Richa Chadha recently took to social media to celebrate a significant milestone in Indian cinema—the 12th anniversary of the groundbreaking film ‘Gangs of Wasseypur.’ The actress, who played the memorable character of Nagma Khatoon, shared a nostalgic post which included a clip from one of the film’s most iconic scenes. In this scene, Nagma, who is heavily pregnant, confronts Manoj Bajpayee’s character in a brothel, an unforgettable moment that showcased Richa’s acting prowess and the gripping narrative of the movie.
Currently in her third trimester, Richa is preparing to welcome her first child with husband and fellow actor Ali Fazal. The actress wrote on Instagram, “Yesterday marked #12YearsOfGangsOfWasseypur releasing, my favourite moment from this scene happens at 1:07 LOLOL … this was a film that changed many lives, 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.”
This humorous yet touching memory has found a place in the hearts of fans, reminding them of the film’s indelible impact. Richa also shared her experience of acting with such a cumbersome prop, recounting encounters with women on the streets who, unaware of the prosthetic nature of her belly, advised her to slow down for the sake of the baby they believed she was carrying.
“Playing Nagma was an incredible experience,” Richa continued in her post. “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.”
Directed by Anurag Kashyap, ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ is based on a real-life narrative that dives into the intricate web of gangster feuds within the coal mining mafia. The film’s ensemble cast, which includes Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Manoj Bajpayee, Huma Qureshi, Tigmanshu Dhulia, and Richa herself, contributed to its standing as a modern classic. Released on June 22, 2012, the first installment of this epic saga has cemented its place as one of Indian cinema’s most successful and influential projects of the last decade.
The impact of ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ on the careers of its cast and crew cannot be overstated. For Richa Chadha, the film was a launching pad that not only highlighted her versatility as an actress but also connected her to some of the most talented individuals in the industry. Thanks to this film, she crossed paths with directors like Neeraj Ghaywan and Anubhuti Kashyap, forging friendships and professional relationships that have endured over the years.
Richa’s reflections on her time filming ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ come at a moment filled with personal significance as well. Anticipating the birth of her first child, she draws a parallel between her real-life pregnancy and the memorable scenes where she portrayed a pregnant Nagma. This connection adds another layer of depth to her fond memories and highlights the serendipitous nature of her current journey.
The film itself has become a case study for aspiring filmmakers and actors. Its gritty storytelling, complex characters, and raw portrayal of life in the underbelly of Bihar’s criminal landscape have earned it a place in cinema history. Many young actors consider it a dream to work in a project with a similar impact, hoping to capture even a fraction of the magic that ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ created.
As ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ reaches its 12-year milestone, fans and creators alike reflect on the seismic shift it brought about in Indian filmmaking. The movie continues to inspire, entertain, and provoke thought, remaining as relevant today as it was upon its release. With Richa Chadha’s heartfelt reminiscing, this chapter of cinema history feels more vivid and alive, rekindling the admiration and love that the film has garnered over the years.
