Always Wanted To Work With Rajeev Ravi: Rasika Dugal

Chennai: Known for her work in path-breaking films such as ‘Kshay’ and ‘Qissa’, actress Rasika Dugal is stoked about the release of forthcoming Malayalam actioner ‘Kammati Paadam’ in which she has worked with Dulquer Salmaan.

‘Although I've not watched the film yet, I'm still excited about it going by the experience of working on this project,’ Rasika told IANS.

Directed by Rajeev Ravi, the well-known cinematographer, the film is produced by Prem Menon under the banner of Global United Media.

Rasika had known Rajeev from the time she had made her acting debut in Anurag Kashyap's ‘No Smoking’.

‘He was my senior in FTII, and he's always been supportive of people from the institute. Post aNo Smoking', we reconnected when we traveled to Colombo for a film festival with our films. He asked me if I'd like to work with him and I instantly agreed,’ she said.

For Rasika, it was important that her role was significant to Rajeev more than herself.

‘I've always wanted to work with Rajeev, so when he asked, I didn't have any second thoughts. I wasn't even sure how I was going to be portrayed alongside Dulquer,’ she said.

However, the way things panned out surprised Rasika, in a pleasant way.

‘I primarily relied on my instinct while working on this project. Rajeev is a very visual person, so he likes to change a lot of things on the sets. There have been instances where a three lines scene became three pages scene while filming. It was quite unnerving, but I enjoyed the process because the character stayed with me for long,’ she said.

The film, which has music by K, also stars Vinay Fort, Shine Tom Chacko and Shaun Romy. It is slated to release on May 20.

Talking about working with Dulquer, she said, ‘I was initially wary, because I assumed he's a star and might come with some baggage. However, the experience of working with Dulquer turned out to be very comfortable. He really gets invested in what he's doing.’

Dulquer also helped her get familiarize with the Malayalam filmdom, apart from suggesting some films to watch.

Although Rasika doesn't divulge much about the film or her role, she says she'll be seen in the most deglamorous avatar of her career.