Rashmika awaits the release of 'Pushpa' on December 17. In this interview, the star actress talks about teaming up with Allu Arjun and Sukumar, adding that the film is very raw. She throws light on her upcoming movies, her ongoing tryst with Bollywood... 

Highlights of what the actress said:

I loved the chemistry between me and Bunny sir while doing the film. I hope the audience, too, loves it. I am ready to work with him again and again. I really enjoyed working with a co-star whose work ethic is amazing. Pushpa Raj has got a family and how they behave is interesting to watch on the screen.

I didn't wear a make-up for 'Dear Comrade'. 'Pushpa' is my first deglam and raw film. Sukumar sir has created a new world. It's a unique movie and you won't be seeing such a product again in the future.

Srivalli is a funny, playful character. On the other hand, Pushpa Raj is different. She is not intimidated by him.

On set, Bunny sir would call me 'Crush'mika (after Rashmika being called a national crush). I would blush and ask him not to pull my legs (laughs).

I am proud of myself for becoming a better actor and a better person. Bunny sir was the chief guest for the 'Geetha Govindam' (2018) event. I wondered if I would ever get to work with him. Today, I have not only done a movie with him but also am promoting it. This has been possible because I have evolved and the audiences have stood by me over the years. People like to watch me and everything is because of their support.

When I started out shooting for 'Pushpa', I would be nervous. I am quite open with the people I work with and talk to. On an occasion, I expressed doubts about my ability to pull off a scene in front of Bunny sir. 'Don't doubt the intelligence of the people you are working with. If it wasn't for your talent and hard work, you wouldn't have been a part of our film', he said to me. His words changed my perspective. They chose me because I have something to offer. And I have to be confident. Getting jitters won't help.

I can't believe that I did a song like 'Saami Saami'. Bunny sir was there by my side for every single shot of the song. All the credit goes to DSP, Bunny sir, Sekhar sir, Sukumar sir and me as well.

I don't know the story of 'Pushpa' as yet. I have to watch the film to figure it out (laughs). I was told to learn the Chittoor slang before the shoot began. I was not sure, because I was just learning Telugu then. Two look tests were held and they failed. The third time, they were specific about the hairdo, skin tone, etc.

'Pushpa 2' will have more clarity about Srivalli. I have female friends in the movie. 'Rangasthalam' was deglam but 'Pushpa' is raw and power-packed.

I am glad that Samantha has done a special song despite being a superstar. It's the first time that she has done a song of this sort. Hats off to her! (The song is titled 'Oo Antava' and was shot on her and Allu Arjun).

Every time I step into a Hindi film set, they talk about Bunny sir and his work. They respect Bunny sir so much.  He just has to go there and he will receive the warmest welcome.

Now that I have completed my current assignments (almost), I am up for new assignments now. 'Goodbye' and 'Mission Majnu' are my Hindi projects. I hope the audience will welcome me warmly. The directors of the two films are very happy with my performance in both films. The former stars Amitabh Bachchan sir. He is like a fatherly figure on set. I was not intimidated while working with him. 'Goodbye' has 6-7 days of talkie pending, and a song is also yet to be shot on me. 'Mission Majnu' is completed.