Richa Chadha, Ali Fazal on their positive influence on each other: ‘He looks happier, well-fed, taken care of and quite loved’

While he was initially apprehensive about whether people would like it, Richa shared that she was pretty sure it would catch on. “We are living that experience, those situations. During the pandemic, we were in isolation and wondering if everything is a conspiracy, it was a man-made virus. It tested the tenacity of humans as such questions kept popping in. The release also happened at a similar time when the discussions started happening again, with fan clubs discussing it.”

When asked about their expectation from the year ‘2062’ in real life, Richa laughed to say, “I have a very pessimistic view about it.” Ali Fazal took over to say that he feels there’s going to be a solution to everything. “With the latest technology coming in, AI and ChatGPT, you are always scared. Of course the blade of grass will have value. Climate change is going through hell and we aren’t ready for that. We would need a drastic solution and it is happening. Nature has a funny way to put everything back in their places,” he shared.

As we discussed technology and how it is becoming a threat as it can take over human jobs, we wondered if it can also affect actors. “Absolutely. We are anyway very replaceable. When dates don’t work out, they cast someone else. But in time, everyone will have an avatar. When someone is too old for stunts, it can be done by avatars, in the quality we may not have now. We will take a deep dive, just see the stuff that happens in deep fake, it shows how far we have come on this line. I don’t think I have too many good things to say about it,” Richa said.

Ali, on his part, added, “If we are the sum up of data only, then it’s a bleak future. Jitna data hai utna control hai. I also truly believe that a group of people sitting in a room can create humans with commands.”

The Masaan actor also added that recently currently there’s a debate around studio roles where actors are supposed to sign contracts where their AI version can dub in their absence. “Suppose you are not available, the work can be done. Imagine how easy it will be when there’s no face involved, in the case of podcasts.” Talking about audio projects, she shared that it has taken the pressure off actors from hair and makeup. “It is said that actors are all about voice and body. It’s lovely to use just one sense.”

Ali and Richa met during the shoot of Fukrey and then fell in love. Apart from sharing the screen as actors and co-voicing audio shows, the two launched their production house recently. Ali said it’s always amazing to work together, and Richa added that it’s fun to wake up, get dressed and head to the same place when they are working together.

She added that they disagree a lot while working but have managed to be respectful till now. “I am sure one day there will be a time we aren’t,” she laughed. Ali also shared that since they have a team, they are all working towards a creative output. “I love that we disagree as then we do come up with interesting solutions. That happened with our first film, and when I look at it, I feel happy and proud.” About their future projects, Richa added that they are also working on a podcast that Ali is doing, but he is being ‘too slow’, and now she’s afraid someone will steal his ideas.

Given they have been together for a long time, we asked them about the changes they have seen in each other. “Ali has a lot of muscles now. He looks happier, well-fed, taken care of and quite loved. I wonder what is the positive influence in his life. There’s stability and anchor in his life,” Richa shared cheekily, as Ali let out a loud laugh. He added, “As for Richa, I think she has helped me become more aware of all these qualities.”