Anything for Anurag

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After Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!, Gangs of Wasseypur is Richa Chadda’s second film and she thinks it was a big break for her to work in this Anurag Kashyap film.

“I was so thrilled to be able to attend the Cannes Film Festival where Gangs of Wasseypur was screened as part of the director’s fortnight. No one recognised me when I strolled outside after the film was screened. I was dressed like a glam doll which was so different from my simple Indian look in the film. But it was a double celebration for me; the film was liked by all and I also got offers from Germany and for an Indo-French film. I would be happy to work in crossover films if they are worthwhile,” says Richa.
Talking about how she landed Gangs... Richa says, “I had auditioned for Anurag’s Dev D. Although that didn’t work out, he had told me that we would definitely work together some day. I thought he was being nice and was not expecting a call from him a year and a half later. I was sure that whatever role he would offer me would be appealing, so I instantly agreed to be a part of the film.”
“I play Manoj Bajpayee’s wife and the mother of his kid. It was rather different for me. This was my second film and I was already playing a mother. I did it because I wanted to be a part of Anurag Kashyap’s film,” she explains.
Added to Anurag, there was Manoj Bajpayee, another bonus for her. “Working with Manoj Bajpayee was a challenge,” she reveals. “His spontaneous acting keeps you on your toes. He is meticulous and brilliant. Reacting to his acting was not an easy task.”
Richa also shares screen space with Kahaani actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui. “Nawazuddin was indeed brilliant in Kahaani (he played the no-nonsense cop, Khan). Working with him was a wonderful opportunity. For me, Manoj and Nawazuddin were like great teachers,” she adds.
She is full of anecdotes from the shooting. She reminisces, “In one scene I had to slap Manoj and stab him. But I would end up laughing after every take. Initially, Anurag and the others too laughed along with me. But then Anurag took me aside and told me, ‘You have to get serious. Get into the character and after you stab him you must burst out crying.’ I took his advice so seriously and burst out crying so vigorously that it became difficult for me to stop even after we completed the shot.”
“During the shoot we were stationed at Benaras. Our location was never disclosed. Our filmmakers were obviously very careful about the well-being of the artistes. Working with the Hindi film fraternity brings a deep sense of security and oneness. I am proud to be the part of this industry,” Richa says.