I don’t believe in paid publicity on social media, says Rahul Roy

Rahul Roy became an overnight sensation with his debut film, Aashiqui (1990). As someone who had no godfather, connections or knowledge about the business, Roy admits that things wouldn’t have been the same if Aashiqui was a flop. “I don’t know... maybe there would’ve been fewer films. Had they not worked over a period of time, I’d have gone back and worked with my father in Delhi,” he says.

Emphasising that you shouldn’t let failures get to you mentally, Roy, 52, suggests, “All stars, who’re superstars today and are of my age, haven’t they faced failures? What’s important is for you to have the mental capacity to be able to differentiate criticism that’s irrelevant and [comes from] people who’re frustrated with their own lives and venting it out on you.”

Things have changed quite a bit with time, especially with the advent of social media. Roy, for one, doesn’t believe that the fan following on social media, which runs into millions, is real. “I don’t believe in paid publicity on social media, as I became a star when there were no Instagram followers… half the people who got millions, if they stand on their seats, nobody even recognises them,” retorts the actor, who feels true recognition is when you’re recognised on the streets.

“Even if my project is sh*t, [people] will say it and snap back. I’m talking about actual aficionados, not the trolls. Unko toh main ginti mein bhi nahi leta hoon,” concludes Roy.

It’s no secret that the colours around us have an impact on us. Even researches have shown that colours affect our mood and behaviour. So if the monsoon is making you gloomy, surround yourself with vibrant hues and drive away the blues! “In spite of the lockdown having been lifted, our mental psyche is still in a box,” says Dr Anju

Sharma, a Delhi-based psychiatrist, adding that colours can enhance certain qualities in our personality. “For instance, a dash of orange can make you cheerful. Yellow helps calm one down when overwhelmed with anger,” she says. Even the sight of flowers makes most of us happy. “Most houses that look welcoming have flowers or greenery around them,” says Dr Shallu

Gupta, a colour therapist, adding, “Hang flower pots for a positive vibe, preferably with pink flowers. If real flowers are too much of an effort, use artificial ones. It’s the colour that matters.”

Acharya Dr Vinod Kumar, a Delhi-based vastu expert, adds, “Having white around will relax your mind and pull you out of a negative headspace.”

Interior designer Somya Agarwal also emphasises on the importance of art and natural light in living spaces. She says, “If you stay in a dingy, dark space, it’s bound to affect your mood. Allow natural light in through windows, for a few hours every day. Include art in your homes to bring vibrancy to any mute space.”

PHOTO: YOGEN SHAH PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK Rahul Roy