Exclusive: Raashii Khanna on Completing 11 Years in The Movies: “When You Don’t Have Big Backing…”

Raashii Khanna debuted as an actress with Madras Cafe, while quietly building a strong body of work in Bollywood and South cinema. She admits having no god fathers or prior backing and credits her hard work for the miracles that have come her way. She has worked in film industries across India and calls her journey ‘transformative’ yet ‘rooted.’ While exclusively speaking to Filmfare, Raashii thanks her fans and talks about the challenges and differences in the industries she’s worked in. She also opens up about what lies ahead, including Farzi 2 and Talakhon Mein Ek, and what keeps her grounded after 11 years in the business.

You began your journey with Madras Cafe. Looking back, how was the experience like?

Madras Cafe was my first film, and everything about it felt new and intense. I remember being a little lost on set and feeling this quiet pressure, knowing I was stepping into a story so rooted in reality and history. Shoojit Sircar was incredibly generous and he let me find my space as an actor. One moment that stays with me is filming a scene in a rundown house in Kochi where I ask John (Abraham) sir’s seniors about his whereabouts. It wasn’t dramatic on paper, but I remember the silence, the stillness, the camera rolling and feeling like I had finally arrived into the world of cinema, not just on a set. That moment made me fall in love with the craft.

If you had to describe these 11 years in three words, what would they be?

Transformative, rooted and awakening.

You have worked in South and in Bollywood time and again. What do you think are the similarities and differences in the film industries?

At the heart of it, both industries are driven by the same passion for storytelling. The dedication, the madness on set, the love for cinema – that’s universal. But there are cultural and stylistic differences. In the South, there’s a certain discipline and humility in the way sets are run – a deep respect for the craft. Bollywood, on the other hand, often feels more experimental, sometimes more flamboyant in its approach. But I’ve learnt so much from both and I’m grateful I get to carry pieces of each world with me into every role I take on.

How did you manage the North-South divide in the initial years? How did you survive on Rasam Vada instead of Samosas?

I won’t lie, it was a culture shock at first! I went from Samosas to Rasam Vada! But I realised that food is the quickest way to understand a culture – its warmth, its rhythm, its soul. So, I opened my heart and my taste buds. Let’s just say I started craving it more than chaat by the end of my first year working in the South. However, now I have found the balance between both the worlds. Whether it’s filter coffee or masala chai, I feel equally at home in both worlds.

Hindi-speaking audiences are connecting with you more now. How does it feel to be rediscovered by a wider audience?

It feels incredibly special. I’ve always believed that stories find their time and maybe this is mine. I’ve worked quietly for years, across industries, growing with each role. So, to be rediscovered now by a wider Hindi-speaking audience feels less like a sudden shift and more like a slow, beautiful unfolding. I’m grateful people are connecting, not just with my work, but with the woman I’ve become through it.

Do you miss the discipline of the South? Who do you think have helped you in the industry in the starting years?

It’s not that the North lacks discipline, it’s just that the South has a different kind of rooted rhythm that I really admire. It shaped my work ethic early on. But truthfully, when you don’t have a Godfather or a big backing, you learn to rely on yourself. For me, it was my self-belief, sincerity and my own discipline that carried me through. No shortcuts. Just consistent work and showing up fully, every single time.

Who are your best of friends in the industry now?

I’ve always believed in keeping my personal and professional lives separate, so I’ve never actively looked to make friends within the industry. I’ve tried to stay respectful, warm, but professional on set. That space has worked well for me. The one person I do consider a close friend is Vaani Kapoor but that bond began much before acting, during our modelling days.

We recently saw some photos where you seem to be performing action-packed scenes. Tell us more about it.

Yes, I’ve been exploring a very different physical space as an actor lately – something far more intense and action-driven than what I’ve done before. I can’t reveal too much just yet, but let’s just say, it is pushing me out of my comfort zone in the best way possible. I’ve been training hard for it and I’m excited for people to see this new side of me. Also, the stills are not from Farzi 2! Haha! It’s a show for Amazon that I am leading. I’ll share the details soon.

We are very excited for Farzi 2…

Yes, our directors have started working on the script and all of us are really looking forward to beginning the shoot. Most likely, we’ll begin by the end of this year. I know there’s a lot of curiosity and excitement around the project, and I’m truly grateful for that. But for now, that’s all I can share… just that something special is on its way.

What are your upcoming projects that we can look forward to?

It’s a packed year and I’m truly grateful for it. There’s Talakhon Mein Ekwith Vikrant Massey, which I’m really proud of. It’s a deeply emotional story. I’ve also completed a project with Excel, though I’m not at liberty to share details just yet. Then there’s the Amazon series, the one I recently shared action-packed glimpses from. It’s a very different space for me as an actor. Farzi 2 is gearing up to start soon, which I know many people have been waiting for. In Telugu, Telusu Kada is releasing this October, and I’m excited for audiences to see a new shade of me in that.

Also Read: Raashii Khanna remembers being body-shamed early in her career