More than five years after a life-threatening brain stroke left him uncertain about his own future, actor Rahul Roy is slowly but steadily finding his way back to work - and speaking candidly about just how difficult that journey has been. The "Aashiqui" star, who became a household name after the 1990 romantic drama made him an overnight sensation, is now returning to the screen with "Super Badshah," a Kooku TV series in which he plays an underworld don alongside television actor Karanvir Bohra.

What Happened In Kargil

Roy's health crisis began in November 2020, while he was shooting for the film "LAC – Live The Battle" in the harsh, high-altitude terrain of Kargil. The extreme weather conditions there are believed to have contributed to a sudden deterioration in his health, and he suffered a brain stroke on set. He was rushed back to Mumbai and admitted to Nanavati Hospital, where he underwent brain and heart angiography as doctors worked to stabilise his condition. What followed was a long, difficult road of hospitalisation, discharge, and extensive speech and physical therapy - including music therapy sessions with his sister Priyanka to help him regain his ability to speak.

"I Didn't Know If I Would Walk Or Talk Again"

Speaking to Free Press Journal about taking on his new role, Roy didn't shy away from describing just how frightening that period was. "When Karanvir Bohra and Madhavi approached me for this role, I was very happy. I was just a little worried about my speech problems, as I had a brain stroke while shooting in Kargil in 2020. But Karanvir supported me throughout," he said.

He went further, offering a stark look at the uncertainty he faced in the immediate aftermath. "After the brain stroke, I didn't know if I would be able to walk or talk again," Roy admitted - a sentence that captures just how far he has since come, even as speech difficulties continue to be part of his daily reality.

A Complete Lifestyle Overhaul

Roy's recovery hasn't just been physical and medical - it has meant a complete transformation of his lifestyle. The actor, who once smoked heavily and ate non-vegetarian food regularly, has since turned vegan and now follows a largely Jain diet, having given up onion, garlic, and milk altogether. He also revealed that his recovery remains an ongoing, daily commitment: he currently takes eight medicines every day after breakfast to manage his health.

Why It Matters: Life Beyond A Health Scare

Roy's openness about his condition offers a rare, unfiltered look at what long-term recovery from a brain stroke actually looks like for a public figure - beyond the initial headlines of hospitalisation and discharge that dominated coverage back in 2020 and 2021. His comments underscore that recovery from a stroke is often not a finite process but a continuing, disciplined effort involving medication, diet, and therapy, sometimes for years after the initial incident.

For fans who grew up watching him as Bollywood's original "national crush" in "Aashiqui," Roy's return to acting - even with the challenges he continues to navigate - is being seen as a significant and hard-earned milestone in itself.

What's Next For Rahul Roy

With "Super Badshah" marking a notable step back into performance-heavy work, Roy's comeback is likely to be closely watched by fans and industry observers alike, both for the show itself and as a marker of his continued recovery. His willingness to speak openly about his health, rather than keep it private, adds a layer of relatability to a story that is, at its core, about resilience and the slow, unglamorous work of rebuilding a life and a career after a medical crisis.

This is a developing story. Readers concerned about stroke symptoms or recovery are encouraged to consult a qualified medical professional.