Showing posts with label Richa Chadha. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Richa Chadha. Show all posts
Ekjute completes 45 years of making plays and moulding actors
5:06 PM
Mohammed Wajihuddin (THE TIMES OF INDIA; October 4, 2026)
Razia Sajjad Zaheer, Urdu writer and wife of the Marxist ideologue Sajjad Zaheer (1905-1973)—one of the founders of the Progressive Writers’ Association—had a delightful way of describing the progress of her four daughters. When her third daughter Nadira graduated from National School of Drama (NSD) with a gold medal in 1971, Razia celebrated it saying: “Jo dramebaaz thi woh NSD se paas huee (the one who would do drama passed out from the NSD).”
Interesting anecdotes like this animate ‘Ek Lamhaa Zindagi: A Love Story 1938-1979’, a play depicting the love between Razia and Sajjad Zaheer, the famous couple whose South Mumbai home hosted many memorable events, including the nikah of poet-lyricist Kaifi Azmi with Shaukat Kaifi.
This was one of the plays that Ekjute, Nadira Zaheer Babbar’s theatre group, staged last week at Prithvi Theatre as the group turned 45 this year. Founded in 1981, Ekjute (meaning together) has evolved into a major theatre movement. With dozens of plays, hundreds of performances and annual theatre workshops, it doesn’t just stage plays, it mentors actors.
“When Raj sahab (Raj Babbar, Nadira’s fellow NSD alumnus, whom she married in 1975) and I moved to Mumbai in the early 1980s, I knew that I wanted to create a platform for aspiring actors,” says Nadira, whose group has produced acclaimed plays like ‘Sandhya Chhaya’, ‘Look Back in Anger’, ‘Begum Jaan’ and ‘Sakku Bai’.
Theatre critic Shanta Gokhale says she enjoyed ‘Begum Jaan’, based on the life of a classical singer on hard times, where Nadira plays the protagonist. “Though I have not followed all her plays, she and her group certainly played a role in creating a vibrant theatre culture in the city,” says Gokhale.
A place that has shaped Ekjute’e journey is Prithvi Theatre. “I couldn’t have done so much had Jennifer and Shashi Kapoorji not opened their hearts, home and this place for me,” she says. It was here that she staged her first production ‘Yehudi Ki Ladki’, reviving the Parsi theatre style of storytelling. Years later, Nadira and Raj’s daughter Juhi Babbar Soni would make her stage debut with ‘Yehudi Ki Ladki’.
Juhi was one of many actors and directors — including the late Sushant Singh Rajput, Richa Chadha and Rakul Preet Singh — who trained at Ekjute’s theatre workshops. “I grew up with Ekjute, imbibing its vibrant literary and acting culture,” says Juhi, who co-directed the critically acclaimed ‘Ek Lamha Zindagi’ with actor-director Makarand Deshpande.
Deshpande admires the way Ekjute has evolved. “Nadira ji’s knowledge of Urdu enables her to give powerful performances in plays like ‘Begum Jaan’. Few theatre groups have survived 45 years. This alone is worth celebrating,” he adds.
Ashish Vidyarthi, who plays a small-town man dreaming of joining Bollywood, but ends up a clerk in ‘Dayashankar Ki Diary’ says, “This story has universal appeal. I have played this character for 25 years and every show excites me.”
Both Nadira and Juhi say they carry the rich legacy of Razia and Sajjad Zaheer. Zaheer and writer Mulk Raj Anand formed the Indian Progressive Writers’ Association in 1935, while at Oxford. A member of the Communist Party of India, Zaheer was sent to Lahore in 1948 to establish the CPI in Pakistan, but was arrested along with poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz. Razia moved mountains, and even sought Nehru’s support for her husband’s release.
This scene appears in ‘Ek Lamha...’ a play marking Ekjute’s 45th anniversary.
Richa Chadha's new series Musafiri dives into Mumbai's forgotten histories, living cultures
11:31 PM
In her first screen appearance since the birth of her daughter Zuni, Richa Chadha launches an eight-part series, Musafiri that skips the postcards to uncover Mumbai’s forgotten histories, living cultures and hidden communities
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; August 9, 2026)
For nearly 20 years, Mumbai has been home to actor Richa Chadha. It is the city that gave her a career, a family and countless memories. Yet, while putting together her new production, she realized that she barely knew it. She discovered a second-century BC Buddhist stupa hidden on the city’s outskirts. She revisited Gilbert Hill, the 65-million-year-old volcanic formation that most Mumbaikars pass without a second glance. She learnt how the city’s seven islands became one — how decisions made centuries ago still dictate the Mumbai we inhabit today, and found herself listening to communities whose stories rarely make it into history books.
That journey has now become Musafiri, an 8-part travel and culture series that premieres on August 15. The non-fiction series is charmed by the lesson known parts of Mumbai. Across eight episodes, Chadha speaks to historians, researchers, heritage enthusiasts and local communities to uncover the city’s overlooked histories and sub-cultures — from the Adivasi communities of Aarey and the Armenian churches of Mumbai to places that have quietly survived modernisation.
