Richa Chadha wants to clarify a misconception about her 99 retakes in Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar. Taking to her Instagram Stories on Wednesday, the actor shared that the shot for which she gave the highest number of retakes in the show was ultimately not used.
On her Instagram Stories, Richa shared a fan edit of her dance sequence in the song Masoom Dil Hai Mera, and added in the caption: “Let me try to explain this last time. The shot I needed 99 takes for has not been used in the show lol. It wasn’t a good take. I probably sucked that day (tear-face emoticon). Bass. Samajh jao yaaron (That’s it, now you all should know).”
It all started in a recent episode of The Great Indian Kapil Show, where Richa was one of the guests, along with the other female cast of Heeramandi. In that episode, Richa said, “What is your highest number of retakes?” Sonakshi Sinha said, “I don’t think I went over 12.” Aditi Rao Hydari added, “In dance, it can go over 12-13.” Richa replied, “I think my score is the highest. 99!”
Tag: RICHA CHADHA
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Richa Chadha says shot for which she gave 99 retakes in Heeramandi was not used
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In Heeramandi, Richa Chadha shines brightest as the doomed Lajjo
Richa Chadha’s performance as the anguished Lajjo burns the brightest in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar. Her arc is inarguably the shortest, yet leaves the impact of a sudden storm that wreaks havoc within the harmonious framework of the narrative. Lajjo is alcoholic, hopelessly romantic, and wildly unpredictable. Her tragedy lashes down on the syntax of the show quite early, and even though the story picks up soon after, her spirit leaves a gaping wound that refuses to heal.
Bhansali also provides Lajjo with two beautiful musical creations- Sakal Ban and Masum Dil Hai Mera. Perhaps Lajjo is akin to the brief incandesce of a song, one whose presence lifts the mundane towards a frantic high. Sakal Ban is where Lajjo is first introduced- we see her arrive with a twinkle in her step, instantly at ease with the other dancers. It is when Mallikajaan (Manisha Koirala) has announced the ‘nath utrai’ ceremony of her daughter, and the entire Shahi Mahal is awash in yellow, the spirit of spring. The viewer will see Lajjo with all the other women of the community for the first time. The second time that happens- the same space takes on a devastating contrast.
Lajjo is in love with Zorawar (Adhyayan Suman), the resident Nawab of Lahore. Laughing at the thought that Mallikajaan’s daughter Alamzeb (Sharmin Segal) wants to be a poetess, she says how these dreams are the reason for the downfall of women. Yet, who will tell Lajjo that her dream of marrying Zorawar- will be her biggest mistake? She refuses to acknowledge the truth and hopes on, daydreaming of freedom from her life as a courtesan. With an unsteady gait, she stumbles on her way to meet her lover. When she falls just outside her room, she brushes it off with a smile. The smile is so used to enveloping the pain that it has now become a static reaction.
When Zorawar informs her that he is getting married to another woman, Lajjo is again left with nothing but her shattered dreams. She hangs on to the thought that she will be married too and will go on a honeymoon out of the country. Her mention of Paris is quite telling; she’s a woman who knows the world that exists outside the walls of the Shahi Mahal. Yet, the more she tries to step into that dream, the more she is shown the door. When she is finally granted independence to step outside, it is of the ultimate form.
Richa has always been a compelling presence on screen, carving out fierce and unapologetic female characters in the course of her decade-long career. In Heeramandi, the actor is cast against type, and it is a thrill to witness her infuse Lajjo with such intensity and grace. It is her finest hour on screen. Bhansali gives Lajjo the doomed arc of a Nargis in Pakeezah and the imprint of Meena Kumari’s spirited elegance. That influence fuses into the stunning kathak performance for Lajjo in what is the standout sequence of the series. Source: HT -
Richa Chadha reminisces about her schoolgirl gang Saste Qatil
Soon-to-be mother Richa Chadha reminisced about her school days on Sunday, sharing a throwback picture of her ‘best girl gang’ named Saste Qatil. Richa took to Instagram stories and reshared a picture posted by a fan page named “Richa Chadha _merizindagi”. The blurred picture shows the Madam Chief Minister actress wearing a white shirt and a black bandana on her head. She gives an intense look, posing alongside her two girl besties. Richa did her schooling from Sardar Patel Vidyalaya, New Delhi.
