Debutante Raashi Khanna, who plays John Abraham's wife in "Madras Cafe", found it challenging to portray a character older than her

"It was a challenge for me to portray a much mature character on-screen. I was little apprehensive of my capabilities but Shoojit sir (director Shoojit Sircar) helped me perfect my portrayal.

I attended three workshops with him and he made me understand it better. I can now pull off mature characters," Rashi told. "Madras Cafe" is a spy thriller set against the backdrop of the Sri Lankan Civil War of the 1990s and John plays a RAW agent.

The film, which will hit theatre on April 23, also stars "Rockstar" actress Nargis Fakhri in a pr ominent role. The 22-year-old actress plays the role of Ruby Singh in the film. "In this husband-wife relationship silence does the talking most.

She is not aware of her husband's work and when she comes to know about it she does not show it on his face. She is a great influence in his life and shares a beautiful relationship with him," Rashi said.

The Delhi girl says she was in awe of John when she met the Bollywood star on the sets for the first time. "John is a gentleman. He broke the ice through casual conversation and was very easygoing and helpful during the shoots," she said.

A Delhi University graduate, Rashi started her showbiz career with TV commercials. She auditioned for the role and bagged the offer within a week's time. The newcomer is now looking forward to establish herself as an actress in Bollywood.

"I want to be part of every thing that comes to me. Be it commercial or offbeat, I want to establish myself as an actress." Rashi has reportedly signed another film under John Abraham's production opposite Ayushmann Khurrana but declined to talk about it.