Rahul Roy: people still remember Aashiqui

Back in 1990, the romantic film Aashiqui had catapulted actor Rahul Roy to fame. His chocolate-boy looks and unusual hairstyle found him a lot of a female fans.

Twenty-three years later, director Mahesh Bhatt is presenting the second instalment of the film, Aashiqui 2, with Aditya Roy Kapur and Shraddha Kapoor in the lead, directed by Mohit Suri.

Rahul Roy, 45 years old now, is reinventing his career. After winning the reality TV show Bigg Boss (2007), he is getting ready to act and co-produce an untitled venture. Gone are the long locks and in comes a new crew cut look which Rahul thinks "looks great".

In this conversation with Sonil Dedhia at his office in the western Mumbai suburb of Andheri, Rahul Roy gives some frank and interesting insights into becoming an overnight star, his love-hate relationship with his mentor Mahesh Bhatt, what went wrong with his career and why he doesn't mind being called a one-hit wonder.

Aashiqui 2 is releasing today. Did you like the trailer? Are you looking forward to watching the film?

I love the trailer. I met Mohit Suri (the director) many years ago and I had told him that he is one of the few directors I would love to work with. He is incredibly talented.

I am looking forward to watching the film. I want Aditya (Roy Kapur) and Shraddha (Kapoor) to do well.

Even after 23 years, when Aashqui 2 is releasing, everybody is still reminiscing about the old Aashiqui.