As Raashi Khanna awaits the release of 'Tholi Prema' on Feb 10, she talks about how different the film is, why she enjoyed doing it, her physical stress for the movie, her first love, and more.

How was it working on the film?

I saw the old 'Tholi Prema' eight months back. My most favourite scene from the movie is Keerthi Reddy's intro scene. That old 'TP' has nothing to do with our film. How first love is in this generation is depicted differently in our film. This film is close to my heart. I am happy to have got to play a performance-oriented role. I was waiting to do a good love story. A lot of people also were expecting something of this sort from me. The response to the teasers and trailers is great. I hope the magic works.

How is your intro scene in the movie like?

It's nice, but I can't compare it to the intro scene in the other 'TP'. Hitherto, my intro scene in 'Jil' is my most favourite.

What is your character in the movie?

Varsha comes with three different looks. There is a physical distinction between the three roles. I wear glasses in one of the looks. Many are comparing it with Harry Potter's look and are calling me Harry's elder sister. I look younger without makeup. My character's journey spans 7 years. Maturity comes in each phase towards the end.

In the first phase, I am 19 and chubby. In the London portions, I am thinner. For the college part portions, I had to lose more weight. I went on a diet for 15 days. I worked in the gym for 2 hours a day. I ate properly. I don't prefer size zero. I feel stronger when I am fitter.

How was it working with Varun Tej?

I don't know why he is talking about it, but he did really well. I didn't expect from him. He worked out in the gym thrice every day. He worked really hard.

What did you learn from debutant director Venky Atluri?

He had worked on the script for 2 years. He knew it inside out. He would come to me and explain every single scene. He is very patient. He has a long way to go.

How different is 'TP' as a rom-com?

First love can be shown differently although the emotion is the same. You feel butterflies in your stomach. You are confused whether to call or not. Such little things make it so special.

What makes it different also is the fact that Varun Tej is impulsive. Varsha nevertheless likes it.

What about your first love?

I had one when I was 17. He was a senior to me. I didn't propose. Because of that experience, I could relate to 'TP'.

Emotional scenes take a toll on an actor. One takes some time to come out of it. Venky's work is such that you end up crying after reading it. I am expecting the audience to connect with it.

What's your favourite moment in the film?

The car scene where romance is depicted is my most favourite. I wanted to dub for this film. But it didn't work out as the director wanted me to spend 10 days on it.

The response to your recent Guntur tour was great. How did you enjoy?

It was great. I too was surprised. I didn't expect such big crowds. Many were Pawan Kalyan's fans. They gave us a lot of love.

What are your current projects?

I am doing three films in Tamil. I am working with Atharva, Siddharth and Jayam Ravi. In 2-3 days' time, a Telugu film will be announced. Siddharth's film is completed. It will release in April. In Atharva's film, I have worked with Nayanthara also. Ravi's film, I started last month. It will release in May.