Actress Richa Chadha referenced the song Ye Kya Jagah Hai Doston from Rekha’s 1981 musical Umrao Jaan during a solo performance in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s upcoming Netflix period drama Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, she said at an event also attended by the Bollywood veteran.
“There's a song in the series, which is my solo mujra. For that I referenced [Rekha’s] song from Umrao Jaan, 'Ye kya jagah hai doston'. She has been my inspiration, my hero and she’s the definition of what an icon is,” Richa, who plays the role of courtesan Lajjo in the series, said.
Richa further said how the Bollywood veteran’s kind gesture of hugging and praising her will encourage her to strive for excellence in her career. “[Rekha’s] kind words and affection towards my performance in 'Heeramandi' left me speechless and deeply touched. I will never forget this night and her blessings really,” she added.
For the event, Richa sported a black sari featuring golden floral motifs and embroidered borders. Rekha exuded elegance in a golden sheer sari which she paired with matching jewellery and a potli. The latter hugged Richa as they posed for the lens alongside Bhansali.
Previously, Richa revealed how the late Meena Kumari’s peerless performance in Bollywood classic Pakeezah (1972) has been a big influence on her portrayal of Lajjo. Advised by Bhansali to study Meena Kumari’s nuanced acting in the Kamal Amrohi directorial, Richa went on to carefully observe the yesteryear actress in her best-known role on the screen.
Marking Bhansali’s OTT debut, Heeramdi: The Diamond Bazaar will follow the stories of love, passion, freedom and betrayal experienced by courtesans in Lahore’s oldest red light district. Set against the backdrop of British-ruled India, the trailer revealed how the courtesans — played by Manisha Koirala, Aditi Rao Hydari, Sonakshi Sinha, Richa, Sharmin Segal and Sanjeeda Shaikh — found themselves entangled in a constant power struggle with anti-colonial movements on the rise.
Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar is slated to premiere on Netflix on May 1.
