Rashmika Mandana talks about her Chennai connection

Rashmika Mandana, who was in the city to promote her upcoming flick Dear Comrade, started her conversation in chaste Tamil. When asked about her Chennai connection, the effervescent actress went nostalgic.

“My childhood was here. We were staying in Madras in Defence Colony as appa was working here. I studied in a school called Ruskin and I don't know if the school is still there. After that we moved to Coorg, which is my native place. So, the first language I learnt was Tamil.”

What prep she did for the role of Lilly, a cricketer in the film? “I had no touch with cricket whatsoever. It shook me a little when the director told me that I play a state level cricketer. I was wondering if I would be able to pull it off. But then I definitely wanted to the film, as there's a drive in me learning new things. So, I took a call to learn cricket. I went for rehearsal for several days and with all the bruises that came with it (laughs). As the film's theme suggests, when you stand up and fight for what you want , you are in a much happier phase as I have experienced it in real life.”

Talking about her co-star Vijay Devarakonda she says, “We have already worked in Geetha Govindam. Hence, we share a good rapport and friendship.”

The bubbly girl admits that she is a fan of actor Vijay and never fails to watch his films. “I watch lot of Tamil films. I watched Sarcar, Mersal and Theri.”

We hear that you werevapproached for Vijay's next which is to be directed Lokesh Kanagaraj of Maanagaram fame. Though she was not too willing to open about that, all she said was, “I wish I do one with him.”

She confirms that she has a good role in the film Sultan where she is romancing Karthi.