Raghav Juyal, the spunky dancer who has entertained with his sleek moves and on-stage antics over the years, has just unleashed a new avatar that is terrifying yet fabulous. Mercilessly wringing out every bit of his affable persona from his system, he transforms into the ruthless and psychotic villain, Fani in Nikhil Nagesh Bhat's action thriller laden with bloody graphic violence, Kill. If Juyal is smooth as a dancer, he is effortless as an actor and a revelation. Right from his diction and dialogue delivery to his body language, as Fani he is on point. We caught up with the talented 32-year-old, basking in the glory of his breakthrough act, to talk about Bollywood, reality TV, and everything in between!
Most challenging part about playing Fani
He is a chilled out but really menacing character, which is diametrically opposite to what I am. But that is also precisely why I wanted to do it; it would prove my versatility as an actor. I had to prep to get the mental space of the character, but the process was very interesting.
Most difficult part about being a professional actor:
The patience. It takes time to get a movie and then that movie to get made and get a release. I have been trying to land a film for the last 6/7 years!
Most difficult part about being a professional dancer:
Injuries. A serious injury can put a pause in your career, and you have to prepare your body from scratch again.
One myth about reality shows that you want to bust:
It’s a myth that you can use your connections or money to get selected!
One myth about Bollywood that you want to bust:
That your social media follower count can get you acting jobs. There is no alternative to hard work and the auditions. You have to show your craft to land a part.
Tell us something about your acting training
I have trained under Saurabh Sachdeva for about 5 years. I have also taken training from Raghav Aggarwal. Training and practicing the craft is crucial for an actor—join an acting class or join a theatre group but you have to keep doing it to learn its nuances.
Tell us something about your dance training
I am self-trained; I have been dancing since I was a kid.
Your favourite dance moment from a movie or a music video and why
Hrithik Roshan in Kaho Na….. Pyaar Hai. He brought in something new and fresh.
First Bollywood movie that impacted you:
Swades.
One thing about your hometown that you miss the most:
The mountains, rivers, and the momos!
Mumbai monsoon in three words:
Potholes, the Western Ghats, and the way the streetlights look in the rain!
Favourite monsoon activity:
Trekking in the Western Ghats.
You favouite monsoon trek:
Plus Valley and Tamhini Ghat has some gorgeous routes.
Three monsoon wardrobe staples:
Umbrella, gumboots, and raincoat.
Your idea of a perfect date:
A nature walks or a bike ride.
The most precious possession in your wardrobe:
My boxers and my T-shirts that I wear at home…they are so comfortable that they have become priceless.
The most precious possession in your shoe closet:
My trekking boots and Birkenstock chappals.
The biggest life lesson from a movie quote:
“Babumoshai, zindagi badi honi chahiye, lambi nahi” from the movie Anand.
