Raghav Juyal, who rose to major prominence last year with Netflix’s The Ba*ds of Bollywood, created and directed by Aryan Khan, recently opened up about the filmmaker’s reserved public persona. Having shared a close friendship with Shah Rukh Khan’s son for years, Raghav addressed the question that has often sparked curiosity online—why Aryan rarely smiles in front of the cameras.Raghav said in an interview with Pinkvilla, “He doesn’t want to fake it, and I don’t think he wants to put on an act. That’s just who he is, and I think he should be allowed to be that way. He’s incredibly creative, free-flowing, and kind. That’s his nature.”He also shared that Aryan’s personality behind closed doors is very different from what people see in public. “If he doesn’t want to smile, that’s his choice. At home, he laughs, jokes around, and has fun,” Raghav added.In the same interview, Raghav responded to speculation about his relationship with actor Shehnaaz Gill after she publicly expressed support for his upcoming film. Putting the rumours to rest, he emphasised that they share a deep friendship rooted in trust and mutual care.“We’re family. She’s like family to me. She’s someone who leads with her heart. Ever since I met her during the making of Bhaijaan, we’ve always been there for each other. If anything ever happens, I know she’ll be there for me, and I’ll be there for her. We’re like family. We share a wonderful friendship, and that’s something I want to preserve,” he said.Raghav also reflected on the viral clip from earlier this month that showed him protecting Shehnaaz as fans crowded around her. Explaining why he reacted the way he did, the actor credited his upbringing.“My parents raised me to be a man. If you had been there with me, or any woman, and a group of men had pounced on her, I was brought up to throw a solid punch if needed. That’s how I’ve been raised. I can’t be that detached, urban guy who just stands by. I couldn’t do it. I will protect till my death, my friends, my family, and any woman I’m with. Whether it’s you or any other woman, that’s simply my nature,” he said.
