‘I believe I was Tamilian in my previous birth’

Richa Chadha set the ball rolling in the teaser and the trailer of Shakeela biopic ahead of its theatrical release on Friday. “I think this film will be a reason for us to end 2020 on a happy note. I know it is releasing amid the pandemic but the expectation down south has soared and we can’t keep them waiting for long. I am glad that Shakeela is releasing in theatres,” she starts off.

The actress reminisces about her earliest tryst with the adult star and reveals, “I remember seeing Shakeela on a magazine cover that read ‘The Unlikely Superstar’. The article described her complexion, physique, and her fan-following in detail. At that time, I couldn’t understand. Later, when I read more about her and what she really went through, I realised that this is a story worth telling people.” Richa says that the film will throw light into Shakeela’s life and will divulge truths that none of us ever knew about her. “We only know 50 per cent of who and what she is. This film will show the audience what Shakeela as a person is. We both have had interesting conversations and to prep for this role, I had to ask her a lot of questions and tough ones, like if she is upset with her family or the people around her. She doesn’t have hatred towards anybody who sabotaged her interests. In fact, the film that speaks about her life, doesn’t have a happy ending. I wish and pray at least her life after the film’s release turns out to be happy,” the actress tells us.

Shakeela, which will release in Hindi and other south languages will bring the actress a bit closer to the south audience. “I believe I was Tamilian in my previous birth,” she smiles and adds, “Not many people know that I can read as well as write Tamil. My Kannada is pretty decent too. Of all films I have watched last year, Super Deluxe is my favourite.

My boyfriend Ali Fazal had recommended the film and it was a good watch. I am not a person who watches mass Tamil entertainers. Even in Malayalam, I watch many Fahadh Faasil films. Similarly, I would be happy to do offbeat roles in south films,” Richa concludes.