Actor Akash Makhija, known for his chilling portrayal of 'Babu' in the crime series 'Raakh', discusses his 14-year journey of struggle, the grueling audition process, and his experience working with industry stalwarts.

  • Akash Makhija played the menacing mastermind 'Babu' in the crime series 'Raakh'.
  • He secured the role after competing against 800 other aspiring actors.
  • Despite being Sindhi, he mastered the Marathi language to bring authenticity to the character.
  • He reflected on his early career and working with actor Rajkummar Rao.

The crime-based web series 'Raakh', featuring Ali Fazal, has left audiences spellbound, primarily due to the terrifying presence of the villains 'Babu' and 'Rajjo'. The role of the mastermind Babu was portrayed by Akash Makhija, who has recently seen a surge in fame and critical acclaim for his performance.

In an exclusive conversation, Akash revealed that while the fame feels sudden, his journey has been a long marathon. For the past 13-14 years, he has been a working actor, appearing in TV serials, episodic shows like 'Crime Patrol', and the film 'Bhool Chuk Maaf' alongside Rajkummar Rao. He noted that success in one project often brings renewed attention to an actor's previous work.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis suggests a shifting paradigm in the Indian OTT landscape, where creators are prioritizing 'authentic casting' over 'star power'. Akash's trajectory highlights that the industry is becoming more meritocratic, rewarding actors who can blend into specific regional identities and linguistic nuances, regardless of their background.

The casting process for 'Babu' was an uphill battle. Akash was among 800 candidates who auditioned. The makers were specifically looking for a fresh face—someone the audience hadn't seen frequently. After a rigorous process, 14 actors were shortlisted for a workshop. In a surprising twist, Akash was initially told he didn't get the part, only to be recalled for a three-hour final meeting that eventually sealed his casting.

"The race never truly ends; it only changes. First, it's a race for an audition, then it's a race for better scripts." - Akash Makhija

One of the biggest hurdles was the linguistic barrier. Being Sindhi, portraying a Marathi character required immense dedication. Akash spent significant time in workshops to perfect the dialect and mannerisms. Interestingly, he was unaware of the star-studded cast, including Sonali Bendre and Ali Fazal, until the very first day of script readings.

Did You Know?: The series 'Raakh' is inspired by the infamous 'Ranga-Billa' case, one of the most notorious criminal events in Indian history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What role did Akash Makhija play in the series 'Raakh'?
A: He played the role of 'Babu', the cold and calculating mastermind villain of the series.

Q2: How did Akash handle the language barrier for the role?
A: He underwent intensive workshops and practice sessions to master the Marathi language, as he is originally Sindhi.