'My character develops gradually': Ramandeep Yadav on playing Rajjo in ‘Raakh’, shares survival instinct behind actions

Actor Ramandeep Yadav has opened up about his portrayal of Rajjo in the crime-thriller series 'Raakh'. The actor explained that he did not view the character as a one-dimensional villain.

Instead, he approached the role by exploring the emotional and psychological factors that influence Rajjo’s actions. According to Ramandeep, understanding the character’s mindset was essential to portraying his transformation on screen.

Rajjo’s journey fiffers from his partner’s

Speaking to IANS about the two central criminals in the series, Ramandeep highlighted the contrast between Rajjo and the character played by Akash Makhija. He told the portal, "As an audience, if you watch, you will feel that Akash and my characters are not thinking.

But when you have to do that as an actor, we have to think. Even Rajjo thinks a lot. The character of Akash, I agree he is brutal, he is not thinking. As he said, 'It's my world, so if I don't get it, I'll take it'. My character develops gradually".

Survival instinct becomes a key driving force

Ramandeep said one of the most important aspects of the role was understanding how survival influences human behaviour. He noted that Rajjo’s actions stem from instinct and self-preservation rather than blind aggression alone.

The actor explained that the character’s choices become increasingly shaped by the need to protect himself when faced with difficult situations. He further said, "Earlier, he thought, 'I didn't want to do anything'.

But when it comes to survival, then it's just a human tendency that no matter how many people there are, we will look out for ourselves first. But we will look out for ourselves first."The actor also revealed that Rajjo’s personal history played a major role in helping him build the character.

He explored the social and emotional experiences that defined Rajjo’s life before the events shown in the series. Ramandeep said understanding those details allowed him to bring greater depth to the role. He added, "And the second thing is the backdrop. My character has a backstory, he comes from Haryana, and there he becomes an addict during the emergency when he is sterilized.

So, how did he deal with that society and manage to come here to Bombay, and why did he leave his village? These were the questions for which I was looking for answers through my performance".

About the series ‘Raakh’

Raakh is an eight-episode Hindi crime thriller set in 1978. The story follows a nationwide pursuit of two criminals whose actions trigger a major investigation. Inspired by the infamous Ranga-Billa case, the series explores themes of crime, justice, trauma, and accountability. The show features Ali Fazal as Sub-Inspector Jayprakash Jatav and also stars Sonali Bendre, Aamir Bashir, Akash Makhija, Ramandeep Yadav, and others in key roles.