She can be the ruthless queen of crime and she can pull off the role of an innocent small town girl. From playing Nagma Khatoon in Gangs Of Wasseypur to Devi Pathak in Masaan, Sukhpreet in Sarbjit and portraying the role of Bholi Punjaban in the Fukrey films, Rich Chadha has consolidated her position in Bollywood as one of the most versatile actresses.
The success of her latest release Fukrey Returns is testament to the actress’s popularity be it in urban or rural India. It’s the chutzpah with which Richa delivers the role of Bholi Punjaban that has worked in her favour, “but in real life, I am not at all like that. I am not someone who tortures people and enjoys it,” clarifies Richa talking about her role as the crime queen Punjaban. Richa who started with a small role as Dolly in the sleeper hit comedy film Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! has come a long way.
It was her commanding screen presence in her debut film that caught the attention of filmmakers who made small budget yet significant films. Since then, Richa has been the face of this parallel stream of Hindi cinema. “I am more intelligent now as an actor. I understand the technical aspects of filmmaking better, be it camera angles or emoting, my performance has certainly improved and I am a lot more comfortable now,” she says. With the Fukrey films, Richa showcased her comical streak. Since most of her films dealt with serious topics or were intense dramas, Fukrey came as a refreshing wave in her career. “Comedy is not at all challenging. It’s always fun, light and easy to do such roles. I would like to do more comedies,” says the actor who is working on a book of personal anecdotes that has been commissioned by Penguin. “It’s work in progress and I am focusing on completing the book, these are basically essays that I am writing,” she says.
Richa’s blog too has been in the news where the actor shares some of her personal opinions and experiences, something that she enjoys. For now, the actor is looking forward to two big releases in 2018, Cabaret and 3 Storeys. Despite the slow start, Richa has made a mark with some significant films and has worked with respected names in the industry. “I didn’t know how to network in the industry. My journey has been an uphill task. But that’s how I am, I am a very ‘yaaron ka yaar’ (friend of friends) sort of person. So the relationships I have made in the industry are genuine,” she signs off.
ayeshatabassum@newindianexpress.com
@aishatax