From Journalism to Stardom: Chandan Roy's Inspiring Journey in Acting

Chandan Roy's journey from journalism to acting is a testament to his determination and talent. After gaining fame through the web series Panchayat, he reflects on his career choices and the importance of depth in character roles. His latest project, Aakhri Ride, showcases his growth as an actor. Discover how a simple encounter in his village changed his perspective on fame and success.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 4, 2026, 10:40 IST

Chandan Roy's Leap into Acting

Actor Chandan Roy made a bold transition from a stable journalism career to the unpredictable realm of acting in Mumbai. After a year of taking on minor television roles, he found his big break with the 2020 web series Panchayat. Released amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the series quickly became a hit on OTT platforms, attracting viewers from various regions beyond just major cities.

While the show garnered both critical acclaim and commercial success, Roy experienced a defining moment that highlighted its widespread impact. During a trip back to his village in Bihar, he was riding on his uncle’s motorcycle with a sack of flour when a local approached him. The fan stopped to commend Roy on his performance in Panchayat, and after a request for a selfie, Roy realized the show's popularity extended far beyond urban centers like Mumbai and Delhi.

Career Choices and Artistic Development

Navigating Career Choices and Artistic Growth

As his career has progressed, Roy has become more discerning about the roles he takes on. He reflects on his early career days when financial pressures often influenced his project choices. Now, he finds himself in a position to be more selective, with a focus on avoiding typecasting, particularly the clichéd role of the 'hero’s friend.' He believes that even supporting characters should have depth and a well-defined backstory instead of merely existing as background figures.

Throughout his journey, Roy has had the privilege of working alongside seasoned actors like Neena Gupta and Raghubir Yadav. He stresses the importance of developing his unique style rather than mimicking others, yet acknowledges that observing experienced actors offers valuable insights into professionalism. He specifically mentioned Raghubir Yadav’s disciplined approach to his craft, noting that the veteran actor treats his scripts with the same diligence as a student, a practice that has profoundly influenced him.

Currently, Roy is featured in the short film Aakhri Ride, which is produced by Anurag Kashyap and Vasan Bala, and directed by Yashoda Parthasarthy and Vijesh Rajan. The film is available for viewing on the YouTube channel Oh Short Flips.