In a recent media interaction, Richa Chadha who will next be seen in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s streaming series Heeramandi shared that she was stretched out of her comfort zone" while working on the project.
"Sanjay sir is a visionary, magician, storyteller. I have never felt so stretched out of my comfort zone as a performer. So many times, I go on a set and the director tells me, 'aap to kar hi logi (for you, this is a cakewalk), you were so great in this film, that film," Chadha said.
She continued, "Honestly, I feel like saying that was 10 years ago, I am not the same person I was even one year ago. I have evolved, I have grown. I am a director's actor, I love being pushed to my maximum potential. I like to be challenged till my throat is dry and I have nausea from nervousness. And hence, I loved working with Sanjay sir as he is so respectful of collaboration. He doesn't suffer fools easily and has high standards."
"I'd rather work with a taskmaster who holds himself to a high standard than a director who coddles me but makes a shit film. Being associated with SLB and his project in any capacity is always an honour. And I feel lucky that I got that chance twice, the first one being Goliyon Ki Rasleela - Ram Leela. But Heeramandi will always be special place since it is one of many firsts. You will see," she added.
Heeramandi is Chadha’s second project with Bhansali, the first one being Goliyon Ki Rasleela - Ram Leela (2013). The series also stars Sonakshi Sinha, Sharmin Sehgal and Manisha Koirala, and will be released on Netflix.