Actress Naina Sareen has revealed the depth of preparation she undertook to portray a Parsi character in the Amazon Prime Video investigative crime thriller series 'Raakh', which premiered worldwide on 12 June. Despite the character having limited screen time, Sareen says she was convinced from the first read that the role would leave a lasting impression on viewers.

How the Audition Began

Sareen recounted that the audition scene she received was brief, but its weight was immediately apparent to her. 'When I received the audition call for Raakh, the scene was quite small. But after reading it, I realized that the character would have a strong impact on the story. Since I was playing a Parsi character, I prepared extensively,' she said.

To ensure cultural authenticity, she studied Parsi pronunciation, speech patterns, and community-specific nuances through video research. She also adapted her physical appearance to suit the show's period backdrop before walking into the audition room — a deliberate choice that underscored her commitment to the role.

The Mental and Physical Demands

Beyond accent and appearance, Sareen described the role's emotional and physical intensity as its greatest challenge. 'The biggest challenge was definitely the mental preparation. Along with that, the physicality of the role, multiple retakes, and the intensity of the scenes required a lot of energy,' she said.

She added that detailed pre-shoot discussions with director Prashant Roy and her co-actors were central to the process. An intimacy coordinator was also present on set throughout filming, guiding the cast during demanding sequences. 'Before every shoot, I mentally prepared myself, coordinated with my co-actors, rehearsed the choreography of the scenes, and only then performed the takes. That preparation made all the difference,' Sareen noted.

A Dream Collaboration with Prashant Roy

For Sareen, working with director Prashant Roy was a professional milestone. She had long wanted to collaborate with him, and 'Raakh' made that possible. The role, she said, struck the rare balance of being challenging yet deeply memorable — the kind of character that actors seek out precisely because it demands more than surface-level performance.

About 'Raakh'

'Raakh' is an eight-episode investigative crime thriller that also stars Ali Fazal, Sonali Bendre, and Aamir Bashir. The series is streaming globally on Amazon Prime Video, having premiered on 12 June. With its period setting and ensemble cast, it has drawn attention for its layered storytelling and attention to cultural detail — qualities that Sareen's preparation clearly aimed to honour.