For Chadha, however, the project began long before a camera was switched on. “I have had this document that I have been working on and collating for a long time, maybe since just after college. Between 10 and 15 years, I have been collecting data about the unique things about our country. I have always thought India needs to be looked at the way we look at Europe culturally. Every place has a different language, a different set of beliefs, different textiles, and different local heritage. I wanted to go into not a fancy place, but exactly where I am right now and start from here. That’s why the first season is in Bombay.”
The more she researched, the more she realized that familiarity often breeds ignorance. “If I’ve lived here longer than I have in any other city, what does this city say to me? It speaks to you in different ways. It makes space for you. I have a lot of love for it and I wanted to see what about it could be preserved. Some of the foundations for the city we experience today in 2026 were actually laid in 1666.”
But Musafiri is careful not to become another heritage documentary. Chadha deliberately avoided the stories that have already been told.
“I’ve tried very much to stay away from things that have been done a lot in Bombay. Perspective is very interesting and important to me. It’s not only just history; it’s also culture. It’s also about living history. It’s also about archiving what remains. You’re going to Aarey and meeting people from the Waghoba community. But to see people actually worship the tiger, and understand how their livelihoods and ecosystems are built around that love for nature, that becomes very interesting. So it’s not just history. It’s also culture.”
Ironically, it was motherhood that convinced Chadha the project couldn’t remain a folder of research notes. “When I became a mother, I realized my childhood was so different from my daughter’s. Even though I live in a society where she has access to a park, to play areas, to the beach, everything has changed because of technology. After the postpartum haze settled, I kept wondering whether anybody would even read the essays I wanted to write ten years from now. So I thought, what can I do to visually preserve some of this fast-developing, fast-changing city? Some of these facets may simply disappear. Earlier, buildings were made to last. Today they’re often built to be redeveloped. I wanted to archive what remains.”
The larger ambition, however, extends far beyond Mumbai. “I want Indians to rediscover India, particularly young Indians, Gen Z, and rediscover the ethos of India to see what they can make of it.”
She worries that somewhere along the way, Indians have drifted away from their own histories, languages and literature. “I honestly feel we know very little. Colonialism affected us very deeply. It’s not just about 200 years of slavery; it’s about what it did culturally. What happens to literature if people stop reading in their own languages? What happens to that inheritance?”
It is impossible not to think of Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown while watching Musafiri, a comparison Chadha herself embraces, albeit cautiously.
“I did think of Anthony Bourdain because he was such a fascinating connoisseur of culture and food. I loved Parts Unknown. But I’m not Anthony Bourdain. What I admired was that he approached situations with a lot of love. This show is about looking at the diversity of India through a contemporary lens and reacquainting Indians with their own country.”
Musafiri is also the second production from Chadha and Ali Fazal’s banner Pushing Buttons, but unlike the studio’s previous outing, the actor was involved in every stage of its creation, from conceiving and writing the series to hosting it herself. She was equally clear about where it should be released. Instead of opting for a streaming platform, Chadha chose YouTube to ensure the series remained accessible.
“I wanted people to have access to it free of cost. Without a paywall or without a subscription, at least for the beginning. Also, when we were growing up, we had so many travel, chat and food shows that were really about culture. I wanted to make something in that spirit,” she says, adding, “I’m also nervous because this is the first time I’m doing it. I’ve come out after hibernation. But it’s just me taking my bag and a camera and going into the city, the way I’d want my viewers to.”
For an actor whose career has largely involved inhabiting fictional worlds, Musafiri offered something unexpectedly liberating.
“As an actor, you’re mostly playing somebody else’s character and mouthing somebody else’s lines. Here, I get to walk into Dharavi, have a cup of tea with someone I’ve never met, sit in their home and simply have a conversation. I love this country and I love the people of this country. If I had to sum up the show, I would say it’s about people, places and love.”
For a city that often races past its own history, perhaps slowing down is the most important journey of all.
Ali Fazal, Richa Chadha team up for Shashie Vermaa’s situational comedy
9:30 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (July 6, 2026)
After wrapping the children’s sports film Murga Trophy, Chandan Anand and Ravi Narmulla of SceneWork Productions and Mukesh Giri of Giriraj Productions are teaming up for a situational comedy that blends social commentary with the chaos of Delhi’s traffic jams, with Ali Fazal and Richa Chadha stepping in to make the sparks fly.
Directed by Shashie Vermaa, the film is not just set in Delhi — the place itself is a character. Billed as a sharp, fast-paced comedy with a satirical edge, it promises to make audiences laugh first and wince a moment later. The film also stars Kumud Mishra and Dinesh Lal Yadav in pivotal roles.
Talking about the film, Vermaa says, “This is a story that celebrates people, relationships, the lens of society and the chaos that a small moment can bring in someone’s life. Delhi itself is almost a character in the film. Having performers like Ali, Richa and Kumud brings depth, spontaneity and heart to the world we’ve created, and I can’t wait to begin filming.”
The film is set to go on floors later this year with a theatrical release in 2027.
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Upala KBR (MID-DAY; July 6, 2026)
After winning audiences over in the Fukrey franchise, Ali Fazal and Richa Chadha are set to reunite on screen for an untitled situational comedy directed by Shashie Vermaa. Set against the colourful chaos of Delhi and co-starring Kumud Mishra, the film will go on floors in the second half of 2026.
