Richa Chadha reveals she was offered another role in Heeramandi: Deets inside

Richa Chadha, basking in the glow of Heeramandi's resounding success, particularly her portrayal of Lajjo, shares insights into her decision-making process for the role. Despite the allure of a larger part, Richa intentionally opted for Lajjo, acknowledging its potential for emotional resonance. Recognizing Lajjo's poignant storyline, reminiscent of iconic characters like Meena Kumari in Pakeezah and a female Devdas, Richa saw an opportunity to leave a lasting impression on audiences.

Reflecting on her decision, Richa shares, 

"When I was approached for 'Heeramandi,' at the time Sanjay sir was the showrunner and i had been offered another part, one with more screentime for sure. But because an actor also needs to see, what's in here that's new for me, I chose Lajjo. I have experimented with characters that have a grey shade, like Bholi Punjaban or Tara in Madam Chief Minister. Basically I get accused of playing only empowerd characters, so i felt the need to break that stereotype and surprise the audience.I wanted to play a part of a hopeless romantic and leave the audience with gooseflesh. That's exactly what's happening. People are calling me in tears. Hence when sir told me, come and check this character  out, I immediately drawn to Lajjo. I was certain this would pay off and it has, the love within 24 hours has been overwhelming. Right from industry peers to filmmakers, to friends and audiences have sent me such amazing love, I couldn’t be more grateful.” 

Richa's portrayal of Lajjo in "Heeramandi" showcases her versatility and dedication to her craft, earning praise for her nuanced performance that resonates deeply with viewers. Additionally, the character's Kathak dance sequence in the show holds special significance for Richa, who is a trained Kathak dancer herself.

"I've always harbored a desire to incorporate Kathak dance into my onscreen roles, and 'Heeramandi' provided the perfect opportunity to do so," Richa adds. "As a trained Kathak dancer, bringing Lajjo's dance number to life was a fulfilling experience for me, adding another layer of authenticity to the character."

"Heeramandi" marks another milestone in Richa Chadha's illustrious career, showcasing her ability to make impactful choices that resonate with audiences.