Exclusive | Rohit Roy on his ‘dustbin medium’ remark: ‘Everybody wants clickbait’

Rohit Roy (Pic/Ibstagram)

Rohit Roy has spent three decades in the industry, but he continues to surprise audiences with his choices. In Chumbak, he reunites with Neena Gupta in an unexpected romantic pairing. In an exclusive chat with mid-day, the actor also opens up about his ‘dustbin medium' remark on television, the need for better comedies on OTT and the career choices that have shaped his journey.

Rohit Roy on reuniting with Neena Gupta

With Chumbak, he reunites with once on-screen aunt Neena Gupta as her young love interest in Chumbak. Reflecting on the unusual casting, Roy remarked, "In my debut film, Neena Ji played my chachi. And now, after 30 years, I'm playing her young lover. I think it's a very cute triangle that you'll see."

Recalling his interaction with the actress when they reunited on the sets, Roy said, "The moment I met Neena Ji, the first thing she said to me was, ‘Maza aa gaya, tu kar raha hai.'" For the actor, their equation did not require any formal reintroduction despite the long gap.

Rohit on dearth of comedy

As Chumbak receives love for its refreshing content and comic elements, Roy agrees that there is a dearth of good comedies on mainstream OTT platforms. "I have got into a little problem because a month ago, I made a statement about content, and people misunderstood the entire statement because I used a stupid word. But the fact of the matter is that Chumbak is a clutter-breaker. I have been wondering why we don't have more comedies on mainstream OTT."

Rohit on backlash for TV ‘dustbin medium' remark

The actor also reflects on the backlash he received after his remarks about television content, admitting that his statement was blown out of proportion. "I don't blame anybody for this. What happens is that nowadays, everybody wants a clickbait. I am also a product of television. My whole thing was that let's try and make content on television which is progressive. It was not a personal attack on anybody. I have also been doing exactly the same thing for the last 30 years."

Reflecting on his three-decade journey in the industry, Roy admits that he has been selective about the work he takes up, choosing projects that keep him happy creatively. Recalling some of the projects that stood out in his career, he adds, "I did a film, Shootout at Lokhandwala, which is almost 15 years old. People still remember my climax scene." He also recalls initially turning down Kaabil before his best friend Sanjay Suri convinced him to take on the challenge.