Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; November 20, 2018)

A while ago, Bombay Times was the first to give you an insight into the upcoming biopic on South siren Shakeela. Richa Chadha plays Shakeela on screen. A few months ago, we travelled to Bengaluru to speak to the reel and real Shakeela. Directed by Indrajit Lankesh, the film hopes to showcase the tumultuous life of the 41-year-old, who was one of the highest paid actresses in the South Indian film industry at one point. Known for her work in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada films, her biopic intends to explore her world that exists beyond the erotic image and stardom. Now, we bring you the exclusive first look of the film, where Richa is seen as Shakeela.

Recalling her experience of playing Shakeela, Richa told BT, “I really enjoyed the process of working on this film. It’s so different from anything I have ever done. To portray a well-known living personality albeit a controversial one, is always a challenge. The ups and downs in her life make for a great, almost unbelievable cinematic story.”

About her expectations from the film, Shakeela had previously told BT, “Whatever needs to be told, should be told. Tabhi biopic banta hai. Sab hide karke picture banane ka kya matlab hai?”