Dancing away to glory

Mona

In his teens, Raghav Juyal caught a train to Mumbai with a dream in his heart. What followed was a period of intense struggle—sleeping on benches with no work and hardly any idea on how to get where he wanted to reach. Four years later, better known as Crock Roach, Raghav is happy as ABCD 2 gets ready to release in which is he is cast along known names like Varun Dhawan, Shraddha Kapoor and Prabhu Deva.

The happy, bubbly boy loves to share on how in this supporting role, not only he got to write his dialogues and choreograph his moves, but also earned company of fun loving Varun and Shraddha.

“ABCD 2 gave me chance to do all that I love—dance, travel and have fun with friends,” says Raghav, who plays a funny character with an emotional appeal.

This slow motion walk dancer, who got fame with Dance India Dance Season 3, has worked in many a reality shows before he debuted on silver screen with Sonali Cable that didn’t do well in the box office.

Just like everything else in life, Raghav wasn’t the one to be bogged down by the lukewarm response his first film. “Leaving home against my parents’ wishes, I have seen a lot in life. But I take everything in the positive spirit,” says Raghav, who believes in learning from everyday life around.

He sure has high hopes from ABCD 2. “Currently, I am enjoying being a part of the promotions,” admits Raghav, who found a relaxed boss in Remo D’Souza. “I love Remo Sir’s style of working. He is cool on sets and we ended up doing the major part of the shooting while having fun.”

Raghav has enjoyed his share of fame and among the highs in life is his unique style battle with his icons, French dancers Les Twins. He is thankful for the support he got from unexpected quarters. “Terrence sir supported me like anything. Now, that I am on track, I am glad my parents have accepted my wish to pursue a career of my choice,” says the boy who follows the dictum — Fame is devil, art is an angel. Fame will come and go; art will stay with you forever.

He’s been enjoying acting and dancing and writing poetry, trekking. He was in Nepal just three days before the major quake. Having heaved a sigh of relief, he duly sent relief material to the country he loves exploring. Painting is what he wants to explore next, of course, alongside his career in tinsel town!

ABCD 2 hits the screen on June 19.

mona@tribunemail.com