Richa Chadha features in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s debut series ‘Heeramandi.’
29 September 2023
In a recent interview, acclaimed actor Richa Chadha shared her enthusiasm for collaborating with filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, citing his unwavering dedication to translating his vision onto the screen.
Chadha, whose initial partnership with Bhansali dates back to the 2013 blockbuster ‘Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela,’ has once again joined forces with the director for his upcoming debut series on the OTT platform, titled ‘Heeramandi.’ Reflecting on their reunion, she remarked, “I’ve had the privilege of working with him on ‘Ram-Leela.’ Despite a decade-long hiatus, we seamlessly picked up where we left off. What draws me to working with him is his relentless pursuit of excellence. When you’re on his sets, even the tiniest detail matters. It can be quite intimidating because half-hearted efforts simply won’t do.”
‘Heeramandi,’ a Netflix series, delves into the cultural tapestry of the opulent ‘Heeramandi’ district, unraveling the narratives of courtesans and their patrons within the tumultuous backdrop of India’s struggle for independence in the 1940s.
Describing her experience on the show, the 36-year-old actor admitted that it was a challenging endeavor. She explained, “You’re tasked with wearing a 30-kilogram lehenga, taking four precise rounds, and pausing precisely on the beat, with a single tear gently cascading from your left eye to catch the light just right. It requires a level of meditative concentration. For me, this was an exceptionally demanding feat, particularly within the realm of commercial entertainment.”
Renowned for her notable roles in films such as ‘Gangs of Wasseypur,’ ‘Masaan,’ and ‘Fukrey,’ Chadha expressed her fondness for the challenges presented by filmmakers like Bhansali. She shared, “I relish collaborating with directors who push my boundaries and test my abilities. Working with him [Bhansali] is always a stimulating experience. There’s a constant element of challenge. Having worked with prominent independent filmmakers considered as cinematic icons, I believe that my journey as an actor has undergone a transformative phase when working with Bhansali sahab.”
‘Heeramandi’ also boasts an ensemble cast featuring Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Sharmin Segal, and Sanjeeda Sheikh. The highly anticipated series is set to premiere soon on Netflix.
On the film front, Chadha’s most recent release is ‘Fukrey 3.’ Additionally, she is gearing up for her debut production venture, ‘Girls will be Girls,’ a project supported by Pushing Buttons Studios, which she co-owns with her actor-husband Ali Fazal.