Juggle all the way

Richa Chadha

Walking into it, Richa Chadha knew production would not be an easy affair. But her passion to tell unheard stories led her to launch Pushing Buttons Studios with Ali Fazal earlier this year. Chadha, who has a few acting commitments lined up, says she is learning to juggle her acting and production duties. Set to roll their maiden film Girls Will Be Girls, she says, "We are in an advanced stage of development. It will be an Indo-French co-production. I have also written a film, so we will produce that as well. Right now, I am dividing my time between being an actor and a producer. I don't have to shoot until January, so I will be focusing on production. When Ali gets here, I will give him the production responsibility, and go to shoot my film."

Chadha has teamed up with Ali Fazal for Pushing Buttons Studios

Girls Will Be Girls, to be helmed by Shuchi Talati, has received the Aide aux cinemas du monde grant from France. The grant aims to support foreign filmmakers in their endeavour to tell unique stories. Asked how proficient she is in budgeting, Chadha candidly admits, "I don't understand it at all. I don't have to because there are people who [handle this aspect]. We are creative people who want to think, write and [develop stories].

Hopefully, other people will jump in and help us with the [financial aspect]." The next year will start on a high note for the actor, who will kick off the shoot of Fukrey 3. "It will roll in early January or February. The story is ready, as is the team. We had to take a break because of the lockdown."