Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; January 24, 2017)

Thirty-year-old Richa Chadha was born in Punjab's Amritsar at a time when the Khalistan insurgence was gaining momentum. Owing to the increasing tension, Richa had to leave her home town at the age of two, and shift base to Delhi with her family. The actress confesses that this part of her history remains close to her heart. When her friend, Rupinder Inderjit, approached her to make a short film on the subject, Richa instantly decided to hop onboard.

The actress's production, 'Khoon Aali Chithi', which has already travelled to two film festivals, is set against the backdrop of the '80s Khalistan movement, with a narrative that traces the manner in which the political turmoil affected the locals. "Khoon Aali chithi is a film that I'm extremely proud of. Rupinder is a dear friend and he directed it," says the actress, who recently tied up with educational institutes across North India to showcase the film to the students.

"The film and its theme are significant to our history and it's important that college-going kids are made aware of the subject. Thus Rupinder and I are planning to travel with it to small towns in Punjab to increase the awareness around the movement and screen the film in various educational institutes," informs Richa, further adding that they will also travel to the Delhi and Punjab University, among others, to instate the film into their syllabus. They are currently in final leg of discussion with colleges in Bhantinda, Ambala and Ludhiana.