Following its highly successful premiere on Prime Video on June 12, 2026, the gritty investigative crime-thriller 'Raakh' has sparked nationwide conversations by revisiting one of India's most haunting tragedies. Directed by Prosit Roy, the eight-episode series draws heavy inspiration from the notorious 1978 Ranga-Billa case, which involved the brutal kidnapping and murder of Delhi siblings Geeta and Sanjay Chopra. In a recent interview, actor Aamir Bashir, who plays a grieving father alongside Sonali Bendre and Ali Fazal, deeply resonated with the period drama, describing the real-life incident as a watershed moment that marked 'the end of innocence' for an entire generation.
Aamir Bashir Remembers a Defining Moment
Speaking about the impact of the case, Aamir Bashir recalled how the incident affected him as a young boy. The actor described it as a life-changing event that altered the innocence of childhood for many people of his generation. 'I was a young boy at that time. But yes, it was one of those seminal moments. It was probably the first crime of this magnitude to have such an impact, despite it not being the digital age. I remember, as a young boy, it was like a watershed moment - there was a pre and post, and it was the end of our innocence as well,' Bashir told NDTV. According to Bashir, the crime was more than just a headline. It represented a significant cultural shift that changed how families viewed personal safety and interactions with strangers. The incident became a reference point for parents and children alike. It highlighted concerns that were not commonly discussed in such detail before the crime captured national attention.
Legal Aftermath of the Ranga-Billa Case
As reported by Indian Kanoon, following the investigation, Kuljeet Singh, also known as Ranga, and Jasbir Singh, also known as Billa, were convicted in connection with the kidnapping and murder of Geeta and Sanjay Chopra. The convictions included charges under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code. The trial court awarded severe punishments, including death sentences and terms of rigorous imprisonment under various charges. The legal proceedings later moved through the appeals process before higher courts.
More About 'Raakh'
'Raakh', the Prime Video psychological crime procedural series dropped on June 12, 2026, spanning 8 episodes. The series explores the haunting aftermath of a double teenage abduction in late-1970s Delhi. The ensemble cast features career-defining performances: Ali Fazal as the relentless rookie Sub-Inspector Jayprakash Jatav, while Sonali Bendre (Mona Arora) and Aamir Bashir (Lt. Col. Ashok Arora) essay the heartbreaking roles of the devastated parents. Veteran actor Rakesh Bedi also delivers a surprisingly dark performance alongside Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Akash Makhija, and Ramandeep Yadav, the latter two playing the cold, calculated criminals.
