Raghu Ram Reveals Why He Left Roadies: “I Was No Longer Myself”

Raghu Ram Reflects on His Journey with Roadies: Why He Was Tough and Why He Left

Raghu Ram, the former judge of the hit reality show Roadies, opened up about his time on the show, explaining his tough demeanor, the reasons behind it, and why he eventually chose to leave. Known for his intense and confrontational style, Raghu revealed that his approach aimed to bring out the true personalities of the contestants.

Connecting with Contestants

Raghu explained, “I responded to contestants based on how they approached me. If someone was respectful, I treated them kindly.” He shared a touching memory of a contestant, Raju Babu Chaudhary, during Roadies 9. Raju, who ran a vada pav stall, requested Raghu to smile, saying he’d feel scared otherwise. This moment led to a warm hug instead of the usual grilling.

Raghu admitted that he sometimes made the process tougher for contestants he liked, to ensure they resonated with the audience. “If I favored someone, I would intensify the selection process. Viewers are judges too, and it’s important to draw out emotions—whether contestants cried, argued, or stood their ground,” he explained. He and his team even used coded notes to communicate preferences.

Leaving Roadies: Too Much Pressure

Raghu eventually left Roadies due to increasing interference from producers, who wanted more drama and exaggerated behavior. “I was asked to scream at contestants to create tension. It reached a point where I felt I was no longer myself but was dancing to their tune,” he said.

Reflecting on his departure, Raghu explained, “As you become more successful, the pressure to cater to expectations grows. That’s why Rajiv (Lakshman) and I walked away. Success was turning me into someone I didn’t want to be.”

The Evolution of Roadies

Raghu expressed disappointment with the current direction of Roadies, feeling it has shifted from its original purpose of showcasing contestants’ authentic personalities. “Today’s Roadies is what the producers wanted to create, not what I envisioned,” he said.

He revealed that his tough persona on the show reflected his own struggles. “I was dealing with anger and frustration toward society and the world at that time. The Raghu you saw on Roadies was an honest representation of those emotions. It wasn’t a calculated act—it was authentic, and that’s why it resonated.”

Moving Forward

While acknowledging the efforts of the current Roadies team, Raghu believes the show has lost its authenticity. “I don’t think Roadies is dishonest, but it’s no longer unique. I hope they find their own identity instead of trying to replicate what they think works,” he said.

Raghu’s candid insights shed light on the behind-the-scenes reality of Roadies and how staying true to oneself remains a challenge in the world of entertainment.