly upper-middle class and urban, while the rest watched TV. Now, cheaper mobile data has blurred those lines. Your phone is your screen, you don’t need a TV anymore. That said, TV still largely relies on traditional formats, mythologicals, family dramas, and long-running soaps. OTT, on the other hand, is pushing creative boundaries, offering diverse content, and even competing internationally. India still has vast storytelling potential, and OTT is just getting started. Post-COVID, the boom has accelerated, but we’re still in early stages. OTT and TV are now overlapping and, in some ways, eating into each other’s audiences.
You’ve always maintained a strong screen presence. What’s your approach to fitness, and how do you stay consistent with your routine amidst a busy shooting schedule?
Thank you for saying I have a strong screen presence. I’ve always tried to be convincing in every role, and I believe physical strength plays a big part in that. That’s why I train six times a week, eat clean, and meditate. Even while traveling or on vacation, I don’t let myself go completely, I allow myself about 20% more indulgence. For example, when I was recently in the U.S. for three weeks, I still managed to work out four times. A major change I made recently is quitting alcohol. I was never a big drinker and started only at 35. During COVID, I began drinking more than usual but the day I quit, everything changed. I slept better, felt more energetic, and performed better overall. To the younger generation: alcohol may seem fun, but the long-term mental and physical damage isn’t worth it. Small changes like this can make a huge difference in your life.
Has your approach to fitness changed over the years, especially with age and evolving roles?
Fitness goals change every 5–7 years. At 30, I wanted a bulky, muscular physique like Sylvester Stallone’s. But by 40, I realized that kind of dedication was intense and didn’t suit my frame. So, I shifted toward a leaner, still muscular look. My workouts and diet changed. I used to eat five to six high-protein meals a day, but now I’m mostly vegetarian. I still get enough protein for my needs. Age really is just a number if you’re healthy and doing the right things, you don’t feel old. I’ve always felt 18 inside! Of course, after 40, your BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) slows, so you need to watch your diet and not miss your workouts. Cardio is essential for staying mentally and physically in shape.
Do you follow any specific nutrition plan or are you more instinctive about your food choices?
Great question about diet. In my 20s, I ate instinctively and everything digested easily. But after 40, your digestion slows. Now, I follow a clean and healthy routine. Through trial and error, I discovered that gluten doesn’t suit me. I used to eat rotis all my life, but now they make me feel overly full and gassy. I haven’t done a gluten test, but I trust my body’s response. Every six months, I do an Ayurvedic Panchakarma cleanse that guides my diet based on my body type. I believe in this deeply. It’s something I discovered four years ago and have followed ever since.
Do you enjoy any alternative fitness practices like yoga, Pilates, or martial arts?
I fell in love with yoga very late in life and wished I had discovered it earlier! I recommend it to everyone. It offers both flexibility and strength. If you can’t swim, which is another amazing activity, yoga is a great alternative. I highly recommend both. And yes, strength training is irreplaceable. You must go to the gym. Pilates is also a great form of strength and flexibility training, I’ve really enjoyed it. So I absolutely recommend that too.
You’ve recently stepped into the role of Strategic Growth Advisor and investor in a wellness startup that focuses on science-backed innovations. What inspired you to back this venture, and how closely are you involved in shaping its direction?
As most of you know, I’m an actor, an adventurer, and a passionate travel junkie but above all, I deeply value fitness and health. Over the years, I’ve noticed the supplement market becoming increasingly crowded and confusing, especially for young people trying to make informed choices about what’s good for them and what’s not. That’s why I was genuinely intrigued when I discovered Bigme and their transdermal supplement patches. These patches deliver high-grade supplements directly through the skin into the bloodstream bypassing the digestive system and avoiding any potential stomach discomfort. I started using them myself, and after a few weeks, something quite unexpected (and exciting) happened.
The team at Bigme reached out they had noticed me wearing the patches and asked if I’d be interested in partnering with them. I met with the two brilliant young founders behind the brand and was immediately impressed by their clarity, vision, and innovation. Without any hesitation, I said yes. I don’t invest in something unless I truly believe in it, and in this case, it was a no-brainer. This is a win-win for me: I’ve found a product that genuinely works, and I get to be part of a wellness brand that aligns with my personal values. Since then, I’ve come on board not just as a face of the brand, but as a hands-on partner. We’re already in deep discussions about expanding the product line working on new patches featuring ashwagandha, creatine, caffeine, melatonin, and even a collagen patch, which is currently in high demand. This is just the beginning. There’s a lot more to come, and I’m incredibly excited to be part of Bigme’s journey. We’ve cracked the initial phase, and with more R&D in the pipeline, expect a range of innovative wellness solutions ahead. I’m fully committed and involved in shaping the future of this brand.
Also Read: Rohit Roy drops appreciation post for ‘one of the strongest girls’ Hina Khan; latter reacts
BOLLYWOOD NEWS – LIVE UPDATES
Catch us for latest Bollywood News, New Bollywood Movies update, Box office collection, New Movies Release , Bollywood News Hindi, Entertainment News, Bollywood Live News Today & Upcoming Movies 2025 and stay updated with latest hindi movies only on Bollywood Hungama.
#EXCLUSIVE #Rohit #Roy #reveals #fitness #secrets #acting #journey #keen #play #mentally #challenged #speciallyabled #character #Bollywood #News
Source link
