Fresh from the release of her powerful war drama '120 Bahadur', actress Raashii Khanna continues to carry the emotional resonance of the film's journey. The recent premiere brought her one of the most memorable moments of her career - an unexpected and heartfelt encounter with Bollywood legend Rekha.
An Unforgettable Meeting with an Icon
Raashii Khanna recently opened up about the deeply moving experience of meeting Rekha immediately after the premiere of '120 Bahadur'. "That moment was incredibly special for me," the actress revealed with visible emotion. What made the encounter particularly memorable was Rekha's immediate emotional response to the film.
"Rekhaji had tears in her eyes as she walked out of the theatre," Raashii recalled. When the young actress asked if she could hug the veteran star, Rekha surprised her by asking instead if she could hug Raashii. The legendary actress didn't hold back her admiration for both the film and Raashii's performance.
Rekha expressed how moved she was by the film's emotional honesty and specifically praised Raashii's ability to convey the pain and resilience of her character even during silent moments. For Raashii, this validation from an industry icon represented much more than simple praise - it was a profound artistic acknowledgment that she will cherish forever.
The Transformative Power of Real Stories
'120 Bahadur' tells the heroic story of the Battle of Rezang La during the 1962 Indo-Sino war, where 120 Indian soldiers faced approximately 3000 Chinese troops. The film features Farhan Akhtar as Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, with Raashii portraying his wife, Sugan Shaitan Singh Bhati.
For Raashii, the true turning point in her preparation came before filming even began, when she had the opportunity to meet the real family of the war hero she was portraying. "Yes, I did meet the family," she confirmed, "and that completely changed the emotional weight of the role for me."
The experience transformed what had been merely a character on paper into a profound responsibility. Listening to their personal stories, absorbing their memories, and understanding the void left by the war fundamentally altered her approach to the role.
"Listening to their memories, understanding her world, her losses, and her quiet strength helped me internalise her beyond performance," Raashii explained. She consciously focused on restraint in her portrayal, recognizing that real grief often manifests quietly rather than dramatically. Emotionally, it became one of her most challenging roles, yet also the most grounding experience of her career.
Creative Collaboration with Farhan Akhtar
The film also marked Raashii's first professional collaboration with Farhan Akhtar, which she described as creatively fulfilling. "Working with Farhan sir was very enriching," she shared. "He brings a rare combination of sensitivity and intensity to his performances."
On set, Farhan's deep focus and calm presence created an environment that helped Raashii elevate her performance to match the emotional demands of the narrative. Given the emotionally charged nature of the story, having a co-star who approached his work with such honesty made the entire experience particularly rewarding.
Looking ahead, Raashii Khanna has an exciting lineup of projects, including 'Farzii 2' with Shahid Kapoor, Pawan Kalyan's 'Ustaad Bhagat Singh', 'Talakhon Mein Ek' with Vikrant Massey, and a web series.
