Actor Akash Makhija says fans compared his eyes to those of Irrfan Khan during his performance in the series "Raakh" [1].
The comparison highlights the emotional intensity Makhija brought to the role of Babu. For an emerging actor, being linked to a performer of Khan's caliber serves as a significant marker of critical and audience reception.
Makhija discussed the project and his journey to the role in a recent interview. He said that the response from viewers focused heavily on his gaze and expression [1]. "Fans said my eyes reminded them of Irrfan," Makhija said [1].
The path to the role was not immediate. Makhija said that he did not secure the part of Babu on his first attempt. He was initially rejected for the role before the production team reconsidered and cast him [2].
"I was initially rejected for the role of Babu, but later got the part," Makhija said [2].
The series "Raakh" is a Prime Video production set in the 1970s [3]. The period setting requires actors to evoke a specific cinematic atmosphere, which may have contributed to the comparisons with Khan's nuanced acting style. Makhija's eventual casting suggests a shift in the producers' vision for the character's delivery and presence.
“"Fans said my eyes reminded them of Irrfan."”
The comparison to Irrfan Khan, known for his understated yet powerful screen presence, suggests that Makhija is being positioned as a successor to a specific style of naturalistic acting in Indian cinema. His initial rejection and subsequent casting also illustrate the volatile nature of the casting process in high-budget streaming productions, where creative directions often pivot during pre-production.
