Why Richa Chadha was nervous before doing a stand-up

Devika has earlier been part of projects such as The Man Who knew Infinity with actor Dev Patel. She is still all praise for the Slumdog Millionaire star. “I have worked with Dev only in The Man… He is lovely. I prayed for him when he got nominated for the Oscars for his film Lion,” says Devika.

Considering how Rani Laxmibai has been portrayed in films before, and quite recently, by Kangana Ranaut in Manikarnika — The Queen of Jhansi, how did Devika make sure her portrayal was different from what had already been attempted before?

“That’s simple. I didn’t watch any other films or portrayals of the Rani of Jhansi. My portrayal comes from primary sources and the research I had done. I didn’t watch any artistic or creative rendering that has come in the last few years. By the time Manikarnika came out in the theatres, our film was entirely locked up and was being picked up by the distributors,” reveals Devika.

Any interest in Bollywood for her? “I don’t know. As of now, I am based in New York, and my career has been there. If I get a script in Bollywood that really interests me, I would absolutely be open to doing something here,” she adds.

Actors often talk about the genre they enjoy exploring. Richa Chadha, too, has always maintained that comedy is her favourite space. In the past, she has proved her mettle as Bholi Punjaban in the Fukrey film franchise. She has also had a brush with stand-up comedy, and has been hinting at taking her passion for this forward.

Recently, it was announced that Richa will make her debut with a stand-up comedy show on the web and she’s obviously kicked about the opportunity. “I’m excited to appear in this show alongside several other people. None of us is a professional comedy actor or stand up comedian. It was a challenge and I just dived in,” she says, adding that humour comes naturally to her when she tries to express herself.

Thanking those who have helped her learn more, Richa Chadha adds that it was wonderful to be mentored by accomplished comics like Sapan Verma and Ashish Shakya. “They prepared me for my live show. I have done this once before, and it was alright, but this show is as real as it gets. I am nervous that my image as a serious actor is about to be shattered thanks to this stand-up comedy act,” shared the actor, who will next be seen in season two of the web show Inside Edge and in the films, Abhi Toh Party Shuru Hui Hai, Panga and Shakeela.

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PHOTO: RAAJESSH KASHYAP/HT Richa Chadha