Raashi Khanna: Found a friend in Shahid Kapoor

Raashi Khanna. Pics/Instagram

Ayushmann Khurrana's Adhadhun (2018), which garnered three National Awards, has inspired many remakes - Maestro (in Telugu), Andhagan (in Tamil), and Bhramam (in Malayalam). Reprising the role of the blind pianist is Prithviraj Sukumaran, while Raashi Khanna, who made her Bollywood debut with John Abraham's Madras Café, will adapt the character played by Radhika Apte in the Malayalam version.

Khanna with Shahid Kapoor, Raj & DK on the set of the series

Assuring to bring her own touch to the role in the Amazon Prime Video outing, Khanna says, "Radhika brought her own personality to that character. While staying true to the original, I have played the character a little mellow. I made a conscious effort not to watch the movie again to avoid being influenced by it." Directed by Bollywood cinematographer Ravi K Chandran, Bhramam will highlight more "local elements". "It has to suit the audience in the Malayalam industry, [which is why] my character is distinct from Radhika's character," explains the actor.

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Prithviraj with Khanna in a still from Bhramam

Digital platforms have opened up a new world for viewers keen to watch engaging and path-breaking content, a feat Malayalam films have been known to achieve for long. "It is the only industry that [takes the risk] to showcase daring content. That's why a film like Andhadhun had to be remade in this language," adds Khanna, who has also been shooting for Shahid Kapoor's debut OTT series.

Creators of The Family Man franchise, Raj & DK are busy shooting the thriller drama series, while simultaneously scripting the third season of the Manoj Bajpayee-fronted show. "Raj & DK thought I looked the part, so I got lucky," she says, adding that working with Kapoor was a "chilled out" experience. "He doesn't carry the aura of a star and is a spiritual person. We bonded as we understand the importance of a lot of things in our lives, besides films. I found a friend in him."

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