Raghav Juyal is all set to play a significant role in Salman Khan’s next, Kisi Ki Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan. Pic: Instagram
Speaking exclusively to News18 Shosha, Raghav Juyal talks about his bonding with Salman, outside hustle and working with Guneet Monga.
Raghav Juyal won hearts with his impressive dancing skills on Dance India Dance and has remained an audience favorite ever since. After Street Dancer 3D and Bahut Hua Samman, the dance maestro is all set to play a pivotal role in Salman Khan’s next film Kisi Ki Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan. Speaking exclusively to News18 Shosha, Raghav talks about his bonding with Salman, outdoor hustle and working with Oscar-winning producer, Guneet Monga.
Starting off as a reality show contestant, Raghav has come a long way. He faced rejection from the judges, but quickly gained a massive following as fans began copying his style. Since then, he has hosted gigs for several dance reality shows. At a time when the ‘outsider vs insider’ debate is gaining ground, Raghav believes there are ample opportunities for outsiders.
“Yes, there are lot of opportunities for outsiders. But, only if you work hard at your craft and hone your skills. If you just want to be a celebrity or a star then it is a different story altogether. But, if your ultimate goal is to do well and shine as an actor, then you have to do what actors are expected to do – read plays, take workshops, appear for auditions, practice acting – you Have to keep working on yourself. In fact, I want to continue appearing for acting auditions – it’s the only way to go and I have no regrets about it. One has to constantly work on one’s craft if one wants to make a long haul,” he says.
Talking about his journey so far, Raghav says that this is just the beginning for him and he does not believe in romanticizing struggles. He shared, “I started as a background dancer and joined a studio in Mumbai. I still believe this is just the beginning for me. While I have worked in a few films, it is with Kisi Ki Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan that my journey truly began. I feel blessed to have got the opportunity to work with Salman bhai. I have shot for some interesting projects and all I can say is that I am in a good place.
In fact, Raghav’s bonding with Salman has been the talk of the town lately. His pranks on the sets are going viral. Talking about the superstar, Raghav says, “He is really fun – especially with me! I used to go to his farmhouse, take rest and freshen up on many occasions. In fact, I still do! For an outsider like me – who hails from a small place in Uttarakhand – it is a surreal feeling. the fact that Salman Khan chose to work with me and showed faith in my craft that hasn’t sunk yet. When I got his call, I didn’t think twice before accepting. I come from a middle-class family and our thoughts are still like ‘Hey, Sallu Bhai’s film is coming’ and think I am in that film. KKBKKJ is one such film which is completely ‘Hindustani’ film. We have not tried to copy the West. You will smell the soil of the country.
On the work front, Raghav has just wrapped up shooting for Ravi Udyavar’s Yuddha, produced by Farhan Akhtar’s Excel Entertainment, starring Siddhant Chowravedi and Malavika Mohanan. He is also a part of two projects of Guneet Monga. Talking about the double shifts he had to manage to complete all the shoots, he says, “I had to shoot for two shifts as KKBKKJ was earlier scheduled to release in December 2022. Also, for Guneet’s next film, we had only one studio. some time. Being a production-friendly actor is very important. In times like these, one can’t really go on with a crew, coming late to the sets, ordering food worth lakhs to put pressure on the production. It is a collaborative process and an actor has to be a thorough professional.”
“I was down with dengue but it didn’t take more than two days to recover and be back on the sets of KKBKKJ. I knew that Bhai (Salman Khan) was under a lot of pressure to release the film and I could not take any leeway.”
Reminiscing about working with Oscar-winning producer Guneet Monga, Raghav says, “She is amazing. It is a pleasure for an actor to work in a Guneet production. The script, the way they work – working with his team is creatively satisfying. I am very proud to work with an Oscar winning producer. The project has shaped up really well.
The actor was one of the few people who were at the airport to receive the filmmaker when she came down from Los Angeles after winning the Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Film.
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