Richa Chadha shares rare details about her character in 'Heeramandi'

Richa Chadha, who has portrayed the role of a "lovelorn and hopeless" Lajjo in Heeramandi, opened up about the rare side of her character. 

In conversation with Hindustan Times, the Fukrey actress revealed that the upcoming series's director, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, advised her to take inspiration from the late veteran Indian actress, Meena Kumari. 

Richa shared, "It is a different era and a different rhythm in how people speak. There is a certain lyrical, musical quality in how Lajjo spoke. The reference point given to me by him was Meena Kumari from Pakeezah."

She added, "And hints of her own life and struggles. My character also has an addiction problem, she is kind of self-destructive, lovelorn, and hopeless. She has no agency (smiles)."

Richa admitted that she "had wanted to do a part like that after experimenting with roles where I am called outspoken, badass, and bold."

The actress shared she wants to see how the audience will respond to her character. She continued, "I wanted to see how this exploration ends up." 

For the unversed, Heeramandi (The Diamond Bazaar) is a period drama based on the life of courtesans in Lahore and is all set to stream on Netflix from May 1. 

The series stars Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Manisha Koirala, Richa, Sharmin Segal, and Sanjeeda Sheikh in lead female roles.