Kill: Raghav Juyal on Character Transformation, Success, and Struggles

Kill, is a 2023 Indian Hindi-language action thriller film written and directed by Nikhil Nagesh Bhat. It is jointly produced by Karan Johar, Guneet Monga, Apoorva Mehta, and Achin Jain. The film stars Lakshya, Raghav Juyal, Ashish Vidyarthi, Harsh Chhaya, and Tanya Maniktala. In this interview, Raghav Juyal Talks about his journey from being a backup dancer to being an actor on the big screen.

Well, the guest we have today is not unknown to any of our audience, we have seen you host, making people laugh, making them awestruck with his dance. How do you feel after receiving lots of love from the audience on the new venture you just did Raghav?
I actually wanted everybody to know that I am an actor too, Yes I can dance however I can act as well! I just wanted to break the stereotype that was there in people's minds, so that I could get more amazing roles and new and different challenging roles. I am getting appreciated by critics, journalists, reviewers, and yes the audience as well. The character is getting appreciated! This is the most valued thing for an actor. The hall was houseful and nothing else matters to an actor! They are showering the film with claps and whistles, which is the most wonderful thing for an actor like me! The film KALKI, which has actors like Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, Prabhas, etc. who are my inspirations, was also set to release beside our film! And still we two ( Lakshya and I) could pull our audience to our film! I feel really proud to be doing this really. Hollywood had approached us for the rights to our movie, as they want to get it remade, and that is a very big thing according to me! 

How was it for you while preparing for the role, Raghav?
The preparation was more so psychological rather than physical, and I think it's different for every actor! The preparation is actually very boring to explain, I did it for 9 months. Lots of discussions with the director about the character. It was actually very fun! 
What do you think is the specialty of this film?
The film’s specialty is its originality, there is nothing in this film that you will think like it is something you have seen earlier. This might be the reason why LIONSGATE (Hollywood’s Production Co.) has brought the rights to the film. They said that it’s an Indian Desi Genre Action Film. It is a small budget captivating film! The main thing is that it worked because of the audience's word of mouth! 

I have read that you had to do a lot of audience for this film, is that true?
I have a long ongoing relationship with auditions! I gave many auditions throughout my life. Guneet said that we had hundreds of auditions and Raghav stood out to us! Everybody dreams of getting a small role in a DHARMA Movie and I got a lead!
Raghav, the audience has already known you as a dancer, choreographer, host, and now a Dharma Hero. How are facing this phase of life right now?
This is a huge deal for me! I don’t think I can even put it in words honestly. I used to be a dancer and the journey you just mentioned I went through all that! When I say the hall, Housefull, and the Dharma Production music being played, which I saw in K3G, being played for me. I was wearing a hoodie covering my face, with my mom by my side, I got a bit teary-eyed watching that! Me and Lakshya both have worked really hard! Many renowned directors have messaged me saying that you have worked amazingly in the film! It was a big deal! And Today is my Birthday as well and it was made more special!

You came in as a dancer in the industry, and now you have made such a great impact as an actor too, did you ever think that you would be doing such a thing?
I live my life in the moment always. I never thought that I would do dancing to become an actor later. I was always into performing arts and being an actor came to me naturally. I was always so attracted to acting and seeing people act! While training only I got to know that it is such an internal thing! 
Thank you so much, Raghav, all the best for your journey ahead, you have done an amazing job in the film. The transformation we have seen in the movie is just commendable!

What would you like to tell your audience?
I would like to say that, keep working on yourself, and keep working on your craft. Whatever you are doing, be the best version of it! Be honest and be happy!