I always respect Dil Raju garu.
— Raashi Khanna
'Jai Lava Kusa' is my best look onscreen.
I eat properly and work out a lot.
I was really looking forward to the release of 'Villain.' I put in a lot of hard work, and I am glad people are noticing basic things - like how I synced perfectly with the Malayalam dialogues or that I came across as a Malayalam girl - makes me feel wonderful.
Whenever I get a chance, I try spending as much time as possible with my family.
My debut film, 'Madras Cafe,' is a political thriller in which John Abraham plays an army officer. My character's name is Ruby Singh, and I play John's wife, with all the strappings of an army man's wife.
It's always exciting to be part of films where you matter and add value.
I don't like being put into a category.
Doing comedy is very challenging, as I am a shy person in real life.
I understand that, being born with a certain face, people want to see me in certain roles. But one needs to break that image by doing different kinds of films.
I am conscious of making choices that balance the performance and commercial aspects. It's easy to get stereotyped in this industry.
I have no complaints except for the fact that I get very little time with my family. However, the happiness they feel every time they see me doing well compensates for everything.
I love wearing heels but don't wear it too often because I am comfortable about my height. And for me, comfort comes first.
I had been comfortable with the simple 'girl next door' look for a long time. But then, I really wanted to get out of that zone and experiment with my style.
I have always been fascinated by Kollywood because of the interesting scripts and genres that they come up with.
Be it the team or script, everything about 'Imaikkaa Nodigal' is special to me. The script is nothing like what I have done before.
I'm happy doing good projects.
I am a family person. I thank my parents for their upbringing.
When a person is juggling a lot of emotions in a single day, it can take a toll.
Whatever the language, I will make the best of the opportunities coming my way.
I learnt to keep my acting subtle.
I wasn't sure if I would survive in the film industry in the beginning. So, I gave myself six months to see if things fall in place, and luckily, soon after I moved to Mumbai, I began getting modelling and acting offers.
I am inspired by the work done by Vidya Balan and Priyanka Chopra. They are both versatile and extremely talented actors.
The role I was waiting for came in the form of Varsha in 'Tholi Prema.'
I did not choose acting as a career.
I had been living out of a suitcase in hotels, and that was getting to me, so I bought a new house in Hyderabad. I wanted the comfort and warmth of my own home when I return from hectic shootings.
Learning Telugu was scary.
I am really excited to act with a powerhouse of talent like Vijay Deverakonda.
Apart from work, I really have no time for myself. I am literally living out of a suitcase. But I love my life!
I'd say an ideal wardrobe should have a mix of high-fashion gowns, clothes that spell 'boho chic,' and at least a few things that are playful.
I don't have any acting or theatre background.
If you want to deliver as an actor, you need to know the language. If you don't know what you are mouthing, how will you perform? For me, it is important to know the language.
I hope and wish that it's a Telugu boy for me. I have fallen completely in love with Telugu weddings and the rituals.
I'm not doing an item number in any film.
Ravi Teja means extraordinary energy.
'Jai Lava Kusa' will see a very new me. From my styling to the way I look, everything is very fresh.
What more can an actor ask for than being surrounded by scripts to choose from?
I have always wanted to sing at some point in my life. In fact, when I was shooting for 'Oohalu Gusagusalaade,' I would randomly start singing on the sets, and I even earned a nickname 'Radio' on that film.
After being signed for 'Madras Cafe,' I joined Jogi Singh's acting classes, where I learned the basic nuances.
After completing my honours in English, I remember getting a photograph clicked at a promotional booth put up by Vaseline in a mall. I was just having some fun with my friends, but never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that I will be on the cover of 'Femina.'
As much as I like being part of commercial films that give me visibility with a wide audience, and love being the glamourous girl, at the end of the day, I am an actor, and nothing can be more satisfying than being appreciated for my craft.
The coffee in Araku is the best I have had so far.
Coming from the Malayalam sets, when I went to Telugu, people told me that I wasn't acting and that it felt dead. It was very subtle in Malayalam, while it is slightly dramatic in Telugu. It is quite fascinating to understand what each industry expects of you and work according to that.
I don't want people to define me. That's the best way for an actor to grow.
I honestly believe that you can change your destiny by working hard.
I completely understand how temporary fame is, and I keep my sanity at all times.
I experiment, but I am extremely mindful of the things I wear. The key is to accept your body type and pick cuts and styles that flatter your frame.
For an actor to grow, she needs to play roles that put her out of her comfort zone.
One thing I love about Kollywood is that, here, filmmakers are more experimental, and the audience is welcoming of it, too.
I am a family person and also very emotional by nature.
