Raashi Khanna, a leading heroine from Tollywood, is all set to make her mark in Tamil with her debut in the psychological thriller Imaikkaa Nodigal. Her first film is yet to release and, even so, she has three big projects in her kitty in K’town. The pretty actress was in Chennai and DC caught up with her for an exclusive chat.
On Choosing Imaikka Nodigal
I hadn’t watched director Ajay Gnanamuthu’s earlier film. But the way he narrated the story, I understood that he has a good hold on the script. I loved his narration and was impressed. With RD Rajshekar behind the camera, I was confident about the technicians in the film. I know I made the correct choice. But it was also challenging to match up with others in the cast.
Not intimidated with Nayan’s presence in IN
I haven’t met Nayanthara as we don’t have combination shots and so there were no apprehensions. It is great for the film to have a star of her stature. It will be good mileage for the film. And it is very difficult for a woman to be called a ‘Lady Superstar’. And there’s no hero or heroine as everyone has space in the film.
Don’t want to be categorised
When I started in Telugu, I was called a performer. Later, the focus shifted to my looks and I was tagged as a glam doll. Again, Tholi Prema changed my image. So, I don’t want to be trapped in any kind of image as glam girl or commercial heroine. Just want to try out and explore good scripts.
Imaikkaa Nodigal is a content driven script and had lot of scope for me to perform. I always wanted to do Tamil films and though it is little late, I am happy signing gratifying scripts.
On co-star Atharvaa
He is a bundle of energy. It was a fun ride and good experience working with him. Though initially he was serious, he showed he could be a prankster too as we worked together for a long period on the film.
Working in multiple languages
My entry into films happened accidentally. I didn’t plan anything. After the release of the Bollywood movie Madras Café, offers started coming from one language to another. I even did a Malayalam film – the Mohanlal - Vishal starrer Villain. It does not matter where the scripts come from. I don’t differentiate between languages. Basically it is cinema.
On upcoming films
In Shaitan Ka Bachcha with Siddharth, I play a pretty crazy character. She is not who I am in real life. On the other hand, in Jayam Ravi’s Adanga Maru, I essay a mature girl and the role is close to my real self. It’s a character where she stands arm in arm with a man, in a sense nobody is above the other. Then there’s this Vishal’s film Ayokya and it is not the remake of T’town Temper as reported by many.
On alleged link-ups with cricketer Bumrah
It’s all nonsense. I know he is an Indian cricketer and that’s it. I don’t know him personally and haven’t even met him. I don’t know from where and how this baseless stuff originated. My only connection with cricket is that I follow the sport and watch matches (laughs).
No belief in number games
Number games? What’s it? In today’s scenario, everyone has his or her own space in the film industry. The perception of number 1 and 2 is different with each one. I believe in my hard work and give my 100 percent to every film that I work.