The post is captioned, “LOL! This photo is from school days, when we made up a gang (to kinda combat one stupid boy gang that was kinda toxic). We ironically named this girl gang Saste Qatil. Don’t miss the bandana and the attitude. Pic was taken in Barista at Janpath, next to People Tree… Delhi peeps would know! Best years of my life. Best girl gang ever!” Source: IANS -
Richa Chadha talks about women working behind the scenes in Bollywood
Actor-producer Richa Chadha says she wants to work towards empowering women in traditionally male-dominated areas of the film industry, such as spot and lighting departments.
The 37-year-old actor, known for films like Gangs of Wasseypur, Fukrey franchise, said for her debut home production, Girls Will be Girls, they trained and hired women in the lighting department.
Directed by Shuchi Talati, the film follows the journey of Mira, a 16-year-old girl whose rebellious awakening is intertwined with her mother’s unfulfilled coming-of-age experiences.
“Intentionality matters, and we have to try and do something. I turned producer with Girls Will Be Girls. The director is a woman. There was a sexuality thing in the film, so she wanted an all-female team.
“In the lighting department, there are no women in India. We thought of doing a training programme for it. A company called Light and Light sent a trainer. They spent time with girls teaching (them) storytelling through lightning, using technology, etc. We hired one of them on our set,” Chadha said during a panel discussion at FICCI Frames on Tuesday evening.
The actor said while there has been “progress” in the representation of women in front of and behind-the-camera, a lot of work still needs to be done.
Condemning the recent incident of a Spanish woman’s gang-rape in Jharkhand’s Dumka district, Chadha said such “horrible” instances create a fear of “unsafe” atmosphere for women.
“We have made some progress. Every year it is better than last year. But then, it’s taking two steps forward and one step back. When something horrible happens in society, whether it’s in Manipur, Jharkhand, it sets people (back in time) because then parents are like, ‘It’s unsafe for you to study and work’. We are not in a decision-making position in society,” she said.
Chadha and Ekta Kapoor were part of a panel discussion at FICCI Frames, called Trailblazers in entertainment: Celebrating Women’s Contribution in Films and Shows’.
Kapoor said it is easier to make “misogynistic” films than a movie that celebrates womanhood.
“It has become far tougher since Covid-19 because it is easier to make a slightly misogynistic film, or a more machismo kind of film than celebrating womanhood or feminism. The word feminism is a taboo in movies. It is so scary as, we as women producers, want to support stories, and we will be at it,” the producer said. Source: PTI -
INDIA AND INDIAN DIASPORA WIN AT 2024 SUNDANCE FILM FEST
By Mabel Pais
At the 2024 Sundance Film Festival (festival.sundance.org), India and the Indian diaspora were honored with awards in different categories.
On January 26, the jury and audience award-winning films for the 2024 Sundance Film Festival were announced during a ceremony at The Ray Theatre in Park City. The Awards Ceremony occurred two days before the conclusion of the Festival, taking place January 18–28, 2024, in person in Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah, with a selection of titles available online nationwide from January 25–28, 2024. This year marks the 40th edition of the Festival, bringing together audiences in Utah and beyond to celebrate Sundance’s rich history of supporting engaging new stories and groundbreaking independent artists. Live updates were shared on the Sundance Film Festival’s official social media accounts throughout the duration of the awards ceremony.
JURORS
Mira Nair was among the jurors in World Cinema Dramatic Competition;
Shaunak Sen , among others, was a juror in the World Cinema Documentary Competition.
AWARDEES
A World Cinema Documentary Special Jury Award for Craft was presented to ‘Nocturnes’ / India, U.S.A. / World Premiere
Director and Producer: Anirban Dutta; Director: Anupama Srinivasan
In the dense forests of the Eastern Himalayas, moths are whispering something to us. In the dark of night, two curious observers shine a light on this secret universe.
Jury citation: The images and sound in this film immediately invoke in the audience a meditative state as they enter the film’s world, at the same time bringing a laser focus to the film’s main subject. The confidence of the cinematography and sound design in building this story is part of its power and allure. The World Cinema Documentary Special Jury Award for Craft goes to ‘Nocturnes.’
The Audience Award: World Cinema Dramatic was awarded to
‘Girls Will Be Girls’ / India, France, Norway / World Premiere
Director, Screenwriter, and Producer: Shuchi Talati;
Producers: Richa Chadha, Claire Chassagne
‘Girls Will Be Girls.’ (Credit / festival.sundance.org) In a strict boarding school nestled in the Himalayas, 16-year-old Mira discovers desire and romance. But her sexual, rebellious awakening is disrupted by her mother who never got to come of age herself.
Cast: Preeti Panigrahi, Kani Kusruti, Kesav Binoy Kiron.
