Heeramandi EXCLUSIVE: Richa Chadha reveals how Meena Kumari's timeless classic Pakeezah helped her to play Lajjo

Heeramandi brings together Richa Chadha, Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha and many more gorgeous divas for a period drama. Richa plays the role of Lajjo. Here's how she prepared for it.

By Nikita Thakkar
Published: April 16, 2024 11:30 AM IST

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's web series Heeramandi - The Diamond Bazaar is desperately awaited. The series stars Sonakshi Sinha, Manisha Koirala, Richa Chadha, Aditi Rao Hydari and many others. It is a period-drama that takes us back in the pre-Independence era. The trailer has already left fans thrilled and eager to witness the cinematic masterpiece. Richa Chadha plays the role of Lajjo in the series. The actress shared that she took inspiration from Meena Kumari's character in Pakeezah to slip into her character of Lajjo. It was Sanjay Leela Bhansali's suggestion that Richa studies the Meena Kumari's character.

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Richa Chadha shared her experience and said, "Carefully observing, learning from and taking lessons from Meena Kumari ji's character in Pakeezah was a truly enriching and deeply transforming experience for me ahead of shooting for Heeramandi." says Richa Chadha. She added that Meena Kumari's character in Pakeezah had certain depth and complexity that resonated with her character Lajjo.

Sharing about her preparation to be Lajjo, Richa said that she worked on her voice and diction while observing Meena Kumari's work, to a point that she was even imitating her sometimes. Richa considers it to be an honour to be able to pay a tribute to legendary Meena Kumari ji with her work in Heeramandi - The Diamond Bazaar.

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Even a source from the production house of Heeramandi - The Diamond Bazaar had only good things to say about Richa Chadha. The source said, "Richa has brought an unparalleled passion and understanding to her role in Heeramandi. Her commitment to immersing herself in the nuances of her character is truly commendable. Drawing inspiration from Meena Kumari's iconic performance has added layers of authenticity to Lajjo's character."

Here's a video from Heeramandi trailer launch

All you need to know about Heeramandi

Heeramandi - The Diamond Bazaar hits Netflix on May 1. The web series also stars Adhyayan Suman and father Shekhar Suman. Fardeen Khan is making his acting comeback with this Sanjay Leela Bhansali web series. It is going to be an eight-episodes long web series with the story revolving around the courtesans from Lahore in pre-Independence era. Sanjay Leela Bhansali is bringing his royal touch to OTT with this upcoming new web series.

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ByNikita Thakkar
Published: April 16, 2024 11:30 AM IST