In a joint statement, Fazal and Chadha said, “The film has a very organic sense of humour that comes from its characters and the world they inhabit. That’s what made it stand out for us. It’s also the first time we’re sharing the screen as an on-screen pair, which made saying yes even more exciting. We’re looking forward to bringing this story to life with Shashie Vermaa, whose vision and writing give the film a distinct voice.”
Vermaa described the film as “a situational comedy carrying a strong social message”, adding that Delhi is central to the story, with Ali and Richa playing a humble middle-class couple.
My cats are around the baby only when she’s asleep-Richa Chadha
11:16 PM
On Adopt a Shelter Pet Day, the actor advocates for pet adoption, not shopping for them as ‘lifestyle accessories’
Vishakha Pandit (HINDUSTAN TIMES; April 30, 2026)
Having been a pet mom for as long as she can remember, actor Richa Chadha has always championed rescuing and adoption of strays.
On Adopt a Shelter Pet Day (April 30), she says, “I have never bought a pet. I have always adopted strays.” Her own feline babies, Jugni and Kamli, also came into her life through adoption; one a breeder rescue and the other a kitten from a friend’s cat’s litter.
Recalling her first pet, she shares, “It was a black indie stray called Kalu in my house in Delhi. He was a beautiful dog.” While she feels that each pet animal deserves a loving home, Richa makes a fierce case for street animals.
“Strays are very hardy, especially dogs in India. They know how to survive in the habitat. If you can, rescue a stray (cat or dog) and take care of it while giving it enough independence so you also don’t feel the burden,” she shares.
At the same time, the 39-year-old also underlines the importance of awareness and responsibility when it comes to choosing pets. Pointing to how climate plays a crucial role, Richa says, “Sometimes people are looking for an intelligent dog, so they get a husky. But it’s native to Siberia. If you’re living in a tropical city such as Delhi or Mumbai, it gets rather difficult (for the animal). You have to evaluate where you live.”
On a personal note, Richa says that her fondest memories of her cats are from when she was expecting her daughter, Zuneyra in 2024. “My cats were very friendly with me during my pregnancy. But now, they are around the baby only when she’s asleep. They get scared of little children who can be unpredictable, and cats don’t like that,” she smiles.
I got back to belly dancing about six to seven months after my delivery-Richa Chadha
10:41 PM
Neha Maheshwri (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 30, 2026)
Marking International Dance Day a day after the occasion, actor-producer Richa Chadha has chosen to revisit one of her long-standing passions, belly dancing. She is set to travel to Goa for an intensive five-day course aimed at deepening her understanding of the dance form.
A few years ago, while preparing for a special number in one of her films, Richa trained in tribal belly dancing under internationally renowned expert Olga Meos in Kazakhstan. What began as preparation for a role soon evolved into a genuine passion. Known for its intense core work and precise body isolations, the form became both a fitness tool and a means of creative expression for her.
She later refined her technique with Mumbai-based instructor Shaina Lebana, committing herself to consistent practice. Even during the lockdown, Richa continued her training through online sessions. Apart from belly dancing, she is also trained in Kathak, having learnt the classical form for nearly a decade during her childhood under Pandit Abhay Shankar Mishra.
After stepping away from belly dancing due to professional commitments, she is now returning to it with a more immersive approach. The upcoming course in Goa marks a renewed phase in her journey with the form, driven purely by personal interest.
Speaking about her decision, Richa says, “I got back to dancing about six to seven months after my delivery and reached out to Dipika Vijay, who is an amazing teacher. What began as an exploration of belly dance as therapy during my postpartum phase has now grown into a strong parallel interest. After a gap of a few years, I felt the need to reconnect with it in a more dedicated way. This course in Goa is not for a role or a performance; it’s purely for myself, to learn, to grow, and to fall in love with the form all over again.”
Richa Chadha to play detective in her next project
11:31 PM
Yashika Mathur (HINDUSTAN TIMES; April 27, 2026)
Actor Richa Chadha is returning to the sets for the first time since becoming a mother in July 2024, and she’s eager to surprise her fans with something unexpected.
We have exclusively learnt that Richa will be next seen in a crime thriller series, playing the role of a detective for the first time. Around 50% of the shoot is complete.
The untitled show features a layered narrative, with the 39-year-old at the centre of an unfolding mystery.
“Richa read the story and liked it because it was powerful, different and something that she hadn’t done before. She was looking for a sharp character like this. She even watched several classic detective thrillers to understand the genre and nuances right,” a source tells us.
The script intrigued the actor for its sharp, restrained, and cerebral role, the source shares, adding that the makers are targeting a 2027 release, though the OTT platform remains undisclosed.
The actor was last seen in filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s 2024 series Heeramandi.
We had a thriving indie cinema movement, that space has disappeared today-Richa Chadha
11:20 PM
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; April 10, 2026)
At a time when the lines between mainstream and independent cinema continue to blur, casting choices have become a key point of debate within the industry. Actress-producer Richa Chadha has weighed in on the conversation, questioning the growing tendency of independent films casting commercial faces even when they can’t guarantee box office or add meaningful value on the festival circuit.
