‘I broke down when people gave standing ovation to Masaan’ – Richa Chadha

Richa Chadha is one actress who has never shied away from experimenting. She has always been upfront and ready to try new genres and roles because she finds it exciting. Her latest film ‘Masaan’ is a proof of it. The film, after creating ripples globally, is all set for its India release tomorrow. Before the movie hits the theatres, we sat down with Richa to talk about her much coveted project. Read on.

’Masaan’ has done really well at Cannes. What are your expectations from its release in India?

I think it is going to do well here. I can say that because when we showed the film in Delhi, we observed that people were laughing at the right moment. The film was able to extract the right emotions out of them at the right time. There were people who had so many questions in their mind but they couldn't ask because they were filled with emotions. Masaan is the kind of film that will move you.

Do you think ‘Masaan’ is getting the right kind of attention in India after getting such rave reviews at Cannes?

No one realizes it here. But, it's a very big deal to be selected at Cannes. After the screening, we got a standing ovation that just didn't stop. It went on and on. I was moved by it. I broke down, even Neeraj couldn't believe it. The entire appreciation that we got is not just a big thing for me, or Neeraj but a huge thing for the entire country. It should be appreciated here.

Do you identify with your character in ‘Masaan’? Why do you think no other actor was approached for this role?

No other actress was approached for this role, because it was written for me. It is a great role and you really don't get such kind of roles in your career. Either you get very glamorous ones, or very serious ones. The character is very complex. It's tough. I am a very urban girl but, in the film, I had to play a character, who belongs to Banaras and wears salwar-kameez, who doesn't meet boys and doesn't talk to them.

You watched many French films in order to prepare for your character. Did it help you?

That was Neeraj who had given me this homework. He wanted me to watch these films. Each film I watched really taught me different things about myself and the character.

What was the best compliment that you got at Cannes, after people watched ‘Masaan’?

I don't understand French (laughs). But I know most of the people loved how a father-daughter relationship has been portrayed in the film. But the major compliment came from India only. Deepa aunty (Indo-Canadian film director Deepa Mehta) told me that I want to say that you did a great performance but I can't because you yourself became the character. That was huge for me.

Your ‘Masaan’ co-actor Sanjay Mishra told in an interview that this film is better than ‘Aankhon Dekhi’. What are your views on it?

That's his opinion. I loved ‘Ankhon Dekhi’ and I don't think we should compare the two. But, ‘Masaan’ is definitely one of the best films I have worked in. You will have to watch it to believe it. There is something very special about it.

Since your last films have been hits, was there an added responsibility on you to go a notch higher with ‘Masaan’ in terms of your performance?

This is always [the case] with me. For me, my work in ‘Masaan’ had to be, if not better, then way different from ‘Ram Leela’ or ‘Fukrey’. One should always challenge oneself because if you don't do it, you can't do better.

Do you ever feel pressurized by Box Office numbers?

It's important, you can't ignore it. It is important for ‘Masaan’ because if it works with a film like this, there will be more people interested in making films on such subjects. More actors would have courage to bag such films. Box Office is important but it is not everything. However, ‘Masaan’ has got its share of appreciation. I feel proud to be a part of this film.

What about the picture that you posted on Twitter showing your middle finger with the caption "To all those who said I shouldn't work in 'low budget arty films',PFA my revert. (PARDON MY FRENCH) #MasaanAtCannes"?

That was my answer. I believe in the film. Being in cinema, it is difficult to constantly tell people that let's do a film on good subjects. So people come to me and ask why are you doing this film, there will be no makeup, no good costumes and other things. But, these things do not matter to me. This film (Masaan) has already been sold to 20 countries by just being screened at Cannes. Why wouldn't I be a part of this film? Today, if you walk on the busy roads of Paris, Masaan's poster are all over. It feels very nice when you have done a film here in India, Banaras and people sitting there overseas send you pictures saying 'I saw your film's poster there'.

Has it changed the mindset of people who discouraged you?

I never pay attention to such people. They are very opportunistic. Now when the film has garnered immense appreciation, people are saying that we knew it. There have been instances initially when people said 'Tumme kuch baat hai' (there's something about you) and then they never called. And now when they meet me, they say 'Kaha tha maine ki tumme kuch baat hai.' (I told you there's something about you)

Why did you agree to do ‘Chalk n Duster’?

I am doing a cameo in that. The story is very interesting. Shabana ma'am is part of the film, Juhi is there, Girish Karnad sir is also a part of the film. And I thought it is all about just two days of my life. Moreover, it's a unique subject.

After ‘Ram Leela’, did Sanjay Leela Bhansali approach you for a role in ‘Bajirao Mastani’?
No. Moreover, I don't think there is a role for me in the film.

But isn't Sanjay Leela Bhansali known to repeat his star cast?

He only repeats the primary star cast, if at all he does. For example, he never took Salman in the lead after ‘Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam’. However, it is up to him, I will always love to work with him.