Short film,big leap

For the first time in my life,I have to deal with date problems,” says Richa Chadda,about her new-found star status. As the firebrand and motormouth Nagma Khatoon in Anurag Kashyap’s Gangs of Wasseypur (GoW),Chadda has won rave reviews for her performance. However,what has made her happier is the work that’s coming her way. “It is amazing how many doors open for you when you start getting recognised for your work. I’m going through a great phase,” says Chadda.

Being part of global cinema is one of the major goals for the actor,who has also worked with Dibakar Banerjee. Little wonder then that she was too thrilled when approached by acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair for her short film series. The Indian section of the short film is a quirky take on the numerous problems and prejudices in the society. “I am under agreement to not speak about the film. All I can say is I am doing costume trials right now and the film will be shot this monsoon in Mumbai,” she says. According to sources,the short film is part of an ensemble of stories. Chadda’s story revolves around an Indian family,and she plays a Mumbai girl. The actor is said to be taking help of her friends in the city to explore it. Nair — who has co-written the series with Zoya Akhtar — has also roped in other known names such as Ben Kingsley.

Like many youngsters who go to Mumbai with the hope of fulfilling their dreams,Chadda too left Delhi to be an actor. Her parents were quite keen that she completed her education. Chadda graduated from Sophia College,Mumbai,after which she joined Barry John’s Theatre Group. “I worked as a lead actor in one of his plays. I was cast by Dibakar in Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! soon after,” says the 25-year-old actor.

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Things were pretty smooth for Chadda until then. “I thought getting work was easy because most things came to me on a platter.” However,the period after Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! changed her perception of the industry. “Either people came to me with the same kind of roles or I was offered no work,” she says. She resisted these offers and eventually bagged a meaty role in GoW. “When I auditioned for Dev.D,Anurag had liked the audition. He had told me that he would work with me in future. I was,however,not hopeful. When he did approach me for the role,I was thrilled,” she adds.

Chadda now wants to make every opportunity count. Even as she shoots for a mass entertainer Tamanchey with Nikhil Dwivedi,Chadda is also in talks with Ravi Rai for his upcoming film as well as another renowned filmmaker whose name she refuses to divulge.