Exploring Grief and Innocence in the Series Raakh

Overview of Raakh

The new Hindi series Raakh delves into the harrowing kidnapping and murder of two teenage siblings in Delhi during 1978. Unbeknownst to them, the children accept a ride from two men who turn out to be criminals. This tragic event, inspired by the notorious Ranga-Billa case, sent shockwaves across India. Sonali Bendre, portraying the role of their mother, Mona Arora, discussed her motivations for taking on this complex character and the relevance of the series today. Directed by Prosit Roy, Raakh is co-created and co-directed by Anusha Nandakumar and Sandeep Saket.

Sonali Bendre on Her Character's Grief

Sonali Bendre reveals why she was drawn to Raakh character

In a conversation with a media outlet, Sonali shared insights into how the creators guided her in portraying Mona's grief. She expressed, "What attracted me to this role was the unique perspective on grief provided by the writers. This was not something I added; it was inherent to the character. I found it compelling and wanted to embody this role. As a parent facing loss, what would my journey be? Would I seek revenge, or would I respond differently?"

Her character, Mona, never anticipates that a simple conversation would mark the last time she sees her children. This aspect intrigued Sonali and was a significant reason for her involvement in the project. She elaborated, "Everyone experiences and expresses grief in their own way, and it’s unpredictable. I can’t foresee how I would react in such a situation. The character's journey into denial was fascinating, as it’s logical to question reality in such circumstances."

Raakh's Reflection on 1970s Life

How does Raakh depict life in the 1970s?

Sonali also highlighted the importance of Raakh as a necessary viewing experience. The series not only recreates a historical event but also illustrates the simplicity and innocence of life in the late 1970s. She noted, "The show captures a time when hitchhiking was commonplace, reflecting a societal innocence that has since faded. Those of us who lived through that era remember being advised to avoid talking to strangers and to return home early, which was not the norm back then."

She continued, "This series beautifully highlights the societal shifts that occurred during that time. The investigation aspect also showcases the emergence of forensic science, which played a crucial role in solving the case." Alongside Sonali, Raakh features Ali Fazal, Aamir Bashir, Divya Sharma, Vivaan Sharma, and Rakesh Bedi, with Akash Makhija and Ramandeep Yadav portraying the infamous criminals in this Amazon Prime Video series.