As Rakul Preet Singh's next film, 'Winner', hits the screens on Feb 24, she says that playing the character was very satisfying. In this interview, the star actress also explains why 'Winner' is different from other films, what makes Sai Dharam Tej incredible, and more.

It seems you are playing a substantial role in 'Winner'.

Sitara (her character's name) is athletic and comes with a scope for performance. That prospect excited me when I was offered the role by Gopichand Malineni sir. Sitara is ambitious, she is independent-minded. But it doesn't mean that 'Winner' is a 'Mary Kom'.

Sitara scolds Siddhu (Teju), telling him to have a goal and not be after her in the name of love. Siddhu trains to be a jockey. In that sense, 'Winner' is one-of-its-kind movie whose hero goes beyond riding a horse just like that, but is a proper jockey.

What homework did you do to approach the role?

I didn't have to put in much effort because workouts and all have been a part of my lifestyle. I was to ride the horse with obstacles for which I was not prepared. I did rehearsal for 20 minutes and was ready for the shot!

What makes 'Winner' so special?

'Winner' is a commercial, family entertainer with a strong emotional core. Teju couldn't hold back his tears after watching the movie.

The horse race portions were mostly shot in Turkey. You don't find those well-bred horse breeds in India and even if you find, they are not in enough numbers or you don't get the requisite permissions to shoot with them. 'Winner' is lavish in that respect.

Teju, it's said, doesn't lie. What is your experience of working with him?

I have known Teju, Regina, Rashi, Sundeep for years now. I have never seen Teju as a co-star. We both were like two kids in a candy shop on the sets We used to chat all kind of random topics. People are good, but Teju is so, so good. I have seen how much he is attached to his mother. So attached that he talks with her for one hour, which even I don't do. He is also as silly as anything can get. We both were as childish on the sets as we could be.

Have you dubbed for yourself?

I have not dubbed. I dubbed for 'Nannaku Prematho' because in that film, I was doing a London-based character and even if some mistake happens with pronunciation, people would excuse it.

How does it feel when you miss a film or it flops?

I am happy every day, whether it's a hit or a miss. I am the kind of person who is happy to be doing work. When I miss a 'Brahmotsavam' or an 'Autonagar Surya', I feel bad for a day and that's all. I don't want to name the films I have missed, but it's true that those which I missed didn't do well. How has it been working with Mahesh Babu?

He is very punctual and despite being a superstar, he gets involved so much. I am playing a fun character; she is studious yet funny. I am done with 50 per cent of the work.

Offers are coming from Kollywood as well. Have you signed up Suriya's movie?

So far, a film with Karthi is the only one I have signed. I am listening to scripts. I am yet to sign up Suriya's movie.

Are you going to do heroine-centric movies like a Nayantara?

Nayantara has reached that level where she commands that market. I have been here for only 4 years. I think female-centric films shouldn't be only about thriller or horror. Angelina Jolie has been doing all kinds of stuff. In the film with Naga Chaitanya, I have one of the most interesting characters.

Are you ready to wear the producer's hat in future?

I have that bent of mind, but people advise me against turning into production. They say that I should never go for production and they say that strongly.

As a woman celeb, were you shocked by the sexual assault on Bhavana?

I was taken back when I got to know about the incident. My mother often tells me not to drive back home late in the night. But like all youngsters, I suggest that there is nothing to worry. I tell her I have my driver, I have my security. Who will touch an actress when everybody knows it will become a big issue, is what I have always thought. But after the Bhavana incident, I feel there is no point in celebrating Women's Day, Daughter's Day, etc when we don't respect women in day-to-day lives

If faced with such a situation, I will hit him hard. I will kill him on the spot.