Rag Mayur talks about ‘Sivarapalli,’ his role and the OTT journey
In this candid Q&A session with Telangana Today, Rag shares insights about the series, his role and his journey.
Hyderabad: Rag Mayur, renowned for his iconic role as Maridesh Babu in Cinema Bandi, has captivated audiences with his performances in projects like Keedaa Cola.
He now returns to entertain viewers with Sivarapalli, the Telugu remake of the popular Hindi web series Panchayat.
In this candid Q&A session with Telangana Today, Rag shares insights about the series, his role and his journey.
Actor Rag Mayur
Q: How do you feel about the response your web series has been receiving so far?
A: The initial response has been very positive. The series is being praised for its writing, direction, and casting. Since it’s an OTT release, it will take a few weeks to get a complete picture of the audience’s feedback. However, the trend is very promising. Being on Amazon Prime also helps with its reach, and I believe it will connect with a wide audience.
Q: What drew you to this role, and how did you prepare for it?
A: Since it’s adapted from an iconic series, I was thrilled to play the Panchayat secretary. TVF is known for its excellent writing, and I’ve always believed that author-backed roles bring out the best in me. Many directors felt I was the perfect fit for Shyam, which motivated me even more.
Q: Tell us about your character in the series. How is it different from the roles you’ve played before? Were there any challenges?
A: Shyam is an average guy in every sense—academically, socially, and in communication skills. He’s shy, introverted, and only speaks up when he’s truly frustrated.
Most of my earlier roles were extroverted or expressive, so playing Shyam was a unique challenge. I had to convey subtle expressions of frustration without overdoing it, while ensuring it felt distinct from the Hindi version. Finding that balance was tough but rewarding.
Q: How was your experience working with the cast? Any fun behind-the-scenes moments?
A: I had the most fun with Sunny Palle. He’s hilarious in real life and a talented photographer. I’d constantly ask him to click my pictures, though he rarely shares them with me!
Photographer Synny Palle and Director Uday Gurrala
Uday Gurrala was another highlight—he’s a director I once wanted to work under, but we ended up being co-actors in this series. We laugh about that a lot.
Q: What message does Sivarapalli convey, and why do you think it resonates with audiences?
A: The series emphasizes the importance of taking life as it comes. Don’t take things too seriously—adapt and go with the flow. It’s a relatable and lighthearted message that connects with everyone.
Q: What kind of roles or projects do you aspire to work on in the future?
A: Being the solo lead in an Amazon series like this is already a dream come true. I don’t have specific dream roles, but my goal is to make every character I play feel irreplaceable. As for directors, the list is too long, and I’d rather not risk leaving anyone out!
Q: How has the rise of web series impacted your career?
A: OTT platforms have been a game-changer for me. Cinema Bandi gave me my breakthrough, Veeranjaneyulu Vihara Yatra helped me connect with family audiences, and now Sivarapalli proves I can carry a project from start to finish. Each project has added value to my career, and I’m truly grateful for the OTT era.
Q: How do you stay grounded despite the fame and recognition?
A: Once I’m home, the glamorous life ends. Fame is balanced by everyday tasks like grocery shopping, fixing household issues, and other chores. Staying grounded doesn’t take any special effort.
Q: Any advice for aspiring actors?
A: I’m just starting my journey, so I don’t think my advice holds much weight. But one thing I would recommend is learning theatre. It helps you explore endless possibilities in acting and improves your craft.
Sivarapalli is now streaming on Prime Video. The series features Rag Mayur, Rupa Lakshmi, Muralidhar Goud, Uday Gurrala, Sunny Palle, Anji Valguman, and Giri Potharaju. Directed by Bhaskhar Maurya, the first season consists of eight episodes.
