Vivaan Sharma: Watching Sonali Bendre on 'Raakh' set redefined acting for me
Synopsis
Vivaan Sharma says working alongside Sonali Bendre on 'Raakh' — the crime-drama retelling India's infamous Ranga-Billa case — taught him that the most powerful acting happens in silence. The confession is as much a tribute to a seasoned co-star as it is a window into how the show's emotional core was built.
Key Takeaways
Vivaan Sharma says observing Sonali Bendre on the 'Raakh' set taught him that acting is far more than delivering dialogues.
Sharma and Bendre participated in character workshops to build a believable on-screen bond. 'Raakh' is a crime-drama inspired by the real-life Ranga-Billa case — the kidnapping and murder of Geeta and Sanjay Chopra .
Sonali Bendre plays a grief-stricken mother; Vivaan Sharma plays Sahil Arora , based on real-life Sanjay Chopra .
The series also stars Ali Fazal , Aamir Bashir , Dibyendu Bhattacharya , and others, and has received positive reviews since release.
Actor Vivaan Sharma has credited his 'Raakh' co-star Sonali Bendre with teaching him one of the most fundamental lessons of his career — that acting extends far beyond the written word. Sharma, who shares several scenes with Bendre in the crime-drama series, said simply observing her at work reshaped his understanding of the craft.
What Vivaan Sharma Said About Sonali Bendre
'It was wonderful. I shared several scenes with her and learned a great deal from observing her,' Sharma said. He elaborated on the core lesson: 'One of the biggest lessons I learned is that acting is not only about dialogue. Sometimes your expressions communicate emotions that words never can.'
Sharma also described Bendre as a warm and grounded collaborator. 'Sonali Ma'am is a very kind person. We even participated in workshops together to build a believable bond between our characters. It was a warm and enriching experience, and we connected very quickly,' he said.
About 'Raakh' and the Real-Life Case It Is Based On
'Raakh' is a crime-drama series inspired by one of India's most disturbing real-life criminal cases — the kidnapping and murder of Geeta and Sanjay Chopra, an incident widely remembered as the Ranga-Billa case. The series draws on the emotional and investigative dimensions of the case, framing it through the lens of grief, justice, and memory.
Sonali Bendre portrays the grief-stricken mother left shattered by the brutal killing of her children. Vivaan Sharma plays Sahil Arora, a character based on the real-life Sanjay Chopra.
Cast and Reception
The series features an ensemble cast including Ali Fazal, Aamir Bashir, Divya Sharma, Akash Makhija, Ramandeep Yadav, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Rakesh Bedi, and Anshul Chauhan. Since its release, 'Raakh' has drawn positive reviews for its gripping storytelling and the strength of its performances across the board.
The Craft Behind the Collaboration
Notably, the on-screen chemistry between Sharma and Bendre did not happen by accident. The two actors underwent character workshops specifically designed to make their relationship feel authentic on screen — a process Sharma described as both professionally enriching and personally warm. For a series rooted in real human tragedy, that groundwork appears to have paid off in the audience response.
With 'Raakh' continuing to find viewers, Vivaan Sharma's candid reflections offer a rare behind-the-scenes window into how the show's emotional weight was built, one rehearsal at a time.
Point of View
And the decision to invest in pre-shoot workshops rather than rely on script alone reflects a production that understood this. Bendre's return to a substantial dramatic role after her cancer battle and years away from the screen is itself a story; the fact that she is now cited as a master class by co-stars suggests the comeback is landing on its own terms. Whether 'Raakh' translates critical warmth into sustained viewership will depend on how widely the Ranga-Billa story resonates with younger audiences who did not live through it.
NationPress
27 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Vivaan Sharma learn from Sonali Bendre on the 'Raakh' set?
Vivaan Sharma said that observing Sonali Bendre at work taught him that acting is not only about dialogue — that expressions can communicate emotions words never can. He described her as a kind and supportive co-star with whom he also attended character workshops.
What is 'Raakh' about and which real case inspired it?
'Raakh' is a crime-drama series inspired by the kidnapping and murder of Geeta and Sanjay Chopra, widely known as the Ranga-Billa case — one of India's most shocking real-life criminal incidents. The series explores the tragedy through the perspectives of those closest to the victims.
Who does Vivaan Sharma play in 'Raakh'?
Vivaan Sharma plays Sahil Arora, a character based on real-life victim Sanjay Chopra. Sonali Bendre portrays the grief-stricken mother of the murdered children.
Who else stars in 'Raakh'?
The series features Ali Fazal, Sonali Bendre, Aamir Bashir, Vivaan Sharma, Divya Sharma, Akash Makhija, Ramandeep Yadav, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Rakesh Bedi, and Anshul Chauhan.
How has 'Raakh' been received by audiences and critics?
Since its release, 'Raakh' has received positive reviews, with critics and viewers praising its gripping storytelling and the strength of performances across the ensemble cast.
