Richa Chadha reveals no phones were allowed on 'Heeramandi' sets: 'I would have just shot everything'

n 'Heeramandi', Richa plays the role of Lajjo a courtesan who has an addiction problem and is kind of self-destructive, lovelorn, and hopeless.

Bollywood actress Richa Chadha, who will next be seen in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s web series ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar’ opened up on the filmmaker’s massive set that was erected at Film City in Mumbai. Richa revealed that there was a no-phone on-set policy which everyone had to abide by. 

Richa told Hindustan Times, “I went to the set for the first time when we were still talking about which character I would do. It took a long time for the set to be built. I think I was just overawed by… I think this was also his [Sanjay Leela Bhansali] biggest set. It was spread out over a big geographical area in Film City, and it is just beautiful. There were separate spaces- there was a kitchen, and my bedroom; each character had their rooms. I had a bathroom also. 

“There was a hamam in someone else's bedroom. It had fountains, a choubara, an angaan, and balconies. There was also a performance room, a ballroom, and a café! There was just a whole street! He had built a city almost, with shops; selling everything from kites to perfume to dupattas. There was a dargah at the entrance of where we were supposed to shoot. It was just beautiful. It was a no-phone set otherwise I would have just gone through it and shot everything. It was just stunning- the level of detailing was just amazing,” she added. 

In 'Heeramandi', Richa plays the role of Lajjo a courtesan who has an addiction problem and is kind of self-destructive, lovelorn, and hopeless. The actress has previously collaborated with Bhansali for ‘Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela’. 

Set against the backdrop of the Indian freedom struggle of the 1940s, 'Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar' promises to be an epic saga of love, power, revenge, and freedom. Through the stories of courtesans and their patrons, the series delves deep into the cultural reality of Heeramandi, offering a compelling narrative that is sure to enthrall audiences worldwide. It also stars Manisha Koirala, Aditi Rao Hydari, Sonakshi Sinha, Sanjeeda Sheikh, and Sharmin Segal in pivotal roles. It will stream on Netflix from May 1. 

(With inputs from ANI)

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