Raakh, a crime thriller series on Prime Video, has resonated with fans since its premiere. Actor Akash Makhija was widely praised for his portrayal of the terrifying villain Babu in the series led by Ali Fazal and Sonali Bendre. His portrayal left viewers disturbed. The audience hated Babu for his actions, while several people appreciated the actor for making the character feel so real on screen.

But this 'overnight' success was 14 years in the making. Akash Makhija's rise came after years of auditions, rejections and small roles. In an exclusive conversation with The Daily Jagran, the actor looked back at his long journey and revealed whether he ever thought of giving up.

'Auditioning Since 14 Years': Akash Makhija

Akash Makhija called his fame 'unbelievable'. He said, "I've been auditioning since 14 years. I have done Bhool Chuk Maaf. I have done, I've done Nirmal Pathak Ki Ghar Wapsi. I did Gram Chikitsalay season one as well. But then this never happened before (sic)."

Akash Makhija shared that life has changed ever since the Raakh was released. Every day brings new messages, appreciation and unexpected phone calls from people he admires.

"I'm enjoying it right now because every day I open my Instagram, something happens. I get, I get some texts. I got a call from Rajkumar Rao. I got a message from Arjun Kapoor. I was so happy that Raj bhai asked for my number and he called me, and he said that I've done a great job," he said.

ALSO READ - Raakh: The Real Reason Why Fans Still Can't Get Over Prime Video Series' Numbing Finale

'I'm Not Getting Carried Away': Akash Makhija

Despite the sudden attention, Akash Makhija said he is staying grounded and understands that fame in the entertainment industry is temporary.

"I understand that, you know, this is, this is a by-product of our field. Today it's me, tomorrow there will be somebody else, some other show would come out and, you know, people will be talking about somebody else. So I'm not getting carried away, but I'm enjoying, I'm completely enjoying this (sic)."

The actor also recalled a phase when work had completely dried up. With no acting projects coming his way for nearly a year, he started looking at other career options. "So I went to Radio Mirchi to become an RJ."

To support himself, Akash took up voiceover work for animated shows. He also created videos mimicking Shin-chan's voice and continued auditioning while trying to make ends meet.

"I remember, out of 800 people, 14 of us were shortlisted. Out of those 14, I was the only one who was the most urban in the lot. All the other actors were taken from the root casting, someone from Pune, someone from Kulapur, someone from somewhere else."

"And I was not the first choice," he revealed.

He stated that he always wants to be recognised for his work. Talking about his auditioning post this fame, Raakh actor said, " I mean, even though I feel now things will change, but I think I will have to give the screen test. I don't know. I mean, if at all they take me directly, I'm very happy, and I promise you that I won't disappoint you."

Akash Makhija overcame all hurdles to get the part , a performance that revolutionised his career. He became one of the breakout performers, thanks to his nuanced portrayal of Babu in the Prime Video series, Raakh.

(Image: Instagram/akashmakhija94)

ALSO READ - What Is Ranga Billa Case? All About The 1978 True Story That Inspired Prime Video Series Raakh; PHOTOS

About Prime Video Series, Raakh

Prosit Roy is the director of the eerie eight-episode crime thriller Raakh, which is available on Amazon Prime Video. Inspired by the brutal 1978 Ranga-Billa case, it chronicles the terrible toll of grief on the victims' family as well as the excruciating quest for justice by a young, fired police officer.