In the early 1990s, a new face emerged in Bollywood, captivating audiences with his charm and screen presence. Rahul Roy, the star of the sleeper hit "Aashiqui" (1990), became an overnight sensation, rivaling the popularity of established stars like Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan. His success was meteoric, with subsequent hits like "Pyaar Ka Saaya" and "Junoon" solidifying his position as the next big thing in the industry. At 26, he was considered a brighter prospect than Salman and Aamir Khan, while Shah Rukh was still finding his footing.

However, this promising start was short-lived. Despite the initial wave of success, Roy's career trajectory took an unexpected turn. A string of unsuccessful films, reportedly twenty straight flops, led to a rapid decline in his stardom. The actor who was once touted as the future of Bollywood found himself struggling to maintain his position in the industry.

Adding to his professional woes, a tragic accident further complicated matters. While the specific details of the accident are not mentioned in the provided context, it seemingly had a significant impact on Roy's life and career. The accident, coupled with the string of flops, relegated him to participating in reality shows and eventually left him on the verge of bankruptcy.

The contrast between Roy's initial success and subsequent struggles is stark. While Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan went on to define superstardom in Bollywood over the next three decades, Roy's career dwindled. The reasons for his decline are multifaceted, ranging from poor film choices to the unfortunate accident that disrupted his life.

In comparison to Shah Rukh Khan, who overcame initial challenges to become a global icon, Roy's journey highlights the unpredictable nature of the film industry. SRK, despite facing competition from other rising stars, adapted to changing times and continued to deliver content that resonated with audiences. His brand remained strong, and he evolved as an actor, experimenting with different roles and genres.

Roy's story serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating how quickly fortunes can change in the entertainment world. While he achieved early success and was once compared to the biggest names in Bollywood, a combination of factors led to his downfall. His experience underscores the importance of making strategic career decisions, adapting to industry trends, and the role that unforeseen circumstances can play in shaping an actor's trajectory. Despite the setbacks, Rahul Roy's initial impact on Bollywood remains noteworthy, reminding us of the fleeting nature of fame and the challenges of maintaining success in a competitive industry.