Q&A WITH RICHA CHADHA

RICHA CHADHA will soon be seen in the second season of Inside Edge, but of late, she has been playing more roles off-screen

Q. You play Zarina in Inside Edge. Tell us about her arc in season two?

In season one, she was insecure, threatened and, by the end, cut a sorry figure. In season two, they have added another layer to her. Tired of getting screwed over by men, she finds herself lured by power. It’s a natural progression. I see it in a lot of actors too. They start off wanting to do the right projects, but, eventually, lose the plot. I didn’t judge Zarina. If she is seduced by evil, then so be it.

Q. In Amazon Prime’s One Mic Stand, you say that every year you do something that scares you. Do you know what you are doing in 2020?

I’ve been working non-stop since 2012. In the last two years, I felt settled and decided to explore my inner artist. In 2017, I began writing a book, bought a camera, started sketching again and learning classical Hindustani vocal. This year, I learned to ride a bike and am learning a new dance form. Next year, I want to go on a bike ride with a group of women riders and finish my book.

Q. You are forthright on social media about your thoughts on India’s sociopolitical affairs. Do you worry about the ramifications?

There aren’t any. I am only on the side of humanity and logic. The majority can do whatever they want but there will always be those who will swim against the tide. Artists are the moral conscience of society. If advocating for peace and togetherness is a bad thing, then there’s something wrong with the world. I am a taxpayer who’d rather have my money spent on education than building another monument or organising gala events.