Highlighting what she sees as a contradiction in the way indie projects are being mounted today, the actress says, “If an actor isn’t opening a film theatrically on a Friday and doesn’t add any real weight at festivals, then what exactly is the advantage of casting them in an independent film?”
Richa, who backed the Indian- French co-production Girls Will Be Girls which premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, also points to the economic reality behind such decisions.
She says, “I am not suggesting anything, but with trained actors, you are at least assured that performance quality will be maintained. There is a commerce behind indie films too. Some stories don’t need big faces to pull crowds. It is more economical to sign on an actor who brings credibility without creating a huge hole in the budget. Without taking away from any actor’s ability or worth, if indie films are to truly survive in 2026, we have to understand that audiences want quality stories with credible actors, and filmmakers do not want to put a strain on the budget.”
Drawing from the past, she adds, “In the 1980s, we had a thriving indie cinema movement, and actors like Farooq Sheikh, Amol Palekar and Shabana Azmi were stars in their own right. That space has disappeared today. If the industry continues to wait for a nod from a handful of top male actors, on whose already tired and busy shoulders films are mounted, all the best to you. There won’t be enough output.”
Emmanuel Macron was actively thinking of solutions to the problems being raised-Richa Chadha
8:34 AM
Vishakha Pandit (HINDUSTAN TIMES; February 19, 2026)
French President Emmanuel Macron on his three-day India tour ahead of inaugurating the India-France Year of Innovation 2026, met several Bollywood biggies on Tuesday, including actors Richa Chadha, Shabana Azmi, Anil Kapoor, and Manoj Bajpayee for a conversation on cinema and cultural collaborations. For Richa, it was “as thrilling as it gets”.
The 39-year-old tells us that the exchange focused on paving the way for many more successful Indo-French productions, citing her film Masaan (2015) as an example. “I hope these synergies between the two democracies continue. Strengthening these collaborations can open doors for richer storytelling and a wider global reach for independent cinema,” she shares.
She also included Girls Will Be Girls (2024) and All We Imagine As Light (2024) as examples of what sustained partnerships can achieve: “France and India have a very good relationship in terms of producing films together. The discussion was about how to strengthen those ties.”
Gushing about “the youngest President” Richa appreciated how Macron was more focused on solving issues than just listening to problems. “He wasn’t passively listening. He was actively thinking of solutions to the problems being raised,” she says.
Speaking about the challenges faced by Kanu Behl’s Indo-French co-production Agra, she noted that despite premiering at Cannes, it secured only a limited release in India. “Globally, traditional theatre-going has dropped, but cinema attendance has risen in interesting ways. There needs to be an adaptive distribution model.”
Richa Chadha opens doors for Indie filmmakers: "They assume actors like me are inaccessible"
8:55 AM
Richa Chadha, ahead of her new OTT series, adopts an open door policy for indie filmmakers, inviting them to pitch scripts she can produce or act in if the story and intent resonate
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; February 17, 2026)
It’s a big week for Richa Chadha, as she will kick off the shoot of her new OTT series, marking her first acting project since embracing motherhood. Currently sifting through scripts to determine her line-up of projects, the actor and producer is adopting an open door policy. She wants independent filmmakers to approach her with stories that she can act in or produce.
“Independent filmmakers often assume actors like me are inaccessible, but that’s not true. If the story is honest and the intent is right, I want to be part of that conversation. I’m putting an open door policy in place. If you believe in your script, reach out,” said the actor.
Chadha’s filmography is proof that sometimes the finest stories emerge from new talents. Early on in her career, the actor worked with Mrighdeep Singh Lamba and Neeraj Ghaywan on their respective maiden directorial features, ‘Fukrey’ (2013) and ‘Masaan’ (2015). As a new producer, she bet on indie director Shuchi Talati, and from it emerged the wonderful ‘Girls Will Be Girls’ (2024).
Nurturing independent cinema is crucial to her, said Chadha, adding, “The next path-breaking movie will come from indie cinema. That’s where real risk-taking and originality live.”
Ali Fazal, Richa Chadha's upcoming series as producers to be 'a hitchhiker’s guide to India'
9:44 AM
Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal, who turned producers with ‘Girls Will Be Girls’, to back a non-fiction series exploring the country’s regions and communities
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; January 28, 2026)
With their maiden production Girls Will Be Girls (2024), Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal showed that they are here to tell meaningful stories. But their storytelling doesn’t have to be restricted to the fiction space. The duo’s next production will be a yet-untitled non-fiction series that will explore different regions, communities, and traditions across India.
A source revealed, “The series will focus on everyday stories, local histories, and cultural practices, offering a well-rounded look at the country.” So far, the crew has shot in parts of Mumbai, and will soon move to other cities and towns.
Although Chadha remained tight-lipped about the format and platform, she said the idea of the series was born from the couple’s curiosity about the country and the world at large.
She shared, “I’ve always believed that stories exist everywhere — in people, places, and cultures we’ve never paused to understand. With this series, I want to explore that world with curiosity and compassion. As an artiste, it’s important to keep experimenting. Girls Will Be Girls was my first step in that direction as a producer, and this new series is another leap into a space that excites me. I’m eager to bring real stories of travel, heritage, and human connection to life.”
