Yes, I would want to play a powerful cop: Raashi Khanna [Interview]

  • IndiaGlitz, [Monday,May 02 2016]

Raashi Khanna comes across as that soft-spoken, affable diva. Never the one to talk about her personal life, Raashi keeps even her poetry to herself. In this exclusive interview to IndiaGlitz, the ace actress talks about her role in 'Supreme', how it was picking up dance moves opposite a "fantastic" dancer like Sai Dharam Tej, her IAS dream as a child, the possibility of her joining politics, and more.

How has comedy been dealt with in 'Supreme'?

Bellam Sridevi doesn't try to be a comical character. Because of the situations, there is comedy. And there are also action sequences. I think for a heroine to do comedy and action and also be glamorous, is a big thing. That's why Supreme will be very close to my heart.

So, how was it doing action sequences?

I had lot of fun. For the first time, I was bashing up the goons and the hero was sitting behind, watching silently. My very introduction scene has me doing action. This film is special because it's not every time that the heroine gets to do action.

Is it because you had to bash up the villains that you watched Vijayashanti's movies?

I watched her videos on You Tube. The intention was to get a grasp of the body language, the diction; to know how a cop talks, how she walks, etc. Not just her videos, I also learnt different things by watching Miss Congeniality, and also an American TV show. So, a lot of hardwork went into preparing for the role. This is the role playing which I have enjoyed the most.

You have said that doing a comedy role needs one to shed shyness. How did you overcome your shyness?

I didn't overcome my shyness. I am still shy. (Smiles). The credit must go to Anil Ravipudi for bringing out such a performance. He had written the role so well. I didn't know I had it in me. He saw that. I thank him for helping me shed my inhibitions.

Comedy is in-built into Bellam Sridevi's character. Is the source of fun dialogue or behaviour?

I think it's behaviour, it's in the talk, it's everywhere. For example, I say that I want to do good and earn a medal. As soon as I say that, there is laughter. Aren't you smiling when you hear me say that?

If offered a powerful cop's role, would you accept it?

Why not? An actor you want to be able to do different roles. There is nothing like getting a performance-oriented role. And for a girl to have that much space in a commercial film, is itself a great thing.

So far, the audience have liked you in bubbly roles. Are you keeping your fingers crossed this time?

The challenge is to let the audience accept you in all the characters you play. I don't think I was bubbly in Oohalu Gusagusalade. It was a real character. In Supreme, too, I am not bubbly. She is like a cop.

So, what is the story of 'Supreme'?

(Laughs). I can't tell that. All that I can say is that it's a family entertainer that should be watched with your kids. It will touch your hearts. I know the story is the hero.

Tell us about the child artist

He is a very, very good actor. He is going to be talked about the most after the film's release. There is a scene where he had to cry and he cried for real. I can't reveal if and what kind of relationship me and Sai Dharam Tej have with the kid.

How difficult was it to pick up the dance moves?

When I watched Andam Hindolam on You Tube, I found the steps very tough. I was wondering whether I could do such dance moves. As for Tej, he is a fantastic dancer. It was naturally difficult initially to match up to his energy. But I feel I have become comfortable with it now. It wasn't as difficult. It was fun.

Did Anil Ravipudi give any suggestions to you regarding the dances, etc?

He is not just a director, but also a very good actor. If the audience feel my performance is good, the credit must go to my director. It has come from him. He is an all-rounder who can dance, write, etc.

How was it working under the production of Dil Raju?

Dil Raju and Sirish are very involved producers. They were on the sets every day. They are very encouraging producers and they believed in the script a lot.

What about Sai Kartheek's music?

I have liked all the songs. My favourite songs are obviously Andam Hindolam and also Bellam Sridevi.

Did you ask your director as to why he chose only you and not others?

Why should I ask him? He must be having his own reasons for having me in the film.

How do you see the competition in the industry?

I don't see it. There has to be competition in work. Otherwise, you will never learn, you will never grow. If you don't fail, how are you going to grow? It's very important in life. I don't understand what you mean by 'How do you see the competition'. What is it?

In the sense of who your competitors are..

You know who my competitors are. (Smiles).

What are your unique capabilities that have made you what you are today?

I can't talk about that. It's for people to decide why they like me.

How about singing? When are you going to sing again?

I haven't really sung songs post Joru, except in interviews. I would want to sing in a film definitely, but I don't know when I am going to sing again.

So, you have such aims to win a medal in real life?

No. But I want to do good. Good movies and good deeds also.

Did you want to be an actress even as a child?

I never wanted to be an actor. I thought of becoming an IAS officer. I don't want to earn any medal as Bellam Sridevi wants to in Supreme (laughs), but I want to do good.&nb