Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna share behind-the-scenes moments, personal takeaways and the magic that made Chhaava unforgettable during the SITC session
HINDUSTAN TIMES (February 15, 2025)
It was a dream opportunity for some fans of actors Vicky Kaushal, Rashmika Mandanna, and filmmaker Laxman Utekar! They got to meet the celebs, who visited the HT City office in Delhi for a Stars in the City (SITC) session to promote their latest film, Chhaava.
In a chat with Sonal Kalra, Chief Managing Editor, Entertainment and Lifestyle, Hindustan Times, Rashmika opened up about promoting the film while nursing an injured leg. She quipped, “I think the doctors are very angry right now.”
Vicky responded, “They should be.” He added, “She worked out this morning and then came here. You (looking at Rashmika) shouldn’t be working out. We force her to use a wheelchair. Warna har jagah yeh… (mimics Rashmika limping).”
Their banter caused a wave of laughter among the fans. Rashmika also shared her deep love for cinema, to which Vicky jokingly remarked that he was intimidated by his co-star. “I’m scared of her,” he quipped, adding, “She’s being completely honest about her fascination for cinema. At the same time, she’s like an enlightened soul who is beyond promotions and films. Moksh mil gaya hai isko! Main isse materialistic duniya mein leke aata hoon waapas. She’s the wise soul in our team.”
Chhaava, a period drama based on the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, also stars Akshaye Khanna, who portrays the role of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb — a surprise casting choice for many moviegoers. Laxman expressed his confidence in Akshaye, saying, “Nobody could have played Aurangzeb besides him. His looks, his performance, everything was great. He created his own Aurangzeb.” more on 03
Vicky, was there ever a point where Katrina (Kaif) mentioned you bringing parts of your character, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, home?
When you’re shooting non-stop, there’s hardly any time to notice. You come home, sleep and go back to work. But during breaks, Katrina has observed that the way I walk sometimes lingers — though with Chhaava, nobody, not even my wife, seemed to mind! She’s also noticed that I tend to go a bit silent. Your mind is constantly occupied, even during your hours at home, thinking about what you could have done better. Thankfully, since Katrina is part of the industry, she and my family understand that space, and we give that to each other.
Rashmika, how was your experience playing a queen (Yesubai Bhonsale) and did any characteristics stay with you off-screen?
The trickiest part for me was the body language. At the time, I was working on two or three films simultaneously. I remember during our look test, Laxman sir told me, “Maharani, the walk.” Each of my characters has a distinct walk, though it’s not something we consciously highlight. That day, I had just come from Pushpa 2’s set and was walking like Srivalli when he reminded me, “Maharani, the walk,” and I instantly realised I needed to switch. The language aspect also required a lot of preparation since I’m from the South.
What was your most memorable moment while shooting the film?
Vicky: The Rajya Abhishek sequence, where Sambhaji walks towards the throne, was incredibly special. Thousands of people were on set, and the scene was meticulously researched and long-awaited. But what made it truly surreal was when we realized that the day we were shooting — January 16, 2024 — was the exact same date, 350 years ago, when the real coronation happened at Raigad Fort on January 16, 1681. It felt like a higher power was guiding us. That realisation overwhelmed us. In the scene, I had to walk 20 steps, look at the throne, and ascend to take my place. But every time I approached it, I would start crying — I don’t even know why. We ended up doing nearly 50 takes. The energy on set was pure and electric; it was an unforgettable experience.
And on a lighter note, since we’re in the month of love… who was your childhood crush?
Rashmika: I grew up in a hostel, so I wasn’t exposed to many films or entertainment.
Vicky: Main shaadi-shuda hoon, bachpan ke saare crush ja chuke! (I’m married now — all my childhood crushes have faded away!)
Compiled by Yashika Mathur