Richa Chadha believes that the south Indian film industry has “got its math right”: ‘Hindi film stars’ noses are up in the air.’

Richa Chadha discussed her latest Audible podcast, Baby Doll, her thoughts on the success of South Indian films, and why she refuses to document her weight loss journey.

Richa Chadha is known for choosing unusual projects and characters. She joined the OTT bandwagon with Inside Edge in 2017, long before the country experienced a digital boom, and she’s now dabbling in podcasts. The actor, whose most recent Audible project is Baby Doll, believes the medium is a “cool way to tell stories.”

“The audio medium allows you to explore topics that you couldn’t do previously,” Richa said in an interview with indianexpress.com. “Perhaps censorship or production size,” Richa speculated. It’ll be accessible like radio plays.

Richa Chadha plays a sex worker out to avenge her friend’s death at the hands of an underworld don played by Jaideep Ahlawat. Pravesh Bhardwaj, the director-writer, attempted to collaborate with Richa around the time of Gangs of Wasseypur, but it did not work out. “Perhaps I was on his mind. So, when he wrote something original, he returned,” Richa explained.

Given that a podcast is an audio medium, was it difficult to develop the character solely through her voice? Richa stated that her theatre training aided her in voice modulation.”It’s difficult, but it’s also worth it because there are things you can’t do in a movie,” the narrator adds at one point.”There are things you can’t do in a movie.” As if I were intentionally attempting to make my voice seem terrifying, ancient, or grainy.”

In 2012, Richa and Jaideep appeared in Gangs of Wasseypur. She expressed her delight at Jaideep’s progress and accomplishment. I have a genuine bond with him.”

But, given Richa’s character in Baby Doll, does she believe she’s taken on too many seductress roles? Richa, on the other hand, considers it “an occupational thing.” “Here, she’s sounding seductive because that’s her trait,” she explained. It is her responsibility. She sounds depressed and angry at times. My characters are diverse. And no actor wants to be comfortable.”

Richa also praised the new obsession with the audio platform. She stated that the requirement to maintain one’s visual imagination provides a great deal of freedom. This makes the music more interesting. When you watch a video, we tell you what to look at and what to concentrate on. To construct a picture, she stated, “All you have here is your thinking.”

Richa, the main character in Inside Edge, released its third season last year. Her hit franchise Fukrey is currently in production for its third installment. Richa argued that repeating her characters limits her performance, saying, “Why to disappoint an audience who loves one character so much?” It’s all about privilege. People are still excited about it, and it gives me the rush to know that I’m so important to the project.”

While Richa is busy forging her way, the Hindi film industry is striving to compete with the prevailing south Indian wave in theatres. The situation has given birth to the label “pan-India” films. Because a highly loyal fan club of a south megastar travels out and attends the film, A Master opens to such numbers. Moreover, unlike the Hindi film business and its greedy film distributors, they maintain the ticket price at Rs 100-400 even if the film is a blockbuster. However, owing to a ticket price of more than Rs 400, footfall would be reduced here. The audience will be charged for food and beverages. Cinema, predictably, will suffer. It’s more about the distribution.”

Richa Chadha reiterated the need of controlling ticket prices for Hindi films, saying, “I don’t see it happening here unless you are forced to.” Recently, a film was released that I’m sure will soon be available on OTT, and its protagonists had their noses up in the air. And when the first day’s collection arrived, it was less than one-third of what the hero charges. How will your math work out if this happens? Those are the actual questions to ask and then go from there. If the film is to survive, the larger players in the industry must share the burden.”

Richa made headlines lately for her physical change and new fit avatar. She, on the other hand, said that she does not believe in chronicling her fitness journey since it is unique to each person, and she criticizes others who do. “I believe celebrities should be less greedy. They’re selling everything, which I think is quite reckless. I’m neither a physician nor a dietician. It is not my place to advise them on how to lose weight or how to resolve hormonal issues. I don’t want some young lady to try to lose weight by imitating me. It’s not going to happen because there isn’t a solution that works for everyone.”

Richa recalled how’size zero’ dominated headlines back then, saying, “When I was starting, Kareena Kapoor’s size zero and weight reduction was national news.” But maybe her nutritionist was correct. So I don’t recall everyone immediately imitating her. What she did to her physique may not have been suitable for everyone.”

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