Richa Chadha on AQI crisis: "What is the price we are paying for this development?"
9:07 AM
As smog-choked skies become the new normal in major cities, the actor questions the cost of rapid development and urges urgent attention to the climate crisis
Yashika Mathur (HINDUSTAN TIMES; December 2, 2025)
Worsening pollution levels in metropolitan cities such as Delhi and Mumbai have increasingly become a major talking point in recent times. Punjab-born Richa Chadha, who was brought up in Delhi and is currently a resident of Mumbai, is deeply affected by the worsening air quality index in the capital. The actor shares, “There is no development on a dead planet, and there is no economy without ecology.”
Richa, who often travels to Delhi for personal and professional commitments, says, “I am from Delhi, and I have seen my beloved city go from being a place where winters were the best season just about 12 years ago — when we would sit on the terrace, eat gajak and moongphali, and really have a good time — to what it is today.”
Calling the state of the environment “shocking and sad”, the 38-year-old adds, “I am afraid that a lot of India is going through the same thing, and Mumbai too had an AQI between 200 and 300 recently, which is not safe. Anything above 50 or 100 is considered unsafe. So what is the price we are paying for this development? Who are we building these mega complexes for when ordinary people can’t breathe? What is the point of such development?”
The actor, who has been appointed Goodwill Champion for the All Living Things Environmental Film Festival (ALT EFF), believes cinema also has an important role to play in raising awareness.
“A lot of the issues we are currently facing, be it displacement, villages being submerged because a dam is being built, or crops failing due to rising temperatures caused by global warming, are aspects we see reflected in cinema. Sometimes we fail to recognise that these are connected to the climate catastrophe, the climate emergency we are living in. When we tell a story through cinema, it shines a light on the real issues,” says Richa.
I bet people are envious that Martin Scorsese presented Neeraj Ghaywan's film-Richa Chadha
10:08 AM
Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; October 4, 2025)
In July this year, Masaan celebrated a decade since its release. Richa Chadha reflects on one of her most defining roles and shares insights into what makes the film still so poignant and relevant. Masaan also marked the powerful directorial debut of Neeraj Ghaywan and beyond Richa, featured compelling performances by Shweta Tripathi & Vicky Kaushal. Excerpts from a chat with Richa…
Masaan was a landmark film of your career. What does this film mean to you, personally and professionally?
Even though Gangs Of Wasseypur gave me a breakthrough, it was Masaan that opened my eyes to the world. It gave me credibility. A film is forever. And I am so grateful that I have this in my filmography as early work. Also, it was the time of great innocence because I met Neeraj as the script supervisor on Gangs of Wasseypur. Varun Grover was the lyricist for Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!. I knew these creators would become conscience keepers of the film business. But so sweet that we all began this way.
Neeraj Ghaywan’s stories often dig deeper and work as a social commentary on societal disparities. What was it like to work with him?
Neeraj is self-aware, conscientious, honest and compassionate. Every day on the film was a new learning. I wish I had the wisdom then that I have today, but even friendship with Neeraj is something that leaves you richer with more meaning, like an education of some kind. Look at Homebound (India’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the Academy Awards). I bet people are envious that Martin Scorsese presented his film! Wow!
Vicky Kaushal started his career in a way with this film, what were your first thoughts on himas a co-actor?
I remember Vicky not just as a co-actor, but also as an assistant director on Gangs Of Wasseypur. He was always charming, very driven and hardworking.
There’s a lot of talk on how AI can be used to alter endings of movies while re-releasing them. It happened with Raanjhanaa. Varun Grover shared a funny video on how some believed the ending of Masaan could be happier. What are your thoughts on this?
I think Masaan was as happy as it could be. We are living in a world where we rush to repress our natural instincts and feelings. So, what if the ending of a film makes you feel sad? Are you hoping to go through life without feeling sad, angry, hopeless or frustrated ever? Sorry, I am not delusional. I think using AI to alter ends or beginnings is how some businesspeople think they are proving that they’ve become savvy with tech.
What makes Masaan so relevant even today?
Masaan is still relevant because it reflects the hypocrisy of a system that seeks to delegitimize and shame the youth for healthy curiosity about coitus, in the most populous country of the world. It showcases the hypocrisy of a society that hates a majority of its own people, based on their assumptions about a belief system from thousands of years ago.
Richa Chadha, Sumeet Vyas’ pandemic drama skips theatrical release for this reason
10:39 AM
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; October 4, 2025)
If things had gone as planned, the audience would have seen the yet-untitled Richa Chadha and Sumeet Vyas-starrer by now. But the film, shot in 2023, has been waiting in the wings for almost two years with no release date in sight.
A source shares, “With the shoot and post-production done, the film was ready for a theatrical release. But with each passing month, the possibility of it arriving in cinemas is reducing.”
The movie’s theme is said to be the reason for the limbo. Abhishek Acharya’s directorial venture looks at the COVID-19 pandemic from a health worker’s perspective. The heads at Zee Studios, which has backed the offering, apparently feel the story may have lost its relevance now.
