Action hero

Ronit Roy, the stern father of Udaan, wears a second hat - he runs a successful private security business

You are an actor, but what’s little known is that you also have a successful private security business. Of the two, which is more satisfying and more taxing?
(Laughs) There’s no comparison between the two; they are equally satisfying and taxing. Both require me to be responsible, physically and mentally. However, acting is a little easy as you are shooting in a simple and secure environment, but with the security business, I’m exposing myself to danger in order to protect my clients.

Tell us more about your company, Ace Security & Protection. When did you start it and how big is it?
I started the company in 1997. It is a small setup but we have tie-ups in Australia, Britain and Israel. I essentially started it with expertise and no capital. I underwent close protection operative course training at Dynamic Alternatives in South Africa. I was certified as a close protection officer before starting my company which is the Indian wing of Dynamic Alternatives. Our focus is on the entertainment sector in Hollywood, Bollywood and events. We secure films on location and provide the elite with close protection. We have deliberately kept ourselves small, as with larger numbers, quality dissipates.

What prompted you to start a security agency?
Security is the biggest business after hospitality in terms of revenues. Coming from the entertainment industry, I could gauge the security needs of high-profile celebrities. The government does not run close protection cells, and has only guards. So I decided to fill in the gap and start with this agency.

More than 100 film production houses and artists avail of your services. Can you name some of the high-profile clients whom you have personally escorted? Did you ever have an unpleasant experience?
Oh I’ve had many high-profile clients... from Aamir Khan and Hrithik Roshan to Kylie Minogue, Brad Pitt, Naomi Campbell and Nelly Furtado. Pitt and Minogue are extremely down-to-earth, affable, humble and friendly. Yes, I’ve had troubled experiences too. Some artists like Amitabh Bachchan are extremely security-savvy, so that helps. But that’s not the case always, as at times it becomes extremely difficult to keep some clients in check. We can at best make them aware, one can’t use force with them. Some are a bit fussy, but then that’s part of the job too.

After all the acclaim for your role in Udaan, what are you currently working on? Anything on TV?
Television gives me the requisite space to demonstrate my craft. And if a good project comes my way I shall do it whether that be the small or the big screen. Before television I had done some Hindi films, too. It’s a different story that many of them didn’t see the light of day. Currently, I’m doing Kitchen Champion and Bandini for Colors. I haven’t taken up any other television projects now. I am keen to work in films as well and talks are underway for two projects — one Bollywood and another international film — but it’s too early to say anything right now.