Raghav Juyal has written a heartfelt note for his The Paradise co-star Nani , opening up about the bond they share away from the cameras.
In a long Instagram post, Raghav called Nani his “safe place” and thanked him for being there during moments when he felt lost, whether it was about his career or life in general.
Talking about his experience in the film industry, Raghav admitted that there have been times when the uncertainty and pressure left him feeling lost. “In this industry, where things can sometimes feel uncertain and noisy, there have been moments when I’ve felt completely lost. He also made it clear that his admiration for the actor goes beyond his work. He wrote, “There are very few people in life who become your safe place without even knowing it. For me, Nani dada is one of those people. ❤️. I’ve tried many times to put into words what you means to me, and honestly, I still don’t think words will ever be enough. I genuinely love you and admire you so much— not just as an actor or an artist, but as a human being. And somehow, whenever I’ve been at one of those crossroads, you’ve always been there, Nani Dada,” he added. The two actors are currently seen together in The Paradise, directed by Srikanth Odela. Set in 1980s Secunderabad, the film follows the Savaari tribe, a marginalised community fighting for citizenship and basic rights under an oppressive feudal system. Raghav plays Vikram Malik, the son of a powerful landowner and one of the key antagonists in the story. The film also stars Kayadu Lohar, Sonali Kulkarni, Mohan Babu and Sampoornesh Babu. The Paradise marks Raghav’s Telugu film debut and sees him take on a very different role from the energetic and often comic characters audiences have seen him play in Hindi cinema.
Raghav said he had tried several times to explain what Nani meant to him, but still felt that words would not be enough. During those moments, he said, Nani was someone he could turn to.
“Dada, you’ve sat me down and spoke to me for hours. About cinema, about my career, about life, and sometimes about nothing in particular. You’ve heard me and understood me. You’ve never made me feel small for being confused or emotional. And somehow, after talking to you every time, the weight on my heart feels a little lighter. For the way you’ve always made space for me, listened to me, and just been there. Some people give you advice, but very few people make you feel understood and give you perspective. Nani dada you gave me both,” he added. Raghav also spoke about how Nani helped him think about his choices as an actor and the kind of career he wanted to build. He further wrote, “You helped me understand what kind of films I want to be a part of, what choices are worth making, and more importantly, what kind of person I want to remain while making them. I admire your craft, your mind, your honesty, your kindness and, more than anything, the person you are when nobody is watching.”