The source adds, “It’s a moving story of the time which wreaked havoc on people, with broken systems pushing everyone to the corner. But the makers feel that the story can feel dated today. Plus, considering the trauma attached to the time, they fear that the audience won’t turn up at theatres. Now, the makers are looking at pursuing an OTT release and will initiate talks with some streamers.”
Boney Kapoor to throw a lavish party in Bandra's Pali Hill for Shabana Azmi as she turns 75
9:23 AM
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; September 15, 2025)
Grand birthday celebrations are admittedly not Shabana Azmi’s style. But when it’s your milestone birthday, your family and friends will certainly make it an affair to remember.
mid-day has learnt that producer and close family friend Boney Kapoor is hosting a big bash to mark Azmi’s 75th birthday on September 18. On the guest list are the veteran actor’s family — Javed Akhtar, Zoya and Farhan Akhtar, Baba and Tanvi Azmi — as well as her friends Vidya Balan, Urmila Matondkar, Richa Chadha, Tannishtha Chatterjee, Anil Kapoor, Karan Johar, and more.
Many don’t know that Boney and Azmi go back a long way. The two collaborated on his first production, Hum Paanch (1980).
A source shares, “They struck up a friendship then, and over the years, have become almost family. So, when the discussion about celebrating Shabana’s birthday came up, Boney said he would host it. The bash will be held at his Pali Hill address on September 18, and will see Azmi’s friends from films and theatre in attendance.”
Before that, her group of friends — which calls itself Dher Saara Pyaar and comprises Tanvi, Balan, Matondkar, Chatterjee, Chadha, Divya Dutta, Dia Mirza, and Konkona Sen Sharma — has a girls’ day chalked out.
The source says, “On September 17, they will have a spa day, pampering themselves. Their celebration already started over the weekend as Sandhya Mridul launched her book of poems, Untamed. That was followed by dinner.”
The group is excited to meet Azmi’s other girl gang, Carpe Diem — with whom the actor recently took a trip to Iceland — at the birthday bash (Zindagi na milegi dobara, Shabana style, Aug 21).
As a father, I spent the first few months very anxious-Ali Fazal
4:07 PM
Stating that his idea of love has changed since welcoming daughter Zuneyra, Ali Fazal discusses his fears as a father; hopes artistes today will leave behind meaningful cinema for the next generation
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; June 18, 2025)
Next month, Ali Fazal will bring romance on screen with Metro...In Dino. But in real life, love is an everyday affair for the actor, who has been discovering new meanings to the emotion after welcoming daughter Zuneyra Ida Fazal. His love story with actor and his wife Richa Chadha too has taken a new turn as they navigate parenthood together.
“You’ll find me trying to flirt back with my wife, find new ways to get out. Once our daughter sleeps, we’re like, ‘Let’s grab a bite’. Or some mornings, we sit, have our coffees, and talk,” he smiles.
Fazal and Chadha became proud parents to Zuneyra last July. Since then, it has been a whirlwind of change — between burping duties and nappy changes, between feeling on top of the world and feeling exhausted, the actor says he has become “a different person”.
“The definition of love has become different since parenthood,” he reflects, adding that he was an anxious father in the first few months since his daughter’s birth. “I probably read all the literature. I spent the first few months very anxious. Now it’s getting a little better.”
As an actor and a producer, Fazal not only tries to contribute to meaningful cinema, but also is a strong public voice for social dissent. His forthrightness hasn’t come without a cost. “It’s difficult to be an opinionated artiste in the industry. I’ve probably lost work because of that at times, but I don’t regret it. Sometimes, speaking out is not the only answer.”
That’s where, he believes, the power of cinema lies. “We’ll make all kinds of cinema, but we have to be smart about it. We can’t wait for the right time to come. The best of things come out in tragic times. We have to crack how we can smartly make [what we want to say].”
It’s important to remember that what’s safe is often boring-Richa Chadha
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Akash Bhatnagar (HINDUSTAN TIMES; May 19, 2025)
Richa Chadha attributes Bollywood’s tough times to changing consumer patterns. The actor-producer, who is backing two projects that are set to go on floors in a couple of months, says, “The pandemic changed everything, including the way people consume content. Everyone was locked at home, was watching things at a different pace and was experimenting.”
As a producer, Richa has a strategy in place to overcome the difficult situation. “I want to tell stories that take risks, are interesting, and don’t insult the audience’s intelligence. When something is visible in your story, you don’t need to spell it out. We have a diverse audience, and I trust them. We need to give them a well-made film that is well released too. That makes the difference, as distribution of a film is as important as the look of it,” she says.
Richa insists that while stories are important, focusing on storytellers and giving them enough space to do their job is necessary too. “The only way forward is to give freedom to filmmakers. Else, they won’t be able to tell the stories they want to. I can’t pretend to sit here and be like, ‘I know better than you’. I’ve been in several rooms where the producer has sat on the edit, or someone has messed up the narrative.”
