Reena Roy is an Indian actress who was a leading lady of Hindi films from 1972 to 1985. She made her film debut at the age of 15 with the drama Zaroorat (1972), but gained wider public recognition with her roles in the romantic comedy Jaise Ko Taisa (1973) and the romance-action film Zakhmee (1975). She also starred in several hit films such as Kalicharan (1976), Nagin (1976), Apnapan (1977), Jaani Dushman (1979), Aasha (1980), Naseeb (1981), Sanam Teri Kasam (1982) and Arpan (1983).
Roy was born as Saira Ali, the third daughter of Sadiq Ali, a small-time actor and Sharda Rai, an actress and producer. She had three siblings who all disowned their father after the parents divorced. Her mother renamed all the four children after the divorce. Roy was initially named Roopa Rai, which was changed to \”Reena Roy\” by the producer of her first film, Zaroorat. ¹
Roy had a highly-publicised love affair with actor Shatrughan Sinha, but in 1983, she decided to quit the film industry to marry Pakistani cricketer Mohsin Khan. The couple later divorced in the 1990s; Roy found it difficult to adjust with Khan’s flamboyant lifestyle. ² Roy initially lost custody of her daughter Sanam, but after her ex-husband remarried, Roy regained custody. ²
Roy returned to India in 1992 and made a comeback in Hindi cinema with the drama Aadmi Khilona Hai (1993). She further acted in supporting roles notably in the romance-action films Ajay (1996) and Gair (1999), and the romantic drama Refugee (2000). Since the early 2000s, she has primarily focused on raising her daughter, but has made occasional appearances on television, most recently on Indian Idol. Along with her sister Barkha, Roy also runs an acting school.
Roy is known for her beauty, grace and versatility as an actress. She has won several awards and accolades for her performances, including the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress for Apnapan, which she declined due to categorical issues. She has also been honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award by Zee Cine Awards in 2018.