Richa Chadha opens up on learning from Meena Kumari's character in Pakeezah for Heeramandi!

Tuesday Apr 16, 2024

In only a few weeks, the much-anticipated web series Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar will launch. The drama, which marks director Sanjay Leela Bhansali's OTT debut, stars Richa Chadha among six other gorgeous actresses in an ensemble cast. Richa has made the thrilling disclosure that, in order to prepare for her role in the television series Heeramandi, she drew inspiration from the renowned heroine Meena Kumari.

 

In the upcoming television series Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, Richa Chadha will play the endearing courtesan Lajjo. Recently, Richa disclosed that she studied Meena Kumari's portrayal of Shahibjaan in the well-known film Pakeezah at the filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali's suggestion to get ready for her role.

 

Putting her experience into words, Richa revealed, "Carefully observing, learning from and taking lessons from Meena Kumari ji's character in Pakeezah was a truly enriching and deeply transforming experience for me ahead of shooting for Heeramandi.”

 

Speaking about her preparation, Richa said, "In the movie, Paakezah, Meena Kumari’s character has a certain tragic depth and complexity that resonated with Lajjo, the character that I play in the show. I worked on the voice and diction, while studying Meena ji’s work, to the point of imitation sometimes.”

 

Expressing her sentiments about the same, she specified, “I felt like I was walking in the footsteps of a cinematic legend, and it was an honor to pay tribute to Meena Kumari ji through my portrayal of Lajjo."

 

Richa's efforts have been acknowledged by a production source, who highlighted her exceptional passion and comprehension for her role in the program. The source added, “Drawing inspiration from Meena Kumari's iconic performance has added layers of authenticity to Lajjo's character."