The 38-year-old adds, “If you don’t give freedom to directors, they will play safe and take the easy route. It’s important to remember that what’s safe is often boring. That’s happening in Hollywood too, with the big Marvel and superhero films. Who wants to watch four Spider-Man films? Or a rehash of an old story like Snow White? Itni saari cheezein jab dobaara banaate rehte ho, toh cinema kahin marr jaata hai.”
Richa Chadha plays a high-functioning entrepreneur who was orphaned at birth in her next
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Yashika Mathur (HINDUSTAN TIMES; May 7, 2025)
Actor Richa Chadha is all set to return in front of the camera following her maternity break. The 38-year-old, who welcomed her daughter Zuneyra Ida Fazal with husband, actor Ali Fazal in July last year, has signed on for a new film that marks her return to the comedy genre after the success of Fukrey 3 (2023). In this upcoming project, Richa will play a high-functioning entrepreneur who was orphaned at birth. The film is scheduled to go on floors in September.
Confirming the news, the actor tells us, “I’m thrilled to be a part of the film. It’s an incredibly refreshing story that’s both humorous and touching.”
She further adds, “My character is at the heart of the narrative, and I can’t wait to bring her journey to life. It’s the kind of project that allows me to explore a wide emotional spectrum while keeping things light and relatable. I’m sure audiences will connect with the themes of love, family, and the need for human connection in an age of isolation.”
This marks the second project Richa has signed since the birth of her daughter. Earlier, she signed a musical romantic comedy, which is expected to begin filming in mid-October.
Down South, ticket prices for biggies are low; yahan par sab ulta hai-Richa Chadha
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Actor-producer Richa Chadha feels it’s high time that Bollywood reinvents and becomes open to taking risks
Akash Bhatnagar (HINDUSTAN TIMES; March 31, 2025)
Recently, filmmaker Hansal Mehta said at an event that filmmakers in the Hindi film industry need to take risks and cast new faces. Ask actor Richa Chadha if things are more challenging for newcomers today, and she says, “When I started out, it was difficult. But today, youngsters have social media, so there’s an added benefit. In 2012-13, social media wasn’t as prevalent.”
Richa, who turned producer last year with Girls Will Be Girls, adds, “We should give more chances to newcomers, but sadly, even established filmmakers in Bollywood tend to stereotype actors. Somewhere, the math of the business doesn’t allow us to take chances. And it’s not only limited to the actors, but also filmmakers.”
Lately, many filmmakers, including Anurag Kashyap and Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, have also spoken about the need for Bollywood to reinvent. Mention this to Richa and she shares, “When a big film with a big star flops, everyone wants to become safer. They want to have an item song and a certain number of action sequences. But over time, you realise that innovation is the heart of any industry. The film industries in the South have managed to crack how their films work. We can learn from them.”
The 38-year-old adds, “They make movies for their own fans and ensure that the ticket prices are low. Yahan par sab ulta hai. When a film is big and there’s anticipation, people increase the ticket prices.”
Of course, if a role I want goes to Sanya Malhotra, I could feel jealous-Fatima Sana Shaikh
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Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; February 19, 2025)
While Fatima Sana Shaikh had a very busy 2024, the audience didn’t see her on the big screen or on OTT all through last year. However, the Dangal actress is unperturbed by the waiting game.
She explains, “When you are shooting, your mind stays focused on the work, so you don’t stress. But when you’re sitting at home with no shooting schedule, that’s when the panic sets in. The release of a project isn’t in the actor’s hands—it depends on so many factors. We can only keep shooting and moving forward. I worked a lot in 2024, and I want to see how people perceive me when my projects release this year.”
‘I want to see if there’s a shift or a change in the way I’m positioned’
Talking about the kind of work that inspires her, Fatima says, “With the kind of work I am doing now, I want to see if there’s a shift or a change in the way I’m positioned. I have bigger dreams for myself, but it’s not about stardom. I want to do films that transcend borders and leave a deep impact, not just emotionally, but also in a way that a film like Andaz Apna Apna had on people.”
Apart from Metro… In Dino, she will also be seen in the romantic comedy Aap Jaisa Koi with R Madhavan, among other projects.
Fatima also believes that actors like Anushka Sharma and Konkona Sen Sharma made a smart move by branching into production, and she hopes to follow suit in the future. “Ali Fazal and Richa Chadha are also producing some amazing projects. Actors need to think this way because sometimes we don’t get the opportunities we want. So, we have to create our own,” she says.
‘The market is tough right now’
Fatima doesn’t hesitate to approach producers if the project excites her. “I am trying to collaborate with people, but the market is tough right now. There are a lot of projects out there, but they’re not the ones that attract me. I’m realistic about myself, my talent, and my positioning. I know what I can offer to a producer. I can’t expect them to invest Rs. 100 crore in me. I sometimes chase projects I’m passionate about.”
‘There is always some level of competition and insecurity in life’
Dangal was a breakout film for both Fatima and Sanya Malhotra, and the two became good friends after working together. However, as their careers grew, they both went down different paths.
When asked if there’s ever been a sense of rivalry, jealousy or competition between them, Fatima says, “There is always some level of competition and insecurity in life. I understand that people feel jealous, but how you handle that jealousy defines you. Of course, if a role I want goes to her, I could feel jealous or insecure. But I don’t let my insecurities take over. I’m genuinely happy for Sanya.”