A World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award for Acting was presented to Preeti Panigrahi for ‘Girls Will Be Girls’ / India, France, Norway / World Premiere
Director, Screenwriter, and Producer: Shuchi Talati;
Producers: Richa Chadha, Claire Chassagne
In a strict boarding school nestled in the Himalayas, 16-year-old Mira discovers desire and romance. But her sexual, rebellious awakening is disrupted by her mother who never got to come of age herself.
Limon Dance (Credit / limon.nyc)Limon Dance (Credit / limon.nyc)Cast: Preeti Panigrahi, Kani Kusruti, Kesav Binoy Kiron.
Jury citation: This luminous performance completely moved and surprised us, bringing to life a character with intelligence and vulnerability. In a film that dared to explore young female sexuality and agency with frankness and sweetness, this performance was delicate, uncompromising, and unforgettable. The winner of the World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award for Acting goes to Preeti Panigrahi in ‘Girls Will Be Girls.’
The Sundance Institute | Adobe Mentorship Award for Nonfiction went to Kristina Motwani
The Sundance Institute | NHK Award (of the Japan Broadcasting Corporation) went to Saim Sadiq for ‘We Are Never Going to Die.’
The Sundance Film Festival®
The Sundance Film Festival, a program of the nonprofit Sundance Institute, is the pre-eminent gathering of original storytellers and audiences seeking new voices and fresh perspectives. Since 1985, hundreds of films launched at the Festival have gone on to gain critical acclaim and reach new audiences worldwide.
For more information, visit festival.sundance.org and follow the Festival on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube.
The Sundance Institute
As a champion and curator of independent stories, the nonprofit Sundance Institute provides and preserves the space for artists across storytelling media to create and thrive. Founded in 1981 by Robert Redford, the Institute’s signature labs, granting, and mentorship programs, dedicated to developing new work, take place throughout the year in the U.S. and internationally.
Sundance Collab (collab.sundance.org), a digital community platform, brings a global cohort of working artists together to learn from Sundance advisors and connect with each other in a creative space, developing and sharing works in progress. Learn more at sundance.org
Connect with Sundance Institute (sundance.org) on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube.
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EXPERIENCE NUANCED DANCE MOVEMENTS WITH LIMON
By Mabel Pais
“Limon fostered diversity in the arts and shaped the history of dance in New York, and beyond today, his remarkable legacy lives on.” – Eric Adams, Mayor of the City of New York.
Limón Dance Company makes its NJPAC debut on Saturday February 17, 2024 @ 7:30 p.m.
Limon Dance (Credit / limon.nyc) Founded in 1946 by José Limón and Doris Humphrey, the Limón Dance Company is acclaimed worldwide for its dramatic expression, technical mastery and expansive, yet nuanced movement. Led by Artistic Director Dante Puleio, the company will perform iconic Limón works in addition to ‘Migrant Mother’ by 2022 Bessie Award winner Raúl Tamez.
Limón has been at the vanguard of American Modern dance since its inception and is considered one of the world’s greatest dance companies. The Company’s repertory, which includes classic works in addition to new commissions from contemporary choreographers, possesses an unparalleled breadth and creates unique experiences for audiences around the world.
Numerous honors have been bestowed upon both José Limón and the Company he founded 75 years ago, including the White House’s 2008 National Medal of Arts for Lifetime Achievement. Additionally, the Company was the first modern dance group to tour under the auspices of the State Department and to perform at Lincoln Center. According to dance critic Deborah Jowitt, “all the performers have a beautiful understanding of Limón’s rich, strong style and the curving gestures that suspend – as in a caught breath – yet acknowledge the pull of the earth.” Learn more at limon.nyc.
TICKETS
To purchase tickets, call NJPAC at 1.888.GO.NJPAC (1.888.466.5722)
or visit NJPAC.org/dance.
(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Spirituality, Education, Cuisine, Health & Wellness, and Business)
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‘Fukrey 3’ trailer out: Richa Chadha, Fukra gang returns with signature gags
The highly anticipated trailer for the third installment of the much-loved franchise, ‘Fukrey’, is finally out after a long wait. With ‘Fukrey 3’ scheduled for release on 28 September 2023, the makers treated fans to the trailer during a grand launch event attended by the Fukra gang, Bholi Punjaban, Pandit Ji and the entire film team.
