Shakti Mohan Breaks Silence on Raghav Juyal's Dance Plus Romance Narrative
In a candid revelation, acclaimed dancer Shakti Mohan has addressed the much-discussed on-screen pairing with Raghav Juyal on the popular reality show Dance Plus. While audiences were captivated by their apparent chemistry, Mohan clarifies that their off-screen relationship was strictly rooted in friendship and mutual professional respect.
'Our Guy Is Winning': Shakti's Admiration for Raghav's Character
Speaking exclusively to interviewer Siddharth Kannan, Shakti expressed deep admiration for Raghav Juyal, not just as a performer but as an individual. "I felt very connected with him. It felt like our guy is winning," she shared. "I think he is next level—not merely because of his achievements, but as a person. He is truly one of a kind."
She elaborated on Raghav's unique worldview, particularly his perspectives on societal issues and gender dynamics. "He possesses an entirely different way of thinking... I had never heard such things before in my life," Mohan revealed. She noted how he would critically examine social norms, pointing out disparities like how men can be carefree in public while women cannot enjoy the same liberty. "He wasn't saying it from a wrong point of view—it's our society and our thinking that he was questioning," she added.
The 'Weird Transition' from Friendship to Scripted Romance
Shakti Mohan admitted that the romantic angle between her and Raghav was largely manufactured for television drama. "Before the show, we were very normal friends—we would fight like brother and sister. Then suddenly, they started creating a romantic angle. It was scripted that he would tease me. It was a very weird transition for us," she confessed.
She recalled how people would jest about her potentially becoming "Mrs Juyal," to which Raghav responded with his characteristic wit. "He would say, 'Why can't I become Mr Mohan?' I thought—this thought can only come from Raghav. I love the way he thinks," Shakti said with a smile.
Uncomfortable Moments and Family Reactions
The dancer also disclosed an on-stage moment that left her feeling uneasy. "There was even a kiss moment created. Honestly, I didn't know about it. I was told something like—if this happens, Raghav will kiss you. I was like, why? Why is this happening?" she recounted.
Even show judge Remo D'Souza encouraged the act during the performance. "I'm a very obedient person and at that time I didn't stand my ground. My parents were watching. But I still did it—and you can see how uncomfortable I was," she revealed.
Shakti's family, particularly her father, was displeased with the portrayal. "My father was upset. He even came to the show and questioned the makers—why are you showing this? I told him there's nothing like that, I can even tie him a rakhi," she shared. To this day, relatives persist in asking her mother about a potential wedding, highlighting how far the narrative extended.
A Clean Bond Beyond the Screen
Despite the manufactured romance, Shakti emphasized that their personal bond remained unaffected. "I knew his girlfriend, he knew everything about my life. It was a very clean bond. We never saw it like that. It was just for entertainment," she stated firmly.
Reflecting on the experience, she holds no bitterness. "I don't think it was wrong. Makers will do whatever to make it entertaining. It doesn't have to be taken personally. Neither he nor I saw it that way. It was just for entertainment," Mohan concluded, underscoring the professional nature of their collaboration.