If only five big producers can support independent cinema, things can drastically change-Rima Das
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As Village Rockstars 2 premieres at the Berlin Festival, Nation Award-winning filmmaker Rima Das opens up working on a folk-horror story for her next, and why financial support for independent filmmaking in India needs to go beyond just lip service
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; February 16, 2025)
It's time for Rima Das 2.0. The National Award filmmaker is currently at the coveted Berlin International Film Festival for the premiere of her latest work, the Assamese movie, Village Rockstars 2. The festival darling lets us in on a new resolution when we speak to her—she is ready to turn over a new leaf. “I have realized going to festivals is not enough. Now, my main aim is that my work reaches more people,” she says.
In her over a decade-long career, Das has created an enviable filmography—her breakout film Village Rockstars, Bulbul Can Sing to Tora’s Husband—and now the sequel to her National Award-winner, which has already travelled to several national and international festivals.
“At Busan Film Festival last year, a producer from Singapore told me, ‘Rima, I think this is the only sequel of an independent film. We haven’t had any other sequel to an indie film before’.” Das laughs as we mention that her film couldn’t have come at a better time, as sequels seem to be the latest obsession.
“While making Village Rockstars [2018], I never thought of a sequel. But while editing it, it did strike me that the story has a natural progression and another film can be made. But I thought if I took it to festivals, how will they react to a sequel? Also, for the audiences who haven’t watched the first part, will the title Village Rockstars 2 work? Then, I thought about the long-term value of a story and that’s why I decided to make the sequel.”
Village Rockstars is about Dhunu, a 10-year-old girl, who dreams of buying a guitar and is saving up for it. However, when calamity hits her village, she must re-evaluate her priorities. Part 2 revisits the life of Dhunu, seven years after the events of the last film.
The filmmaker began working on the film, on which she also serves as the writer, cinematographer and co-producer, in 2020. But it ended up consuming Das’ time more than she anticipated.
“In 2020, I wanted to start something with Tillotama Shome. Then, the pandemic happened. I felt like I was in a cocoon, so I started making Tora’s Husband and Village Rockstars 2 simultaneously, but there was a lot of physical, mental trauma because of the pandemic. I lost my father. So, to finish both the films took a long time. I had to rewrite and re-shoot portions of Village Rockstars 2. It took me four years to finish the film,” she shares.
As rewarding as making Village Rockstars 2 was, it also left the filmmaker feeling stagnated. Das knew it was time for a reboot. “I had been shooting in the same location for years because Village Rockstars and Bulbul Can Sing were shot in the same area, while Tora’s Husband was shot nearby. I stopped enjoying it. So, during that time I started developing other ideas because I felt like doing something new,” she says.
Now brimming with ideas, the filmmaker is having a party. “I am writing something set in Mumbai, and it’s folk horror. When I look around, I see a lot of stories. Then, I feel like telling these stories is more important than making something perfect.”
With creative expansion on her mind, Das wants to enter unfamiliar territories. “Now, I also want to do commercial and semi-commercial films. Not being officially trained in filmmaking, my perception and knowledge of art is probably different from other filmmakers. Keeping the essence of cinema intact, I want my films to be accessible and reach a wider audience. Some films I think feel very arty. If I am making a Village Rockstars, I have a message to tell. If only cinephiles are watching it, it’s not enough for me. I want my films to reach marginalized sections or the [regular] audience. That is success for me. I don’t like my films to be a piece of art that is consumed by only a section of the audience. This wasn’t exactly on my mind when I made Village Rockstars. It was made without music and I thought the way it had shaped up was for a foreign audience but when it was released in India and I saw people loving it, I realized there are no boundaries to art.”
What also calls out to the filmmaker today is the need to embrace collaborations. Since the beginning of her career, Das has made movies largely by herself— from writing to producing. “I am looking for more collaborators, who are like-minded. I don’t want to be in the lonely place of doing everything by myself. I know when the time is right, the right kind of people will align with my vision and understanding of cinema.”
Making movies is as much about having talent as it’s about finding people who believe in it. It becomes particularly difficult to find believers of stories that don’t conform. Das, one of the biggest success stories in India’s independent space believes, “If you look at our audience, it should not be difficult to be an independent filmmaker in India. But there aren’t many forces to support it. There is a lot of lip service. If only five people, who are big producers, can support the scene, it can drastically change. But that’s not happening and I don’t know why. We look at old architecture and marvel at it, but nothing new is being built. Good art, poetry, and film are as important as good architecture. When I hear about the box office, it is only about two per cent of our population watching a film that is called a huge success. So, when we spend Rs. 50 lakh to a crore on an indie film, the recovery in India is very easy. You just need to find your audience. But there is no support.”
On this note, Das registers praise for actor-producer couple Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal, who made their production debut with the marvellous Girls Will Be Girls. “We need more people like Richa and Ali. Look how they supported an independent filmmaker [Shuchi Talati] and a beautiful film got so much visibility.”
Beyond that, Das believes one has to just be at it. “These problems have always been there in the independent space. Films are a catharsis for me. Every time I am doing something, I am creating opportunities for people, whether the number is 10 or 40.”
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