Raashii Khanna Reveals Why She Signed 'Ustaad Bhagat Singh' Without Hearing Script
Actress Raashii Khanna is eagerly anticipating the release of her upcoming film 'Ustaad Bhagat Singh', where she stars alongside Telugu cinema icon Pawan Kalyan. In a recent press conference, Khanna opened up about her experience working with Kalyan, describing the overwhelming fan devotion known as 'Pawanism' and explaining her immediate decision to join the project.
Witnessing 'Pawanism' Firsthand
Raashii Khanna shared her astonishment at witnessing Pawan Kalyan's massive fan following during promotional events. "When I looked at his fans from the stage, it felt like they were worshipping Pawan Kalyan like a god," she revealed, describing the phenomenon that has come to define Kalyan's stardom in Telugu cinema.
Signing the Film Without Hearing the Script
In a candid admission, Khanna disclosed that she agreed to be part of 'Ustaad Bhagat Singh' without even hearing the complete story. "To be honest, the moment I heard that it was Pawan Kalyan Garu's film, I immediately said yes with great excitement, even before listening to the story," she confessed.
The actress elaborated on her long-standing desire to work with the superstar, saying, "Ever since I did my first film, I had heard a lot about his stardom and the phenomenon called Pawanism. From then on, I wished to act with him at least once. With Ustaad Bhagat Singh, that dream has come true."
Clarifying Her Role and Character Arc
Addressing speculation about her screen time in the film, Raashii Khanna explained that her character has significant importance despite limited scenes with Pawan Kalyan. "We actually don't have scenes together. Each character has its own space and importance. My role also has good variations," she clarified.
The actress also mentioned featuring in a mass song sequence, which she described as one of the most enjoyable aspects of filming. "Shooting the song was one of the most enjoyable parts of the project, especially since I enjoy dancing," she added with enthusiasm.
Praising Pawan Kalyan's Off-Screen Personality
Beyond his on-screen persona, Raashii Khanna spoke warmly about Pawan Kalyan's real-life character. She described him as "simple and thoughtful" and noted his intellectual pursuits. "He is always seen reading books. There is an innocence about him that is hard to explain," she observed, offering insight into the superstar's private demeanor.
Pawan Kalyan's Perspective on Cinema and Family
In a separate pre-release event at Yusufguda Police Grounds in Hyderabad, Pawan Kalyan shared his philosophical approach to filmmaking. "I love cinema. Cinema fed me and gave me the identity that allowed me to serve the people," he stated, emphasizing his gratitude toward the industry.
Kalyan expressed his inclusive vision for Indian cinema, saying, "I have never cared about film collections. I do not see films as Telugu cinema or Tamil cinema. I only see them as Indian cinema."
The actor paid heartfelt tribute to his brother and legendary actor Chiranjeevi, calling him his "real hero" and inspiration. "For me, the real hero is Chiranjeevi. I sincerely thank my elder brother for appreciating this film's trailer and tweeting about it," he said, also expressing gratitude to Ram Charan and filmmaker Buchi Babu Sana.
Anticipated Release and Industry Impact
'Ustaad Bhagat Singh' is scheduled to hit theaters on March 19, generating significant buzz across Telugu cinema and beyond. The film represents not just another commercial release but a cultural event that highlights:
- The enduring stardom of Pawan Kalyan and his unique connection with fans
- Raashii Khanna's growing prominence in South Indian cinema
- The collaborative spirit within the Telugu film industry
- The evolving landscape of pan-Indian cinema narratives
As anticipation builds for the release, both actors' revelations about their working relationship and personal insights have added depth to the promotional campaign, creating heightened expectations among fans and industry observers alike.
