‘Srinivasa Kalyanam’ was a learning experience: Raashi Khanna

Raashi Khanna awaits the release of ‘Srinivasa Kalyanam’ on August 9.  In this interview, the actress talks about bagging the project, working with director Satish Vegesna, choosing good roles, working with senior actors and more.

Much has been said about the movie.  We heard that you reacted in an impromptu way after a special screening recently.  Tell us about that.

It was during the making of ‘Toli Prema’ that I was offered ‘Srinivasa Kalyanam’.  I have watched the movie.  I got emotional after the screening was done.  Priyanka, who has dubbed for me, called me up and told me, crying, that I have acted in a nice movie.  I knew that I was going to do a very good movie even when I listened to the script.  But it’s only while actually shooting for the movie that I realized that it was being taken to the next level.  ‘SK’ will increase the faith of the people in the institution of marriage.  I happened to touch the director’s feet after watching the film.  

What’s your character in the movie?

My name in the film is Siri.  She gives importance to traditions.  I can’t reveal much about my character.  When I started shooting for ‘SK’, I began seeing myself as a Telugu girl.  This film is not just about marriage.  It’s also about relationships, etc.  People will not prefer destination weddings after this movie.

If you were to talk about a specific episode, which one would it be?

The performances rendered by Prakash Raj garu and Nithiin in the climax are really awesome.  It was great working with Nithiin, who is a very cooperative actor.  As I said, his finale act will definitely stand out.  The film is visually grand.  Sameer Reddy garu’s cinematography is wonderful in every frame.  

How is the film relevant?

It’s a beautiful family movie. Since I hail from North India, I didn’t know much about the traditions in the South.  But as I started shooting for the second half, I felt like getting married.  I was that happy.  ‘SK’ is the kind of film this generation needs the most.  It reminds people of our culture and traditions.  The film is so layered.  

Customs and traditions followed in North and South India are different.  But the underlying sentiments are the same.  A marriage brings together two families.  

How was it working with the director?

Dil Raju garu has taken so much care in making the movie, which has a large cast.  The director wanted the right mood to be created on the sets and asked the actors to never carry their phones.  Every character was designed so well.  

This is perhaps for the first time that you got to act with so many veteran actors.  How was the experience?

It’s an emotional journey.  I got to learn a lot from seniors like Rajendra Prasad garu, Prakash Raj garu, Sitara garu and Jayasudha garu on the sets.  I didn’t feel like bidding adieu to them.  

Has the film got a special appeal for females?

It’s not right to say that only girls get emotional while watching a movie.  I have seen so many men connecting with a movie so much that they get emotional.  

The songs, especially ‘Kalyanam Vaibhogame’, have been a hit.  

This album has come after Mickey J Meyer’s another hit of the year: ‘Mahanati’.  His music is so nice.  With his RR, he has taken the film to the next level.

What do you look for as an actress?

If you prove yourself as an actor, you will land good roles.  If I bagged ‘Toli Prema’, it’s because of ‘Oohalu Gusagusalade’.  And then I bagged ‘SK’ because of ‘Toli Prema’.  I wish to continue to essay roles that will help me find my place in the audience’s hearts.  

What are your upcoming movies?

I recently signed up to do a Telugu movie, whose details will be divulged soon.  I am also doing movies in Tamil.  I had committed to doing them two years ago but they have materialized only recently.  In all, three movies are up for release in Kollywood.