'People want to kill me': Raakh's Akash Makhija reveals getting death threats for playing serial killer Babu

Akash Makhija as Babu in Raakh. Pic via Instagram

The latest crime drama Raakh has generated strong reactions from viewers ever since its release. Amid the strong critical response, actor Akash Makhija has been widely praised for his portrayal of the antagonist Babu. While many hailed his performance, the actor has also found himself at the centre of recieving end of hate.

Akash Makhija says he has been receiving death threats

In an interview with Zoom, Akash opened up about the intensity of the response he has been receiving for his role, revealing it has been so strong that he has even received death threats from viewers.

Akash admitted that he is critical of his own work hwoever, hasn't had the time to watch Raakh yet. The actor added that irrespective, the audience's reaction to his character has come as a big validation for him. "When I watch myself on screen, I am very critical of my work. I can't evaluate myself. The audience reviewing my work is the biggest thing for me. Whenever I open my Instagram DM, I see people want to kill me," he shared.

The actor further added that the messages he has been receiving for his performance reflect just how deeply viewers have connected with the story and how much they hated his character. "Death threat se pata nahi kya kya aa raha hai (I don't even know what all is coming because of the death threats). The audience has accepted Babu. I am aware he's the most hated character in the nation. Some messages even read that when Jayprakash (Ali Fazal) was beating him, we were cheering. There is a funny thing that happened. My mother watched the show and got emotional, but when Ali was beating me. That's maa ki mamta (That's a mother's love)," he said.

Despite the disturbing messages, Akash says that the audience's strong reaction is proof that his performance has had the intended impact.

About Raakh

Raakh is loosely inspired by one of India's most shocking cases, the murders of siblings Geeta Chopra and Sanjay Chopra in 1978. The series revolves around the abduction and killing of teenage siblings Suman and Sahil Arora in Delhi when the city was considered relatively safe and trusting.

The story is based on two criminals, Rajjo (Ramandeep Yadav) and Babu (Akash), whose actions leave the nation horrified. Their crime devastates the parents of the victims, played by Sonali Bendre and Aamir Bashir, while police officer SI Jayprakash (Ali), leads the investigation and attempts to bring justice.