Raashii Khanna Speaks Out on Objectification of Women in South Cinema
Raashii Khanna Speaks Out on Objectification of Women in South Cinema
Raashii Khanna, one of the few actresses to establish a successful career across Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu cinema long before “pan-India star” became a popular label, has addressed the ongoing debate surrounding the portrayal of women in South films. In an exclusive conversation with Zoom, the actress made it clear that her boundaries are non-negotiable.
“If I feel I might look cheap, I refuse the role”
Speaking about her comfort levels on screen, Raashii said, “It is very important that I should be comfortable in what I am doing. If I feel like a line is being crossed and I might look cheap in it, I will say no. Every actor has a different comfort zone, and I don’t judge.”
She also pointed out that objectification is not restricted to the South film industries alone. “It is not just a South thing; I see it in the North quite a lot. It depends entirely on the actor’s choice. Some people are comfortable with it, some are not. I have done many commercial films in the South, and now I feel I should take a step forward in Hindi and get into more content. I am okay with commercial cinema, but I also have a limit. And every actor’s limit defines who they are.”
Raashii Khanna Speaks Out on Objectification of Women in South Cinema
‘120 Bahadur’ Continues Strong Box Office Run
On the work front, Raashii Khanna’s latest film, 120 Bahadur, is receiving widespread appreciation and performing well in theatres. Directed by Razneesh Ghai, the film stars Farhan Akhtar as Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, the Param Vir Chakra awardee who led the brave Charlie Company during the 1962 Battle of Rezang La. The story highlights the courage of 120 Indian soldiers who stood firm against a much larger Chinese force.
The film released on November 21 and has been praised for its emotional depth and patriotism.
Rekha’s Emotional Reaction Left Raashii Speechless
During the same interview, Raashii recalled a touching moment when veteran actress Rekha watched 120 Bahadur.
“Rekha ji had tears in her eyes when she saw the film. I asked her, ‘Can I hug you?’ She said, ‘No, can I hug you?’ She hugged me and told Farhan sir and I was there,” Raashii shared, still moved by the memory.
Rekha was especially affected by the film’s final sequence. Raashii added, “She spoke about how my character touched her in the last scene and made her cry. She was emotional for a long time. When someone like her says something like that, I feel I may have done something right. That is the validation I seek—from my seniors, peers, and the audience. I felt fulfilled that night.”
Raashii Khanna Speaks Out on Objectification of Women in South Cinema
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