Raashii Khanna doesn’t believe in five-year plans, comfort zones or sticking to a single industry and it shows. She stumbled into films with Madras Café, then became a familiar face across Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam and now Hindi screens. Her career has followed instinct more than strategy. In an exclusive conversation, she talks about being the director’s first choice for 120 Bahadur, why the film instantly felt personal, and how a decade-old TV commercial unexpectedly led her back to Farhan Akhtar on a film set. She also breaks down her real superpower, picking up languages like life skills, minus the fear of sounding “wrong”. Raashii speaks candidly about surviving without backing, choosing respect over hype, and why she still feels like a newcomer in Bollywood. Excerpts…
You began your career with Madras Café and then shifted to Telugu cinema. Was that a conscious shift?
Do you feel you’re only getting started in the Hindi film industry?
Yes, I still feel like a newcomer. I’m four films old in Hindi. The kind of love I receive from my South audience versus what I get today in the North is different. People have only just started recognising me here. It’s a new journey.
The roles you choose in Hindi are very different from your Telugu films…
Your last Hindi release was120 Bahadur.
Razy sir (Razneesh Ghai, director) always told me I was his first choice. When he shared the story, I realised how personal it was for him, his brother is in the army. He had seen Farzi and liked my work. I was also made aware that many people didn’t know about the battle we were portraying on screen. It reminded me why I became an actor in the first place, to be part of stories that make a difference. I was glad the film showcased our history.
Have you worked with Farhan Akhtar before?
Did you remind him about that?
Yes, absolutely. To my surprise, he remembered. It felt like life coming full circle. We shot many scenes together, which allowed us to open up. He’s extremely funny, but also very respectful.
What changes did you make to transform into Sugandh?
A lot was taken care of by the costume department and the dialogues. My director was very clear about what he wanted. Once I was in my Rajasthani ensemble and we did the look test, more than 90 per cent of the work was done. I also had a diction coach on set and rehearsed the dialect before every scene. I didn’t want to sound fake, so I did a lot of internal work on the character.
You must have faced language barriers down South as well.
I was terrified initially. I thought I couldn’t do it. But often, we create barriers in our own lives. We underestimate ourselves because of fear. Once I got my first Telugu script at a young age, I started working on it and realised it came naturally to me. I overcame that fear. I made sure I spoke Telugu on set, even if people found my diction funny. I wanted to learn. I then approached Tamil and Malayalam the same way. Malayalam is one of the toughest languages. I play a Bengali woman in Talaakhon Mein Ek with Vikrant Massey, which is yet to be released, so I worked on that accent. I also worked on Rajasthani for 120 Bahadur, and Punjabi for an upcoming show. I feel comfortable in many languages now. You can throw any language at me, and know I’ll do justice to it. That’s what excites me most as an actor.
Your take on the outsider versus
insider debate.
Making your debut is one thing, but sustaining yourself is another. It’s difficult for anyone, even with backing. Talent is non-negotiable. You may be visible or in the news, but earning respect as an actor is much harder. And that’s what truly matters. Today, fame and money are easier through social media. If that’s what you’re seeking and it makes you happy, great. For me, respect from the audience mattered more. I won’t say I chose the best scripts, but they were all lessons. Initially, I constantly doubted whether I’d survive without backing. Today, social media has made visibility easier but intent still matters. You have to be clear about why you’re doing a film. Fame and money should be by-products of your craft, not the goal.
When did you finally feel you had arrived?
To the point of delusion, I’ve always believed I’ll make it. I can’t explain where that belief comes from. Even during my lowest phases, I knew I was resilient. I’ve had flops, but I’ve never believed I wouldn’t survive. That belief has carried me through.
Was Farzi a breakthrough?
I don’t know if it was luck or destiny, but Farzi definitely helped. People saw me beyond glamour, especially in the South. For the North audience, it was a fresh introduction. They saw me as a performer. It opened doors, and even today, wherever I go, people talk about Farzi. The base is set, now I have to build on it.
How do you switch between The Sabarmati Report
and Telusu Kada?
I honestly don’t know myself. I move from one set to another, completely different worlds. But I do a lot of preparation, script readings, dialogue work, and understanding the character’s trajectory. Once that’s clear, switching becomes easier. I don’t get nervous because the groundwork is already done.
Have you learnt something from the greats in the South industries?
Ravi Teja lives life fully, irrespective of hits or flops. His positivity is infectious. Jr NTR taught me that talent sustains you, not visibility. Working with Dhanush made me a better actor. Acting is reacting, and his nuances leave you spellbound. Mohanlal sir is a phenomenon. He can switch emotions instantly. I’ve had many conversations with him about his process. I’ve learnt everything on set, from my co-actors, since I never went to film school. I’m rarely starstruck, but Pawan sir’s aura overwhelmed me. There were moments when I forgot my lines just watching him that’s never happened to me before.
Tell us about Talaakhon Mein Ek?
Working with Vikrant (Massey) was an absolute treat. The film tested me as an actor. I can’t wait for it to be released. The film explores relationships beyond their flowery social-media portrayal. It will definitely strike a chord
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Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: filmfare.com