The trailer of ‘Fukrey 3’ was released on September 5. It brought back fond memories of this beloved comedy franchise. Seeing the Fukra gang – Hunny (Varun Sharma), Choochaa (Pulkit Samrat), Lali (Manjot Singh), Bholi Punjaban (Richa Chadha), and Pandit Ji (Pankaj Ji) back on the screens is a delight for the fans who absolutely love the franchise. The trailer is filled with laughter and hilarious moments, ensuring that the film will be incredibly entertaining. Fukrey 3 promises to surpass the previous installments, offering even more fun and enjoyment. Additionally, Choochaa’s surprise gift in this film is bound to have us laughing uncontrollably, adding to the excitement.
The trailer appears promising and effectively carries forward the legacy of this much-loved comedy franchise. With sequels making waves at the box office, now is the perfect time for ‘Fukrey 3’ to make its mark and surpass all records upon its release.
Starring Pulkit Samrat, Varun Sharma, Richa Chadha, Manjot Singh, and Pankaj Tripathi, Fukrey 3 promises to deliver yet another rib-tickling and unforgettable cinematic experience. The earlier parts of the franchise also included Ali Fazal as one of the leads. The film is directed by Mrighdeep Singh Lamba and produced under the banner Excel Entertainment by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar.
Source: India Today -
Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal to get married by September-end
The buzz around Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal’s wedding has been going around since the couple started dating. As per the sources, the two are now all set to tie the knot in September end. The celebrations will begin in Delhi and then move and conclude in Mumbai in the first week of October. Reportedly, the D-day will be held at a South Mumbai hotel. Richa and Ali first met on the sets of Fukrey in 2012 and soon fell in love. After dating for seven years, Ali proposed to Richa in 2019, and the couple was to get married in 2020. However, it got postponed due to the pandemic and the couple was planning to tie the knot in March 2022. Also, the two are also set to reunite onscreen for the third instalment in the franchise – Fukrey 3. The new film is also directed by Mrigdeep Singh Lamba and is produced by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar’s Excel Entertainment.
Last month, Richa told News18, “I think shaadi, shaadi ho jaegi iss saal. Kar lenge kisi tarah se (We will get married this year, we will marry somehow). We’re very excited to get married but are worried about Covid-19 and also want to be responsible. (We) do not want to be in the news for the wrong reasons. Plus, we’ve both gotten really, really busy when stuff opened up, and work resumed at full pace. So I’m saying we have to like do a live production job of taking combination dates and making this happen this year.”
Source: HT
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Richa Chadha says women technicians facing sexism on film sets is ‘default’
Richa Chadha has spoken about how sexism continues to be the default behaviour in not only the film industry but also the society at large. The actor recently turned into a producer as she, along with her partner Ali Fazal, started a production company Pushing Buttons Studios last year. They were trying to find an all-women team for their maiden production Girls Will Be Girls when they realised the lack of women in the lighting department.
The couple, along with Girls Will Be Girls’ director Suchi Talati, have now started a workshop called the Undercurrent Lab to train 10 women in the lighting department, and will also be hiring two of them to work on their debut production. In a recent conversation with Hindustan Times, Richa said that she hopes to change things for off-the-camera women workers in the film industry by taking such steps. Asked if she has ever witnessed women technicians facing sexism on the film sets, she said, “Sexist behaviour is the default setting of our society. It’s very common behaviour. We hope to change that a bit by slowly and slowly by including women in the workplace. That’s how change literally begins. That’s what I want to do.” About their ongoing workshop teaching women to handle lighting equipment, the actor said, “The experience is great. This is basically a field where there were few women to no women. That’s why we started this, and now because the girls are really learning, we are really feeling happy. We hope to continue this, not just for lighting, but maybe for some other department next.”
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Richa Chadha wishes to explore dancing on-screen
Actor Richa Chadha feels it’s a loss that she hasn’t done any films that made use of her dance skills, and admits she wants to explore that side of herself as an artiste. “I learnt dance in Delhi for 10 years, starting from the age of six, straight up till I was in high school. Today, I can confidently say that the rhythm that it introduced in my body has made me an able performer,” she says, adding, “It is actually quite puzzling and amusing that I haven’t done any films that really utilised my dancing potential.” The 35-year-old continues, “Also, I haven’t chosen films that consciously have a lot of songs or items and songs. I guess that is one of the reasons as well.” However, she hopes to do “that in the future someday” as dance has helped her appreciate her body and given her a lot of grace. “It has helped me be agile, and flexible. It has also helped me mentally in appreciating classical forms because Indian classical forms are by far the most evolved dance form anywhere in the world,” she admits.
