Richa Chadha talks about starring as Lahore courtesan in 'Heeramandi'

Actor described her experience of working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali in the series as 'difficult'

Bollywood actor Richa Chadha is one of six Indian stars who will be essaying the courtesans of Lahore in the upcoming Netflix offering, Heeramandi. The web series, helmed by renowned filmmaker, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, is set against the backdrop of the 1940s and delves into the lives of courtesans and their clients in the vibrant neighbourhood of Lahore's Red Light District. 

In a recent interview, the Fukrey star commented on getting into the skin of her character. Chadha described her experience of working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali in the series as "difficult", as per Press Trust of India. 

She said, “You are told to wear a 30 kg lehenga, take four rounds and on the beat just pause, and a drop of tear should fall from your left eye because the light is coming from that side. It is a meditation level of concentration. For me, it was very difficult to do, especially in a commercial space.”

Bhansali is renowned for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to create visually stunning cinematic experiences. Heeramandi, being his maiden venture in the digital space, has generated immense curiosity and anticipation among viewers.

However, this isn't the first time Chadha is working with the Padmaavat director. The duo previously worked together in 2013 offering, Goliyon Ki Rasleela: Ram Leela. Recalling her experience of working with Bhansali, She said, “I’ve worked with him in Ram-Leela. We have had a ten year gap but we picked up from where we left off." 

The actor furthered, "I love working with him because he is relentless. When you work with him, even your toe is important. I feel very scared on his sets because you can’t do anything half-heartedly.”

Chadha concluded, “From body language to hair, all of these things are important to him. He is very perfect in terms of aesthetics. So, you can’t miss out on these things.”

As the excitement around Heeramandi continues to grow, fans hope to witness yet another masterpiece featuring a talented cast with Bhansali's creative genius at the helm. The show promises to be a unique and immersive journey into the alluring world of courtesans, set against a backdrop of historical significance.

Heeramandi boasts a stellar cast including Sonakshi Sinha, Manisha Koirala, Aditi Rao Hydari, Chaddha, and Sanjeeda Sheikh.

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