Dhanashree on working with Rajkummar and Telugu debut - Excl

From viral dance videos to setting the screen on fire in Ting Ling Sajna, Dhanashree Verma is carving a unique path in the world of entertainment. In this candid chat with ETimes, she opened up about working alongside Rajkummar Rao, her big Telugu debut, and the joy of making her family—and fans—proud with every step she takes.

Excerpts...'Ting Ling Sajna' is being dubbed the next bachelor party anthem. What inspired this energetic number, and how did you get involved?'Ting Ling Sajna' is definitely one of the catchiest party anthems we’ve had, and the way it has been used in the film as a bachelor party anthem is fantastic. I am glad it is doing really well; it looks good, sounds good, and I’m getting a great positive response for it, so I’m quite happy and thrilled.I received a call saying there’s a song in the film Bhool Chuk Maaf by Maddock Films, featuring Rajkummar Rao, and I’d be dancing with him, and in that moment, I knew I was going to do this song.

I mean, who would say no to that? Rajkummar Rao is, as we all know, one of the finest, most talented actors in our industry. Whether it’s drama, comedy, or dance, his performance is a complete package. It’s a treat to watch his films. I definitely considered this a great opportunity to share the dance floor with him and perform a dramatic sequence in the song.

There’s so much to learn from him, so much to express, and so much to explore within yourself when you’re part of such projects.

So yes, I absolutely had to be involved.Your on-screen chemistry with Rajkummar Rao has been praised. How was the experience working with him?A lot of people have been telling me that my chemistry with Rajkummar Rao looks superb on screen, and I’m genuinely thrilled to hear that. When you’re part of a high-energy song like this, especially one that plays a significant role in the film’s narrative, it means a lot to receive such appreciation. It’s not just a party anthem; it’s a story-driven sequence that holds weight in the screenplay.

So, when the chemistry with your co-actor is praised, it really feels like the cherry on top.

Working with Rajkummar was both intimidating and inspiring. His aura, energy, and sheer talent are undeniable, and sharing the screen with him pushed me to give my absolute best. It’s definitely one of the most thrilling projects I’ve taken on. At the same time, he made the entire experience enjoyable. He’s incredibly grounded and makes you feel completely at ease.

Watching him fully transform into his character is a masterclass in itself.Also, this song was choreographed by Vijay Ganguly, who’s been my teacher since I was very young. He’s seen me grow over the years, so getting to work with him on this felt like a full-circle moment. I truly feel blessed to be part of this project.What was the reaction of your family to the song number?Oh my God, my mother is a huge Rajkummar Rao fan, and she absolutely loves him! She’s watched all his films, whether in theatres or on OTT platforms, sometimes even multiple times.

Even if she’s seen a film in the theatre, she’ll watch it again when it comes online. She genuinely appreciates his talent.

So, when I told my family that I was doing a song with Rajkummar in his upcoming film—and that it’s not just a typical item song but an important part of the story—they were over the moon. My mother was thrilled, and my entire family was incredibly supportive. They’ve seen how much hard work and dedication I’ve put into my craft, despite all the challenges.

They were extremely proud and truly grateful to see this moment happen.

It feels like all the discipline and sincerity I’ve poured into my work has really paid off.Did you watch or take reference from some past hit party numbers as a part of your prep work for Ting Ling Sajna?I honestly didn’t take any references or look at past hit party numbers for ‘Ting Ling Sajna’ because every song is unique. This one, in particular, is a story-driven song within the film; even though it’s an item number, it plays a key role in the narrative. I wanted to make sure I carried that vibe and did justice to the storytelling.Dance has always been the most defining part of my journey, and whatever I’ve achieved today is because of the talent I bring to it. For this song, I focused on getting both the choreography and expressions just right. I went bold with the look, performance, and overall persona, something very different from my previous work. This song demanded that level of transformation, and I wanted to showcase my acting, expressions, and energy in a fresh way.

There were no references, just great direction, and I gave it my all.You're set to debut in the Telugu dance film 'Akasam Daati Vastaava.' Is that true? If yes, what can audiences expect from this project?Yes, I’m super excited for my upcoming Telugu debut film ‘Akasam Daati Vastaava’, produced by the esteemed Dil Raju Productions. I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity. Dil Raju sir is one of the finest in the Telugu industry, and to debut under his banner feels like a true blessing.The film is a drama-centric entertainer with elements of comedy, emotion, and, of course, dance.

It’s not just a dance film; it has depth, storytelling, and a strong character arc. The title Akasam Daati Vastaava translates to “I can chase the sun, moon, and stars for you,” which beautifully reflects the spirit of the film.

Audiences will get to see a different side of me through my acting, performance range, and energy on screen. After facing setbacks, including a major injury that took two years from my career, this film feels like a fresh, powerful new beginning. Promotions begin soon, and the film releases next month.I dedicate this to my fans, those who’ve stood by me, believed in me, and supported me through everything. This one’s for you.