Raashi Khanna combated mosquitoes for 'Madras Cafe'

Dancing around trees is common for actresses, but battling mosquitoes and power cuts is not. Newcomer Raashi Khanna, who is making her debut with director Shoojit Sircar's forthcoming spy thriller "Madras Cafe", went through all these tough experiences.

The Delhi girl was not part of the Sri Lankan leg of the film's shoot, but she admits that her stay in Kerala for the movie was wonderful until, of course, when mosquitoes interrupted.

"There were no (Sri Lankan) jungles for me. I shot in Kerala where I enjoyed the food and Shirodhara spa massage. Only mosquitoes bothered me! We were all using mosquito repellants," Raashi told IANS.

Erratic electricity supply was another botheration.

"There was electricity issue. Once I got up around 4 a.m. and I saw Shoojit on a scooter, looking out for an electrician. That was funny," said the 22-year-old, who plays the wife of an army officer, essayed by John Abraham in the movie.

"Like any other army officer's wife, Ruby (her character) lives in constant fear and is lonely," she said.

"Madras Cafe" releases Aug 23.

The model-turned-actress was initially unsure about playing the role.

"I was happy to be cast opposite John, but I was also nervous. I wasn't sure about the role, but Shoojit believed in me," said Raashi.

She says the movie's cast and crew helped her feel comfortable on the set.

"I was nervous and excited on the first day. John and Shoojit never made me feel like a newcomer. I had earlier done workshops with Shoojit and he didn't shout at me while shooting, so that made me feel comfortable," said Raashi, a graduate from the capital's Lady Shri Ram College for Women.

John, she says, is "down to earth", and added: "He helped me with my lines also."

Raashi has already signed another film under John's production house - John Abraham Entertainment Pvt Ltd. While she didn't share the details of the new film, she readily revealed how John gave her fitness tips.

"John advised me to eat after every two hours to maintain energy level. He also told me the importance of gymming and eating right," she said.

Raashi had earlier shot for a Tata Sky advertisement, which got her noticed. She went for the audition of "Madras Cafe" and bagged the role.