Rag Mayur’s journey from a boy growing up in Hyderabad’s RTC Cross Roads to becoming a sought-after actor in Telugu cinema is nothing short of inspiring. Known for his versatility and ability to take on unconventional roles, he has carved a niche for himself in the industry
suresh kavirayani
Rag Mayur is a name that has been making waves in Telugu cinema. From his recent hit web series Sivarapalli, which has remained in the top 10 even after seven weeks, to his acclaimed roles in Gandhi Tatha Chettu and Veeranjaneyula Vihara Yatra, the young actor is proving his mettle with every project. His versatility has left a lasting impression, leading many to believe that he has the potential to excel in a variety of roles if given the right opportunities.
“I want to explore all shades—positive, negative, or grey. But my only condition is that each role should be different from my previous ones. That’s why I am selective about my projects,” says Rag Mayur.
Born and raised in Hyderabad, Rag Mayur completed his degree in Computer Science from Osmania University. Growing up near RTC Cross Roads, a hub for cinema enthusiasts, he was constantly surrounded by the magic of movies. “Every day, I used to see the theaters—Sandhya, Sudarshan, Devi, Odeon—and watch films of Chiranjeevi and Shah Rukh Khan. Maybe that’s what ignited my passion for cinema,” he shares. Despite being a bright student, the allure of films remained strong in his mind.
After earning his degree, he moved to the USA for his Master’s but soon realized he wasn’t happy there. “I missed home, so I returned to Hyderabad and started working,” he recalls. Around 2014, he began his professional journey in Bengaluru as an IT employee. With weekends free, he joined a theater group and started writing about films for a website. He also experimented with filmmaking, directing and acting in short films. One of his projects, Rama Kanavemira, went viral in 2016, garnering over a million views. That success reinforced his decision to focus solely on acting, prompting him to send portfolios and attend auditions.
His big break came when director Praveen Kandregula cast him in a demo film for Cinemabandi. “Usually, demo films are made to pitch the concept to production houses, and when a project gets approved, established actors are brought in. But producers Raj & DK insisted that the original cast remain intact. That’s how Cinemabandi became my debut, and it turned out to be a major success, staying at the top for two weeks,” says Rag Mayur.
Following Cinemabandi, he received nearly 50 offers from both small and big films. However, he was careful not to get typecast. “Many wanted me to play similar village-based roles, but repeating the same character is the fastest way to fade out in the industry. So, I made a conscious decision to be selective,” he explains.
One of his standout performances came in Keedaa Cola, directed by Tharun Bhascker, where he played a unique role that earned him critical acclaim. His next project, the web film Veeranjaneyula Vihara Yatra, released on ETV Win, was both commercially and critically successful. “I played a serious role in this film. Interestingly, the director had seen my short film years ago and remembered me for this part,” he says.
His latest hit, Sivarapalli, streaming on Amazon, is an adaptation of the Hindi series Panchayat, but with a fresh take in Telugu. “I watched the original three times to understand its essence but made sure not to copy the acting. Bringing my own interpretation was a big challenge, but I’m grateful for the appreciation,” he shares.
A standout aspect of Rag Mayur’s journey is his ability to master regional accents. In Cinemabandi, he perfected the Rayalaseema dialect, in Keedaa Cola, he adopted a Telangana accent, and for his upcoming film Garividi Lakshmi, he trained rigorously for 40 days to nail the challenging Srikakulam dialect. “I play a Burrakatha artist in this one,” he reveals.
Stepping into villainous territory, Rag Mayur took on a negative role in Gandhi Tatha Chettu, directed by Padmavathi. “Initially, they wanted a 50-year-old actor, but the director felt I could do it. The team had doubts, but after seeing my audition, they were convinced,” he shares.
He is meticulous in preparing for his roles, maintaining a notebook where he jots down details about each character. “I don’t consider myself a spontaneous actor. I prepare thoroughly, consult with directors, and adapt as needed. That preparation allows me to make last-minute changes effortlessly,” he explains.
With roots in both Vijayawada and Hyderabad, Rag Mayur attributes his ease with different accents to his family background. “My grandparents are from Andhra, which might be why I can adapt to different regional tones easily,” he says.
Looking ahead, he plays Anupama Parameswaran’s love interest in Paradha, directed by Praveen Kandregula. He has also signed a film with Geetha Arts 2. “It’s a completely different role from anything I’ve done before, and I’m excited for audiences to see it,” he concludes.
With his dedication to craft, keen script selection, and ability to bring diverse characters to life, Rag Mayur is undoubtedly a rising star to watch in Telugu cinema.
