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I can't be diplomatic: Ronit Roy
... Says Ronit Roy, claiming that he has no qualms about speaking his mind. In the city for Kitchen Champion, he says he is a 'champion' and not a 'baadshah' as it is a safer term.Isn't this a safe term? At least, I'm not calling myself baadshah," he laughs. Why not? "I don't have a kingdom to rule, do I? I don't even know who the baadshah is on TV. That's why I don't mind being a champion. Isn't it harmless? After all, it refers to someone who excels at what he does. And that's been my aim all these years," he clarifies.
Ronit, who has never been a slacker, believes, there can be no substitute for hard work. And that not even a godfather can help one push his career up. "Success boils down to one's merit and consistent efforts. My only motive has been to give cent per cent to all the projects I undertake. Since I have always taken my job seriously, fame and success has come my way.
I realise how important my contribution has been to the industry when my co-actors follow my advice and show signs of growth. When new actors join the industry, those who have been for years encounter a strange feeling of seniority (not in a negative way). Obviously, not everybody, but those who paid heed to the suggestions I shared with them, have benefited a lot. But there were those too who made mistakes that I had committed. There can be nothing as gratifying as helping my co-actors do well in life."
Having inspired many through his willingness to face challenges, Ronit reveals his source of inspiration. "It has to be my relative Dr Mehta, the most genuine person I have come across in my life. Despite all the success and popularity that he has garnered, he is still so selfless, which I feel is difficult. In fact, I call myself a thief because I imbibe positive qualities from people I meet.
There is a lot that we can learn from those around us provided we shed our inhibitions and prejudices. I think it is illogical to be jealous of those who are far more successful and happier than us. If we begin to imbibe same positive qualities, things can get easier for us too," he says.
But is the TV industry seriously as pristine as it appears? "Not at all. Just like any other work area, people here too get involved in power play, bitching and backbiting. At least, I'm honest enough to admit that the TV industry is no exception. And I'm happy that I don't need to get involved in any of this." Why? "Because I don't need to prove any point."
Ronit's Udaan was recently screened at the Cannes Film Festival. As he says, he accepted the project because he was impressed with "the passion that the filmmakers had for Udaan" and not because "it would help me earn stardom. I don't compete with others. According to me, self-competition is the best way to excel and grow less envious of others. And that's precisely why I keep honing my skills and getting better. It doesn't matter if I'm the biggest. What is important is if I have improved from my previous self. I don't plan to be a part of a project because it will get me desired results. I can't do all that.
