As the critically acclaimed film ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ recently marked its 12th anniversary, its cast and crew have unsurprisingly taken to social media to commemorate the milestone. Among them, actress Richa Chadha’s reflections stood out as she revisited her memories from the movie that set a significant turning point in her career.
The ‘Madam Chief Minister’ actor posted a video on her Instagram handle, featuring an iconic scene where her character, Nagma, heavily pregnant, confronts Manoj Bajpayee’s character at a brothel. The scene not only showcased Richa’s acting chops but also her commitment to the role, as she had to run around with a prosthetic nine-month pregnancy belly.
Currently, Richa herself is in her third trimester, eagerly awaiting the arrival of her first child with husband and actor Ali Fazal. She couldn’t help but draw parallels between her character’s journey and her own real-life experience.
“Yesterday marked #12YearsOfGangsOfWasseypur releasing,” Richa wrote on Instagram. “My favourite moment from this scene happens at 1:07 LOLOL … this was a film that changed many lives. It made me meet the best people like @neeraj.ghaywan @anubhuti_k and many more. Watch Sardar Khan @bajpayee.manoj play the flawed ‘Family Man’ LOL. @vickykaushal09 is in the scene too… filling up the brothel! I remember running with this prosthetic 9-month pregnancy belly, while women in the street (who had no idea who I was) tell me to go slow, take it easy.”
Richa’s post also included a humorous note about her current pregnancy, contrasting it with the depiction of her character’s pregnancy in the film. “Nagma was an incredible character; I am so grateful I got to play her at the beginning of my career… to display range and be a part of what is today a cult film.
. Tough film to shoot, tough to execute… but this scene is so funny. Now that I am ACTUALLY in my advanced third trimester, I am not showing as much as young Nagma here… BUT I bet her first baby, DANISH Khan @vineet_ksofficial must have been over 8 pounds and quite tall! LOL. Thank you to everyone who showered love on the film… it’s one for the ages indeed. And it has been one of my life’s greatest pleasures to entertain you guys,” she added.
The 2012 release ‘Gangs of Wasseypur,’ directed by Anurag Kashyap, is a cinematic milestone that chronicles the power struggles and rampant criminal activities in Wasseypur, a village in the state of Jharkhand, India. The story, based on real events, revolves around a gangster who clashes with a coal mining mafia.
The ensemble cast, including Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Manoj Bajpayee, Huma Qureshi, Tigmanshu Dhulia, and of course, Richa Chadha, contributed to what is widely considered one of the biggest blockbuster films of Indian cinema in the past decade. Each actor brought a nuanced portrayal of their respective characters, making ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ an unforgettable experience for moviegoers and cinema buffs alike.
Manoj Bajpayee’s portrayal of Sardar Khan, a flawed yet compelling character, received critical acclaim and resonated with audiences for its raw depiction of ethical ambiguity. Vicky Kaushal’s early work in the film, albeit a minor role, was noteworthy enough to be remembered and appreciated by those who follow his illustrious career today.
The bonding among the film’s cast and crew has stood the test of time, and the friendships developed during the shooting of ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ have flourished beyond the sets. Richa Chadha’s reminiscence is a testament to the strong connections and cherished memories formed during the making of this cult classic.
The impact of ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ on Indian cinema is profound. It not only redefined the genre of gangster films but also propelled the careers of many involved. The raw, gritty narrative combined with Kashyap’s visionary direction raised the bar for storytelling in Bollywood.
As fans celebrate the 12-year anniversary, it’s clear that ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ remains a beloved film that continues to captivate and inspire. Richa Chadha’s heartfelt tribute gives us a glimpse behind the scenes, reminding us of the hard work, dedication, and camaraderie that went into making this iconic film.
