Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; October 10, 2018)

Growing up, she was a diehard fan, who had posters of Kajol plastered on the walls of her room. Back then, little did Rashi Mal know that one day, she will get to share screen space with her favourite actress. The young actress will be seen with Kajol in the upcoming film, Helicopter Eela, in which she will play her son’s girlfriend, Nikita.

Rashi, who has been part of several TV shows and the yet-to-release film, Sir (it won an award at Cannes Film Festival this year), says that it was a dream come true to work with Kajol. “I had to pinch myself when my moment came to shoot with her. I told her that she hasn’t aged a day since Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. She looked straight out of one of those posters I had in my room. I kept staring and smiling at her like a goofball,” she recalls.

About her experience of working with the senior actress, she shares, “I was nervous during my first scene with her. I didn’t want to fumble and somehow, she sensed it. Immediately, she started making me feel comfortable. She would also guide me and help me understand the camera angles better. We bonded over films, dark chocolate ice cream and taking Riddhi’s case.”

Rashi was spotted by director Pradeep Sarkar during an ad shoot, and she feels that the film will pave the path for her in mainstream cinema. “Working with renowned names helps. Since this is a mainstream film, I am sure that my work will get noticed, too. It’s a privilege to work with Pradeep sir. Even Riddhi, who has won a National Award, is level-headed and grounded. These people know what they are doing and they help bring out the best in you,” she signs off.