"Women are not props anymore..."

...ASSERTS RAASHI KHANNA. TANZIM PARDIWALLA AGREES WHOLEHEARTEDLY

- TANZIM PARDIWALLA

Raashii Khanna is a girl’s girl. Getting into a conversation with her is like talking to a secure girl pal whose experiences have taught her to meet life’s ups and downs with a monk-like zen that can only be achieved through practice. “I love your name,” she says in response when I tell her that I liked the latest glam shots she has been posting on her social media handle. The exchange of compliments continues as the actress speaks candidly about exploring the expanse of not just the South and Hindi film industries but also switching gears between bigscreen releases and OTT projects. She has been riding the pan-India wave for a while now, after all. In an exclusive chat, Raashii reflects on her diverse filmography, making unexpected choices, and more...

Do you think the distinction between regional and pan-Indian films and stars has blurred, or are you still seen as a South actor?

I don’t think so anymore. After doing projects like Farzi and Yodha, and with upcoming films like The Sabarmati Report with Vikrant Massey, I believe the lines will blur eventually. Even if some people still consider me a South actor due to my significant following and influence in the South, I see it as an advantage. I can navigate both the North and South industries since I continue to work in the South and haven’t abandoned it. I’ve noticed that more of my South films are being dubbed in Hindi, which helps audiences become familiar with South based actors entering the Hindi arena. It may take some time, but I believe this distinction will diminish soon.

Fandoms are very passionate in the South. Do you notice any cultural differences between there and here?

When I was promoting