Regina Cassandra: Took me time as Hindi is my second language

The actor in the film’s teaser

Last month, Nawazuddin Siddiqui announced kicking off the shoot of Section 108 in Delhi, by sharing a video from the film's set. A month on, it's a wrap on the crime thriller that sees the actor as a lawyer, with Regina Cassandra essaying the role of an insurance investigating officer. For Cassandra, who predominantly works in Tamil and Telugu cinema, Rasikh Khan's Hindi directorial venture marks her pursuit of interesting stories, language no bar. "Our shoot covered extensive locations in Delhi, Noida, and Gurugram. Working with Nawaz sir, an actor I admire, felt like a dream fulfilled. He brought his unique perspective to the project, and I had plenty of insight to contribute as well," says the actor.

In 2019, Cassandra made her Hindi film debut with Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga. The actor went on to shine in Rocket Boys with her portrayal of Mrinalini Sarabhai, and Farzi. As she attempts her second Hindi feature film, she admits that working in her second language hasn't been easy, but credits Siddiqui and Khan for being patient with her. "I used to engage in discussions with Nawaz sir and Rasikh Khan before each scene. That made the process comfortable. I mentioned that it might take me some time because Hindi is my second language. But Nawaz sir reassured me, saying, ‘For you, it's Hindi, and for me, it's English. Each of us has our reason for taking time,'" recalls Cassandra. Sharing screen space with him, she says, is as good as a masterclass in acting. "I loved learning from him, consciously and subconsciously picking up on cues."