New Delhi: 

From the numerological significance of her name to her thoughts on social media as a celebrity, actor Raashii Khanna shared insights into her journey and career.

You once aspired to be an IAS officer. How did you decide to become an actor instead?

I believe my passion for acting was instilled in me by destiny. No one in my family has a background in the film industry, and I wasn’t even exposed to many movies while growing up—I was more of a bookworm. However, things changed when I started modelling during college, and film offers began coming my way.

It was on set that I discovered my love for acting, and that’s when I knew this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I’m truly grateful for this journey.

Being from Delhi, what challenges did you face in the South Indian film industry?

I had to put in a lot of effort, especially with the language. The audience deeply connects with their actors, and I wanted to do justice to their love and support. Instead of relying on dubbing, I worked hard to learn the language. Apart from that, adjusting to the cultural differences across various South Indian industries was a challenge. However, with each project, I grew more comfortable and embraced the diversity.

How do you see the evolution of cinema over the years?

It’s been remarkable! A few years ago, it was unimaginable that North Indian audiences would invest in watching South Indian films in theatres. But now, these projects are getting the love they deserve, and regional barriers are breaking down. COVID played a role in making content more accessible to a broader audience. Today, we are all focused on creating impactful content, even though we can never be sure what will resonate with viewers.

How do you reflect on your journey from Madras Cafe to now?

When I reflect on my career, it’s incredible how time has flown. It has been 10-11 years since Madras Cafe, and I never imagined I’d sustain this long in the industry, especially without any backing. It has been challenging, and I have been quite hard on myself. But I’m proud of the hard work I’ve put in, and I continue to get opportunities because of it. Today, I’m working across different industries and, more importantly, enjoying the process.

What made you choose Aghathiyaa, a horror fantasy film?

Firstly, I have never been part of this genre, and it is still relatively unexplored in Indian cinema. When we think of horror fantasy, we usually associate it with Hollywood. So, I found the concept intriguing. The storyline captivated me, and I wanted to be a part of something unique.

How do you balance social media pressure while maintaining your privacy?

I’m fortunate to have entered the industry a decade ago when social media wasn’t as overwhelming, and actors were judged more on their craft. I understand the importance of PR and visibility, but not at the cost of my self-respect. If you’re overly available, why would people invest in watching you on-screen? I prioritise my work over fame. You’ll see me promoting my films, but beyond that, I maintain my privacy.

You played a journalist in The Sabarmati Report. Did that change your perspective on journalism?

Absolutely! I gained immense respect for journalists. Their job carries a lot of responsibility—they research, verify facts, and present the truth from multiple perspectives to inform the nation. I also realised that journalists aren’t always well-compensated, yet they dedicate themselves to their work, sometimes even risking their lives. It’s a profession driven by passion and commitment.

Do you prioritise a good story or a commercially successful film?

Commercial success is crucial for an actor’s visibility, but it’s also essential that the film works well. Ideally, I’d like to be part of a commercially viable film with a compelling storyline.

Any updates on Farzi 2?

I wish I had a scoop on that! Raj & DK are currently finalising The Family Man’s last chapter, and once that’s completed, they will probably start working on Farzi 2. Every time I ask them, they seem uncertain. They have an idea but haven’t put it on paper yet. So, I’m still waiting.

What’s next for you?

I’m leading a show, though I can’t reveal much about it yet. We’ve begun filming, and I’ve also completed three films. The one I can talk about is Talaakhon Mein Ek with Vikrant Massey. Given the rising number of divorces, the film will resonate with many people. Vikrant is a fantastic actor, and being part of such a strong project excites me.

What is the significance of your name, and why does it have double ‘A’ and ‘I’?

I was born with double ‘A’ in my name, but my mother, who strongly believes in numerology, suggested adding an extra ‘I’. She felt it would positively impact my life, and I did it more out of respect for her faith than my own belief.

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