People are often surprised to find out that Raghu Ram is of Telugu origin. The popular TV host-turned actor, thinks that’s because of his upbrining. “Most people think I’m Punjabi. Perhaps that’s because I grew up in Delhi. But I grew up in a pucca Telugu home,” says the actor as he settles down for a tete-e-tete with Hyderabad Times. In a candid chat, Raghu sets the record straight about his Telugu roots.
‘My family has a deep-rooted connection with Telugu theatre’Our family has a rich history in media and drama. We grew up with a plethora of newspapers at home. My parents were deeply involved in Telugu theatre. They both won National Awards for their roles in the play Sandhya Chhaya, a Gujarati play translated into Telugu. I also discovered that my paternal ancestors were involved in drama. This heritage has subtly influenced our lives, nurturing a deep, enduring love for media and drama across generations, distinct from typical film dynasties.
My father was a talented artiste at heart, but like many, he pursued a stable career, becoming a bank manager and later establishing his own chartered accountancy practice. Once my siblings and I were settled, he decided to follow his passion for the Telugu language, working as a translator and voice actor for Telugu advertisements. He also had a love for acting. As for myself, I have acted in Hindi films, web series, a Punjabi film, and a Tamil film, but never had the opportunity to act in a Telugu film while he was alive. So when Keeda Cola came my way, I grabbed it with both hands.
I spent my childhood summers in Hyderabad, but my understanding of the city and its culture was limited. However, I’m still discovering the many facets of the city even now, and I love it – Raghu Ram
Raghu Ram
‘My time at CIEFL is one of my fondest memories’I studied at Osmania University through an external students program, which was unlike regular college. We had to self-study and were responsible for our own education. I pursued a BA degree, completing exams over two years. Rajiv and I would study on the train to Hyderabad for our exams, staying in CIEFL (now EFLU) hostel. Our dad supported us throughout, taking us to the exam centre and back. People often stared at us, especially since we wore identical kurta pyjamas, creating a buzz at the hostel. We made friends easily, including a fun chess match and helping a fellow student without a textbook. Those weeks fostered lasting friendships and are among my fondest memories.
‘I am starting to take acting more seriously now’Keeda Cola has ignited a profound shift in my approach to acting. Telugu cinema often stereotypes villains as outsiders, and I’ve discovered my niche within this portrayal. While many perceive me as a ‘badass,’ a label fitting for such antagonistic roles, I refuse to conform to typical stereotypes like the bald or comedic villain. Embracing this challenge may paint me as rude, but post-Roadies, I’ve endeavoured to break free from such constraints. My language and cultural familiarity enable me to venture into varied roles, crafting villains that resonate with audiences, offering a more relatable and intriguing perspective. My unique background and image enrich this versatility, propelling me to delve into diverse characters beyond the conventional villain roles.
Telugu cinema often stereotypes villains as outsiders, and I’ve discovered my niche with my Tollywood debut. My language and cultural familiarity enable me to venture into varied roles, crafting villains that resonate with audiences – Raghu Ram
‘Hyderabad is a melting pot of diverse cultures’My childhood summers were spent in Hyderabad, but my understanding of the city and its culture was limited. Initially, I thought Telugu was the only language spoken in all of Andhra. However, through my travels and Roadies auditions, I discovered its diverse cultures, like the Nizami and Dakhni. Hyderabad is a matrix of cultures, and it resonates with every part of me – my Hindi, English, and Telugu. For me, Hyderabad remains a journey of discovery, a place where I’m still uncovering its many secrets and thoroughly enjoying it.
I’ve extensively explored unique street food spots and late-night hangouts in the city. My Telugu heritage has instilled in me a love for spicy flavours, which Hyderabad particularly caters to with its delicious biryani - Raghu Ram– Shrestha Mukherjee
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