Nearly a decade after “Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela,” Richa Chadha eagerly anticipates her onscreen reunion with Sanjay Leela Bhansali in “Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazar.”
In the series, she portrays a nautch girl, whom she compares to the female version of Devdas. Unlike her previous empowering roles, Richa’s character, Lajjojaan, is depicted as vulnerable, lacking self-worth. In an exclusive conversation with News18 Showsha, Richa reveals her excitement about portraying an emotionally fragile woman in the historical drama series, finding it a refreshing departure from her usual empowered and bold roles.
Richa acknowledges criticism for often portraying empowered characters but asserts her desire to challenge conventions and surprise audiences. Despite her character’s vulnerability, she defends her portrayal, citing the historical context and societal norms of the 1920s.
However, she notes a commonality between herself and her character in their passionate approach to love. Richa credits her husband, Ali Fazal, for strengthening her belief in reciprocated love, emphasizing the importance of mutual affection in relationships.
Regarding playing imperfect characters, Richa embraces the complexity they bring to the screen, advocating against judging characters based on societal expectations. She emphasizes the diversity of people in the world and rejects the notion of actors being solely respectful and worthy in their roles, suggesting that flawed characters often offer the most compelling narratives.