Raghu Ram, a name associated with early days of Roadies, left an indelible mark on the reality show that became iconic in Indian television. For 11 years, Raghu’s intense persona and unfiltered reactions were the backbone of the show. Aspiring contestants would audition not just to be part of Roadies but to stand before the man who embodied its spirit. However, in 2014, Raghu made the surprising decision to leave the show, a move that raised questions but brought him peace.
In a recent interview, Raghu candidly discussed why he stepped away from Roadies. He admitted that his on-screen outbursts weren’t scripted. They were raw and real, driven by genuine emotions. This authenticity, he explained, was essential to the show’s appeal, but it came at a personal cost. Over time, Raghu found himself facing increasing pressure to maintain the aggressive persona. Producers wanted more drama, more shouting—anything to keep the show’s ratings high.
“As you grow bigger, you feel the pressure to cater,” Raghu said, highlighting the toll of fame. He shared that both he and his twin brother, Rajiv, left when they realized they were losing control over their own real self. The demands to act in ways that didn’t feel genuine became overwhelming. Raghu remarked, “It’s a good problem because you are a success, but now you are no longer you. You belong to them.”
The impact of Roadies went beyond professional struggles; it deeply affected Raghu’s personal life. In an earlier interview also, he opened up about how the show strained his marriage to his first wife Sugandha Garg. The constant attention, coupled with the pressure of the show, created cracks in their relationship. Eventually, the strain became too much, and the couple decided to part ways. Reflecting on those years, Raghu shared, “My marriage was suffering. Ultimately, I got divorced.”
His time on Roadies also took a toll on his health. Raghu revealed that both his mental and physical well-being deteriorated, which further cemented his decision to walk away. He expressed no regrets about leaving the show behind, stating that he hasn’t watched it since his departure. Reflecting on a brief return with his brother, he made it clear that the Roadies he knew no longer exists. “It’s not ‘that’ Roadies now. The format is different. When Rajiv and I walked away, that show ended.”
Recently, nostalgia swept over Raghu when Rannvijay Singha, a longtime face of Roadies, posted a video to celebrate 20 years of the show. Riding across a desert, Rannvijay proudly declared himself a “hardcore roadie,” evoking fond memories for Raghu, who commented, “I remember this one. Full nostalgia.” In Roadies XX, fans are eagerly anticipating Rannvijay’s return as host, joined by YouTuber Elvish Yadav and familiar faces like Neha Dhupia, Prince Narula, and Rhea Chakraborty as gang leaders.
Raghu Ram’s departure from Roadies marked the end of an era. His decision to prioritize authenticity and well-being over fame is a reminder that growth often comes from letting go, even when it’s difficult. Though he has moved on, his legacy remains a defining part of the show’s history.