Richa Chadha is all set to dazzle audiences with her upcoming role in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's web series, "Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar." Portraying the character of a courtesan, Richa's performance promises to be a captivating one. However, her journey in preparing for this role has been more than just learning lines and mastering expressions.

 

Rediscovering Kathak:

In a recent interview with Mid-Day, Richa shared insights into her preparation for the series, particularly the elaborate dance sequences. She revealed that the experience of rehearsing for these sequences reignited her passion for Kathak, a classical dance form she had learned under the guidance of Pandit Abhay Shankar Mishra. Despite life taking its course and her dance skills taking a backseat, working on "Heeramandi" brought Richa back in touch with Kathak.

 

Dedication and determination:

Richa emphasized the dedication required to perfect each dance step. Months of rigorous practice were essential to ensuring precision in her movements. Despite initially fearing that she had lost her touch, Richa's determination to excel in Kathak has been reignited by her experience on the show. She now aims to pursue further training in Kathak under the guidance of her mentor.

 

Challenges and Recognition:

Richa also highlighted the limited acknowledgment that Kathak receives in the Hindi film industry compared to other classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam. She expressed her admiration for actresses from the South who often excel in Bharatanatyam. However, she believes that Kathak has its own unique charm and significance, particularly in conveying emotions through facial expressions, a skill vital for actors.