The way women are portrayed in South Indian films has often drawn criticism, with many pointing out that female characters are frequently reduced to decorative parts. In a conversation with Zoom, Raashii Khanna, who has worked across South industries as well as in Bollywood, noted that objectification is not limited to one region. According to her, Bollywood also has its share of problematic portrayals.
Reflecting on the issue, Raashii explained, “This is not something that exists only in the South. I see it happening quite often in the North too. Ultimately, it depends on what an actor chooses to accept. Some are comfortable with certain things, while others are not. I have done plenty of commercial films in the South, and now I feel the need to push ahead in Hindi cinema and focus more on content. I am open to commercial projects, but even I have my boundaries. Each actor’s threshold is different, and that is what shapes their identity.”
She continued, “For me, comfort is essential. If I feel that something crosses a line or makes me appear in a way I would not like, I will refuse it. Every actor has their own comfort space, and I do not judge anyone for their choices.”
Raashii Khanna’s recent projects and what comes next
Raashii was last seen in the film 120 Bahadur. Directed by Razneesh Ghai and produced by Excel Entertainment along with Trigger Happy Studios, the historical war drama features Farhan Akhtar as Major Shaitan Singh and Raashii as his wife, Shagun Kanwar, with Vivan Bhatena and Ankit Siwach in supporting roles.
The film is based on the Battle of Rezang La, one of the defining moments of the Sino Indian War on 18 November 1962. It tells the story of the Charlie Company of the 13 Kumaon Regiment, which was made up entirely of Ahir soldiers. Despite being a group of only 120 men, they fought off a Chinese force nearly twenty five times larger and inflicted heavy casualties. The film has received strong reviews and has earned about fifteen crore rupees at the domestic box office.
Raashii will next appear in Ustaad Bhagat Singh, which stars Pawan Kalyan and Sreeleela in key roles and is expected to release in theatres in April 2026. She is also preparing for the second season of Farzi with Shahid Kapoor, which is scheduled to begin production next year.
