In an industry where roles are defined, negotiated and carefully assembled, Rahul Roy he did something completely different, declared that he was making the film and left the director Kanu Behl with no choice but to agree. In a recent interview, Kanu brought the once-iconic ‘Aashiqui’ star back to the screen in the psychological drama Agra, which premiered at Cannes 2023, made the long journey to theaters in India and opened up about the unlikely collaboration, which is now streaming on OTT.
How did Rahul Roy first come into Kanu Behl’s orbit?
‘Agra’ was being cast through an extensive three-month workshop process, with three actors simultaneously considering the seven main characters, with final decisions made midway through.“Ruhani is a big star in the South. But at that time, he too was just starting out. So I felt we needed something small. We talked to some people who were total strangers, including Rahul. He was looking to move into something he doesn’t normally do,” recalls Behl.What immediately impressed Kanu was Rahul’s extraordinary commitment, showing up at 9am every day and leaving by 10am or 10.30pm despite not having a confirmed role.“In that environment, for someone with the pedigree of a Rahul Roy, with the history that he has, being the last one in every morning at 9am and leaving around 10-10.30pm, that hooked me early,” Behl said.The decisive moment came during a late-night chai session, when only the two of them were left in the workshop.Naturally, Rahul said, “You know what? Ye picture main hi karunga. Aur koi nahi karega. Main bata raha hu aapko.” (I will make this film alone. No one else will. I’m telling you right now.)“I think that’s what made the final decision because he wanted to do it so bad, and he was putting so much into this, it’s probably the right choice,” Kanu said, adding with a smile, “He didn’t give me a chance. He threw himself.”Rahul Roy’s comeback in ‘Agra’ was his most significant screen appearance in years and Kanu felt that Daddy ji’s character required that weight.
Rahul Roy tackles rumours
Last week, Rahul Roy was forced to clarify his personal circumstances after online rumors claimed he had been abandoned by his family and was collaborating with social media influencers due to financial desperation.Roy responded on Instagram, “I live in my sister’s house. We have a beautiful house in Madh, and she loves me so much, which makes me the luckiest brother in the world. I have clothes, I have shoes, I have food, I have a car and I’m not an abandoned person on the road.” The way you make fake videos is not true. My sister, Hari Maa, and my brother-in-law, Romeer Sen, have given me everything. Please don’t confuse their meaning. They are the only thing left to me.”He added: “I don’t take bodyguards, that’s my personal choice. Sometimes if I travel by autorickshaws, it’s easy and fast, it’s my personal choice. I made those coils with simplicity, not with clever thoughts. It was work and no financial support for me. I always think that work is work; that’s my personal choice. My decisions are my good choice. I sat down, but I can’t wait. I wasted myself.“
About ‘Agra’
Directed by Kanu Behl, ‘Agra’ is a psychological drama that premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2023 before moving to theaters in India last year after a long journey. The film is streaming on Prime Video India.
