Young Poo' from K3G Malvika Raaj excited to return to silver screen after 16 years

NEW DELHI: Model-turned-actress Malvika Raaj, who played the role of Pooja, the young version of Kareena Kapoor in 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham' is all grown up now and she is all set to foray into Tollywood with the upcoming film 'Jayadev'. Malvika is making her comeback to the big screen after a gap of 16 years and she just can't hold her excitement ahead of the film's release. Talking about the movie, she said, "I was extremely stressed during the first few days of the shoot because I wasn't familiar with the language but the team was very helpful. I am not great yet, but I can now understand Telugu a little." When asked how she came on board for the film, she shared, "Seasoned Director Jayanath C.Paranjee wanted to make a Kannada film two years back with me, but due to some reasons that did not work out. When he was doing 'Jayadev', he chose me to play the female lead. I just grabbed the offer with both my hands." "I didn't want the acting, dancing, film sets and the bond with the crew to end. I was pretty sad on the last day of the shoot. I will always cherish working in this film," she added. When asked how she feels to be back on the silver screen after 16 long years, Malvika, the daughter of Bollywood filmmaker Bobby Raaj, said, "I grew up around cameras and sets, but after I did my first film as a kid, my father was keen that I complete my graduation before coming into showbiz. Even before graduating, however, I started modelling and that really helped me build my confidence. Throughout, acting always drew me." The actress further said, "As of now I have not signed any new film...just waiting for the release of my debut film. May be after the release, I'll get more offers. However, I have heard a few scripts, but haven't confirmed anything yet." On a related note, 'Jayadev,' which is being directed by Jayanth C. Paranjee, focuses on the struggles of an honest police officer. The movie also stars debutant Ghanta Ravi, the son of Andhra Pradesh Minister Ghanta Srinivasa Rao and is slated to hit the theaters on June 9.