Tholiprema happened for me at 17: Raashi Khanna

After the failure of 'Touch Chesi Chudu', Raashi Khanna is looking forward to the release of 'Tholi Prema' on Feb 10. In this interview, she speaks of the film's specialty, her experience of working on a full-on romance drama, her own tryst with first love, and more.

'TP' is definitely your-kind-of film, especially considering that you debuted in a rom-com like 'Oohalu Gusagusalade'. How did you enjoy doing this film?

The film is very close to my heart. It's a performance-oriented character I got to play. Many were expecting me to do a film like this. I am hopeful that the magic of the teaser and trailer will work when our film releases.

Did you watch Pawan Kalyan's 'Tholi Prema'? How different is this film from that one?

Yes, I did. And I really loved Keerthy Reddy's introduction scene. There is no similarity in the stories of these two films. First love is generational and it can be shown in different ways. The emotion is the same. But the depiction differs. Venky Atluri has done it in his own style.

For sentimental reasons or otherwise, Pawan Kalyan's fans turned up when I was there in Guntur recently.

Your look has got quite a lot of appreciation. Tell us about that and also your weight reduction exercises.

Varsha is different in different ages. The film has a span of seven full years. So, Varsha and also the hero look different in different ages. Both I and Varun Tej had to hit the gym. I followed a diet regimen to show a difference of five kilos for each of the phases. Varun Tej worked so hard that he had to go back to the gym three times day after day.

My bespectacled look is being compared to Harry Potter's imaginary sister!

It seems you are surprised by Varun's dedication.

Yes. He worked so hard on the movie. He doesn't talk about it though. Both acting-wise and looks-wise, he is very distinct in the movie.

How was Venky Atluri's approach?

As someone who lived with the script for 2 years, he explored it inside out. Venky was so patient in explaining the things to me.

First love is an oft-repeated trope in our movies. How different is 'TP' actually?

As I said, the emotion may be the same, but how you explore it matters. How you show the anxiety of first love, how you show the ambivalences etc, and these things are shown differently in the movie. For example, Varun Tej plays an impulsive guy. Despite his ways, Varsha likes him. There is a romantic scene in a car. It's my favourite moment! (Laughs). Also, the film has an emotional anchor. Reading the scenes, one actually cries. I think the audience too are going to connect with it.

You are fond of first love, it seems. When did it happen to you?

When I was 17, I had a crush on my senior. He was my first love. I could related to all that while doing 'TP'.

When are you dubbing in Telugu?

I wanted to do it for this film. But I was asked to give 10 days of call sheet. I couldn't do it as I was shooting for Jayam Ravi's Tamil movie.

What are your upcoming movies?

A film each with Atharva, Siddharth and Jayam Ravi are in the making in Tamil. A Telugu film will soon be announced.