Emotional Depth of 'Raakh': Akash Makhija Discusses Intimacy Coaching and Audience Reactions

The new series 'Raakh' has captivated audiences with its emotional storytelling, inspired by the notorious Ranga-Billa case. Akash Makhija, who plays the antagonist Babu, discusses the importance of intimacy coaching on set and the emotional reactions from his co-stars. He also reveals the backlash he faces from viewers who despise his character, highlighting the intense connection audiences have with the show. With a talented cast and a gripping narrative, 'Raakh' promises to leave a lasting impact. Tune in to learn more about the behind-the-scenes experiences and the show's premiere on Amazon Prime Video.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 20, 2026, 09:03 IST

Overview of 'Raakh'

The new series Raakh, directed by Prosit Roy, has resonated deeply with viewers. It draws inspiration from the infamous 1978 Ranga-Billa case involving Geeta and Sanjay Chopra. The narrative features two main antagonists: Babu, played by Akash Makhija, and Rajjo, portrayed by Ramandeep Yadav. The series culminates in a gripping finale that reveals the tragic fate of the children, Suman (Divya Sharma) and Sahil (Vivaan Sharma), who were lured by the criminals under the pretense of a ride. A pivotal scene inside the car is layered with complexity. In a candid interview, Akash shared insights on ensuring his co-star felt secure during the filming of this intense moment.

Intimacy Coaching on Set

Akash Makhija discusses the role of an intimacy coach

When asked about the car scene that highlights Babu's unsettling attraction towards Suman, Akash explained, “We had an intimacy coach, a child therapist, and an action director present during filming. Although the scene appears seamless, we had to do at least 15 takes to ensure everyone was comfortable. The intimacy coach was instrumental in guiding us, and without their input, we wouldn’t have proceeded with the scene. We were conscious that we were acting.”

Emotional Moments on Set

Akash Makhija reflects on emotional reactions

Makhija further shared, “Many crew members were moved to tears by Divya’s outstanding performance. Witnessing such reactions made me think about how much hatred I might receive from the audience. We performed the scenes multiple times, fully aware that it was all part of our craft. If I had to portray violence, I wouldn’t actually harm anyone. The action director guides us on where to stop. While accidents can occur, we take extra precautions under professional supervision.”

Facing Threats from Viewers

Akash Makhija reveals receiving threats

During the same interview, Akash disclosed that he has received numerous threatening messages on Instagram. He remarked, “Every time I check my DMs, I see people expressing a desire to harm me. The audience has embraced Babu, and I understand he’s perceived as the most disliked character in the country. Some messages even mentioned that viewers cheered when Jayprakash (Ali Fazal) was attacking me. Interestingly, my mother watched the show and became emotional, especially during those scenes. That’s the love of a mother!”

Cast and Premiere Details

Raakh features a talented cast including Ali Fazal, Sonali Bendre, Aamir Bashir, Rakesh Bedi, Ramandeep Yadav, Divya Sharma, Vivaan Sharma, Anshul Chauhan, and Dibyendu Bhattacharya. The series debuted on Amazon Prime Video on June 12.