We caught the CROCKROAXZ

Raghav Juyal aka Crockroaxz who amazed everyone around the world with his slow-motion dance, in Dance India Dance season 3, needs no introduction. Apart from being a dancer, he has been a choreographer for a television show and has showed his acting skills in ‘Sonali Cable’, which did not do well at box office but that did not stop Raghav from further experimenting with his screen presence.

His latest project, ABCD 2, which is all set to release on June 19th 2015, is what he is really excited about. We caught up with Crockroaxz in an exclusive conversation with us and got to know about the inside stories of ABCD 2 and about Raghav in real life:

People hardly recognize you with your original name, does that bother you?

People do know me as Raghav Juyaal but yes they know me more as Crockroaxz. However, it doesn’t matter to me as far as they like my work.

You have stepped into different art-forms and roles, like- choreographer, dancer and actor, which one you like the most?

I love acting as an art-form. I tend to travel a lot and whenever I do, I notice every single thing around. I try to own and capture whatever I have learnt from nature and enact it in front of the camera. So, my inspiration lies in nature as it surprises me, excites me and gives me something new to take back.

Tell us about your experience of working behind and in front of camera?

I have not done a lot of work behind the camera except choreography but the moment I come in front of the camera, I am in a state of trance where I am making love to it. I believe both the platforms, one behind the camera and the one in front of it, have quite a different experience altogether but the similarity lies in the fact that one has to prove themselves at both the places.

How has ‘Dance India Dance’ helped you?

DID (Dance India Dance) was my first step towards the industry. It became a door for me to explore various things, one of them being acting. This industry has sort of become a college for me, since, I landed here right after getting over with my higher education. I am going with the flow and accepting everything that comes my way.

What you think about dance in India?

Dance in India is evolving and popping up as a huge career option. I have seen parents encouraging their children to make dance their career. However, when it comes to reality shows, I have worked with kids and the kind of pressure the production people and even parents put on them is not at all right.

I was not happy with what was happening with the kids because for a mere show, their creativity was being hampered. However, for adults it is an amazing opportunity because it is a single door to many other doors of creativity and career.

“I do not believe in being best in one arena, I want to explore everything which has some sort of connection with art.”

What is Raghav’s USP?

My USP lies in the fact that whether it is a rain drop or a leaf falling from a tree or the way you must be expressing while talking to me, I can make a step out of it.

How slow-motion dance came into picture?

I believe I was born ‘slow-motion’. I was slow in studies too; imagine I could never complete my exam’s question paper even for once. So, I decided to make my weakness as my strength. It took me a lot of time to amalgamate slow motion and dance and I still feel I am imperfect.

So, how do you spend your day?

I live every moment and once I think I have lived enough for the day, I work. I just cannot work the entire day rather I believe in quality work. People often call me unprofessional but I believe and express to them that if I do become a professional, I might lose the charm I have in me, as a performer or as an actor.

Tell us something about ABCD 2 team’s bonding?

We are like a family now. The practice behind screens, the parties and everything has made us so comfortable and has made our bonding so strong that it is also visible on screen.

How was working with Remo D’souza and Prabhu Deva?

Remo sir is very relaxed and stable, and he makes us feel the same. Prabhu sir is a unique dancer; no one can follow his steps. He is very calm but very naughty.

And what would you say about Shraddha Kapoor?

Shraddha has nailed it man! I just cannot believe how good she is. We were not expecting that she would be able to dance so well. She is very professional and hardworking and looking at her makes me proud. She is all in one package- amazing singer, actor and now dancer.

You have a great female fan following, so who is your dream girl?

Oh my god! I am blushing here! Well, my mother has told me to stay away from such things (laughing out loud). On a serious note, I think it is all about connection and spark. I have not dated anyone till now because I do not believe in channelizing love (laughs again).

“Fame is a devil and art is an angel. It is the art that would stay with you not the fame”

Any other hobby that you follow?

Other than dancing, I have developed a craze for skateboarding. I wake up early and practice the sport.

Any message to the dancers?

Be honest and love your art.

So, here’s our hero of slow dancing, if you have any questions for him, feel free and write to us: