Raashi Khanna’s Launch vehicle: 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. Though the film is based on the Sri Lankan civil war of the 1980?s, the story is a work of fiction. The couple epitomise the life of an army family, and the challenges that they face is beautifully portrayed in the film.
Casting coup
I had done an advertisement for Tata Sky, after which, casting director Jogi Singh called me for an audition. I was told that Shoojit Sircar is looking for a fresh face in his upcoming project. Although I wasn?t too sure about how it will work out, I decided to give it a try. A couple of days later, I got a call from Shoojit sir and he told me that I am on board. But, it took a while for the feeling to sink in.
Stepping stone
I never expected to chart a career in films. 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. It was after this that Elite model management agency spotted me and I started getting a lot of offers for advertisements. Later, I was approached by Kwan management. After being signed for Madras Cafe, I joined Jogi Singh?s acting classes, where I learned the basic nuances. To understand my character better, I spoke to many people who come from an army background, and Shoojit sir?s advice helped me a lot.
First shot
I had no apprehensions of facing the camera, but I became very nervous when I was told that my first scene will be with John. I have always seen him on the big screen, and it was difficult for the feeling to sink in that I would be sharing screen space with him. Thankfully, John made me feel very comfortable before the shoot, and he broke the ice by striking an informal conversation. The first scene was a casual moment between the couple looking at each other. It is a simple moment when their eyes speak louder than words.
Stumbling block
I didn?t face any problems as such, but there was one emotional scene when I call up John, who is in Sri Lanka for the past four years, fighting a civil war. Ruby misses him a lot, and I had to show the emotion of an army wife who hasn?t seen her husband for a long time, and fears that anything can happen to him. A scene like that can emotionally drain you out, and I had to understand the character?s longing for her husband. After a few takes, the director told me that I had done a good job and that the scene was approved.
The takeaway
I have definitely gained a lot of experience while working on this film and the advice given by Shoojit sir, John and other crew members will help me in the long run.
Role model
I am inspired by the work done by Vidya Balan and Priyanka Chopra. They are both versatile and extremely talented actors. Also, I have been an ardent fan of Madhuri Dixit, whose charisma remains unmatchable.
Future projects
Currently, I have signed Hamara Bajaj with Ayushmann Khurrana and Yami Gautam, which is also Shoojit?s project. I am going through a few more scripts, but everything depends on how the audience reacts to my performance in Madras Cafe.
By Priya Adivarekar