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Richa Chadha has finalized the location for her maiden production
Bollywood actress Richa Chada loved shooting for the series ‘Candy’ in the mountains so much that she’s planning to shoot her first production ‘Girls Will Be Girls’ in Uttarakhand. Directed by Shuchi Talati and produced through the banner Pushing Button Studios, the story is set in a Himalayan boarding school in a hill station in northern India. Richa said: “I loved shooting for ‘Candy’ and not only because it’s a gripping narrative but because of the location in which we were shooting. It was so peaceful and serene that I found it easier to focus than in the city.” The plot of the film revolves around the coming of age of a 16-year-old girl and her relationship with her mother. Source: IANS
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Richa to play investigating officer in Six Suspects
Actor Richa Chadha is thrilled to star in filmmaker Tigmanshu Dhulia’s upcoming series Six Suspects and says the murder mystery features her in a complex character of an upright investigating officer trying to make her way in the male dominated system.
Co-starring Pratik Gandhi, Six Suspects will premiere on Disney+ Hotstar. The series is an adaptation of author Vikas Swarup’s 2008 novel of the same name.
The show has been produced by Ajay Devgn Ffilms and Reel Life Entertainment.
Richa, known for her performances in films like Masaan and Fukrey, said the show presented her with the opportunity to work with Tigmanshu, her co-star from Gangs of Wasseypur.
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RICHA CHADHA ON LOVE LIFE: I WON’T MIND DATING AN ACTOR NOW
Richa Chadha has been quite adamant about not getting into a relationship with someone from the industry, but she seems to think otherwise now.
The 30-year-old says that she won’t mind dating an actor. “I used to feel that way, but now, I have changed my mind. I?have matured with time. I realise that people are people, no matter where they are from,” says Richa.
Unlike many actors who are comfortable being in relationship with someone from the same profession, Richa however, feels that things are more difficult when one is dating an actor. “It comes with its own set of problems. There will always be professional rivalry. There is a lot of temptation (in the industry),” she says.
Richa also says that it largely depends on the person you fall for. “If you meet the right person, and fall in love, you can’t deny it. If someone is perfect for me, I’ll be with him no matter where he is from. But I have to feel that way for him. I won’t date a vaguish businessman. I?need to fall in love with the person,” she adds. Ask her if she has found the right one and she laughs, “I’m interested in some people. Let’s see where it goes. I was so busy with work, but now that I’m going on a break, I’ll finally have some time to concentrate on my love life.”
As far as her career is concerned, Richa has been on the lookout for interesting projects. “I’ve read three scripts and liked two of them. I’ve to say no to the third one and decide what else to do,” says Richa who would be seen in Cabaret and the sequel to 2013 film Fukey.
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Konkona Sen Sharma wins top honour at Mumbai Film Fest
Mumbai, Oct 27 – Actress Konkona Sen Sharma was feted with the Mastercards Best Indian female filmmaker award for her debut directorial venture “A Death in the Gunj” at the closing ceremony of the 18th Jio MAMI Mumbai International Film Festival.
The drama thriller was also the opening film of the eight-day long festival.
Oxfam India – Best Film on Gender Equality was awarded to “Lipstick Under My Burkha”.
The Alankrita Shrivastava directed film stars Konkona along with Ratna Pathak, Aahana Kumar and others.
In India Gold category, the top prize, called Golden Gateway, went to “Lady of the Lake”. Its makers will receive Rs 25 lakh as cash prize.
While, the Silver Gateway went to “The Narrow Path”, helmed by Satish and Santosh Babusenan. They will be given Rs 15 lakh.
The Special jury prize went to “The Hidden Corner”, which has been directed by Aichemh Jai Dohutia.
In the International competition category, the special jury prize went to “Everything else” by Nataloa Almada, while “Diamond Island” received the Golden Gateway award.
“Godless”, helmed by Ralitza Petrov, got the Silver Gateway prize.
The Dimensions Mumbai section gave away awards– Golden Gateway for “Mumbai Mahuwa” by Santosh Kamble, Silver Gateway for “Ajeeb Dastan Hai Yeh” and Special mention for “Bombai”.
“The Salesman” by Asghar Farhadi won the Audience choice award.
American drama film “Manchester by the Sea”, directed by Kenneth Lonergan, closed the fest, which screened 175 movies, including features, documentaries and shorts from 54 countries.
The event, which took place at Rang Mandir, Bandra, saw the presence of Bollywood celebrities, including Kabir Khan, Sanjay Dutt, Richa Chadha, Zoya Akhtar, Abhay Deol, Neha Dhupia, Kunal Kapoor, Anurag Kashyap, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Sonam Kapoorm Shakun Batra and Ayan Mukherjee.