Raghav Juyal praises the Telugu film industry for its deep respect and passion for cinema, highlighting how technicians and audiences celebrate filmmaking. The actor, making his Telugu debut with Nani-starrer The Paradise, says the experience has influenced his approach to work.
Actor-dancer Raghav Juyal has spoken about his experience working in the Telugu film industry, saying the culture of celebrating and respecting cinema has made a strong impression on him. Raghav is set to make his Telugu film debut with The Paradise, directed by Srikanth Odela and starring Nani in the lead role.
While discussing his experience of working on the upcoming film, Raghav highlighted the difference he observed in the way people associated with the Telugu industry approach filmmaking. According to the actor, the passion extends beyond completing professional responsibilities, with technicians, filmmakers and audiences showing a deep interest in every aspect of cinema.
“I have realised one thing, which I want to show in my work and in my place, that people celebrate and respect cinema so much over there. I had tears in my eyes when I saw how they respect each and every technician. They respect even the sound engineer; each and every audience knew who he was,” Raghav said.
He further explained that the experience taught him to look at filmmaking from a different perspective. “They don’t just come there to finish off their work. They are there to celebrate cinema. And that’s what I learned,” he added.
Raghav also credited The Paradise director Srikanth Odela, whom he affectionately calls “Srikanth Dada”, for influencing him during the making of the film. The project marks an important step in Raghav’s acting career as he enters Telugu cinema with the role of Vikram Maalik.
The Paradise features an ensemble cast that includes Nani, Mohan Babu, Kayadu Lohar, Sonali Kulkarni and Sampoornesh Babu alongside Raghav Juyal. The film is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on September 24, 2026.
Raghav’s journey to the big screen began with dance and television. Born and brought up in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, he gained recognition through Dance India Dance 3, where he became popular under the stage name “Crockroaxz”. His distinctive slow-motion dancing style helped him establish a strong identity among viewers.
He later became a familiar television personality through his work as a host. Raghav hosted several seasons of Dance Plus and was also associated with shows including Rising Star and Dance Champions. His television career helped him build a wider audience before he moved further into films.
Raghav made his film debut with Sonali Cable in 2014. He subsequently appeared in movies including ABCD 2, Nawabzaade, Street Dancer 3D and Bahut Hua Sammaan. He later featured in Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan and Yudhra.
His acting career received another significant turn with the 2024 action thriller Kill, in which he portrayed the antagonist Fani. His performance drew attention and was followed by appearances in the series Gyaarah Gyaarah and The Bads of Bollywood*.
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With The Paradise, Raghav is now entering Telugu cinema while bringing his experience across dance, television and Hindi films. His comments underline how his experience on the project has shaped his understanding of filmmaking, particularly the importance of respecting every technician and celebrating cinema as a collective effort.
