Richa Chadha says she was unable to deliver what Sanjay Leela Bhansali wanted even after 99 takes: ‘It was humbling’

 

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While Richa’s character left a deep impact in the show, it also has limited screen time. Talking about how she took a ‘calculated risk’ playing Lajjo, the actress said, “I did take a calculated risk with this character because I had the shortest number of scenes to prove my mettle as an actor. Also, I didn’t want to get lost in the crowd of actors, and there are so many good actors in Heeramandi.”

Also Read: Richa Chadha reveals Sanjay Leela Bhansali made the actors spin eight times in 20-kilo lehenga, Sanjeeda Sheikh says even chair and curtains have to work on his sets

Sanjay Leela Bhansali is known to be a perfectionist who expects nothing but the best from his actors. Talking about being on SLB set, Richa said, “Of course it is very challenging to be on a Bhansali set because you need to know your craft, to be able to think in the moment, how to improvise and give the director what he wants. He expects a lot out of his actors and his technicians or everybody who walks on his sets. It is difficult to match up to standards like that, but once you do there is also a sense of fulfillment.”

 

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After Ramleela, this is the second time Richa has worked with Sanjay Leela Bhansali, so when asked if she was prepared mentally to go through the drill, she added, “I was 100 percent ready to be on an SLB set and prepared for what it would take from me, of course the nuances of the performance and the layering is something we discovered together, but that is also the fun part with him because he lets you also be. He will ask you what you want to develop for this character. For Lajjo, I developed a very funny laugh, there was a chuckle Lajjo used to disconnect with reality. But you are never really prepared to be on his set clearly because he is a master of this kind of genre.”

Commenting on the validation an actor gets after starring in a Bhansali project, Richa shared, “There are plenty of actors who have worked with Bhansali and have still not been able to make something of their lives. It is also about what you do with what you learn. For me this was a new level of learning, I don’t know about the validation because for me it was outward. People other than you, your industry peers are guiding you or deciding how good or bad you are. So I don’t really worry about that validation, but definitely, there is a sense of achievement and fulfillment when you get to do something difficult and you pull it off. It is memorable, people like it and appreciate you for it, that is what I crave more than anything else.”

 

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She also went on to share how Lajjo’s entry scene during Sakal Ban is her favorite scene and further narrated the story behind giving 99 retakes for the shot. “Even I didn’t realize that it took 99 retakes for that shot. He wanted something specific that I was not able to deliver. I don’t think it was used because even after 99 takes, I still couldn’t do it. I am very much known to be a critically acclaimed actor, versatile, etc, but it was humbling for me to stand in front of Sanjay Leela Bhansali and him saying that even after 99 retakes he didn’t get the shot he wanted. And then you go to bed thinking if you are good, do you know your craft, how can you make it better? What would you do tomorrow and then come in with renewed vigour and energy the next day.”

Richa Chadha revealed that it was a shot during the dance performance at Zorawar’s (Adhyayan Suman’s) wedding where this happened. “It was the first shot of that song where she looks at that guy and he drops the money on her feet, she starts to walk back and then starts to dance. It was a long take.”