If there is one actress in Bollywood who can switch from a foul-mouthed gangster in Delhi to a poetic, grieving student in Varanasi without breaking a sweat, it is Richa Chadha. She is not your typical “heroine” who waits for the hero to save her; she is usually the one running the show (and sometimes the mafia).
Richa Chadha has carved a niche that screams “versatility.” From the rustic lanes of Gangs of Wasseypur to the glitzy politics of Madam Chief Minister, she acts with a raw intensity that few can match. But who is the woman behind these powerful characters?
Here is the complete, no-nonsense biography of the powerhouse performer, Richa Chadha.
Quick Facts: The Complete Profile
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Richa Chadha |
| Nickname(s) | Richa, Bholi |
| Date of Birth | December 18, 1986 |
| Place of Birth | Amritsar, Punjab, India (Raised in Delhi) |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Family Background | Father: Somesh Chadha (Management Firm Owner) Mother: Dr. Kusum Lata Chadha (Political Science Professor) Heritage: Punjabi (Father) and Bihari (Mother) |
| Early Life & Education | Educated at Sardar Patel Vidyalaya, Delhi. Graduated in History from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi. Completed a PG Diploma in Social Communication Media from Sophia College, Mumbai. Trained in Kathak and theatre under Barry John. |
| Career Start | Made her acting debut with a supporting role as ‘Dolly’ in the cult comedy “Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!” (2008). |
| Career Highlights | • Breakout role as Nagma Khatoon in Gangs of Wasseypur (2012). • Iconic role as Bholi Punjaban in the Fukrey franchise. • Critically acclaimed performance in Masaan (2015), which won awards at Cannes. • Played ‘Lajjo’ in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi (2024). |
| Notable Works | Gangs of Wasseypur, Fukrey, Masaan, Section 375, Inside Edge (Web Series), Heeramandi. |
| Awards & Recognitions | • Filmfare Award for Best Actress (Critics) – Gangs of Wasseypur. • Screen Award for Best Performance in a Comic Role – Fukrey. • Jury member at the Marrakech International Film Festival (2015). |
| Professional Roles | Actress, Producer (Pushing Buttons Studios), Social Activist, Writer. |
| Personal Life | Marital Status: Married to actor Ali Fazal (Oct 2022). Children: Daughter Zuneyra Ida Fazal (Born July 16, 2024). Interests: Reading, Environmental Activism, Animal Welfare. |
| Net Worth / Financial Success | Successful career in films and OTT; Co-owner of production house Pushing Buttons Studios. Investments in real estate and sustainable startups. |
| Philanthropy & Social Impact | • Active supporter of PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). • Launched “The Kindry”, a social media initiative to celebrate everyday heroes. • Advisory Board member of WIFT (Women in Film and Television). |
| Public Image & Influence | Known for being outspoken, intellectual, and fearless. Perceived as an “outsider” who made it big on talent alone. A vocal advocate for women’s rights and mental health. |
| Challenges & Controversies | • Faced industry “betrayals” and lack of support during her postpartum phase (2024–2025). • Faced backlash for a tweet regarding the 2020 Galwan clash (later apologized). • Openly criticizes pay disparity and nepotism in Bollywood. |
| Personal Philosophy | “I forgive, but I never forget.” Believes in meritocracy and using art for social change. |
| Legacy | Redefined the “female lead” in Hindi cinema by playing grey, complex characters. Paved the way for actresses in the OTT space. |
| Current Status | actively filming for upcoming projects; enjoying motherhood; producing films under her banner. |
| Social Media |
From Amritsar to the Silver Screen
Richa Chadha was born in the holy city of Amritsar but grew up absorbing the vibrant chaos of New Delhi. Her background is as diverse as her filmography—her father is Punjabi, and her mother is Bihari. This cultural mix at home is perhaps why she can pull off a Bhojpuri accent in Gangs of Wasseypur just as effortlessly as a Punjabi one in Fukrey.
She wasn’t just a pretty face waiting to be discovered. Richa was a nerd (in the coolest way possible). She studied History at the prestigious St. Stephen’s College and later learned the ropes of media at Sophia College, Mumbai. Before the camera lights flashed on her, she was grinding on the theater stage, training under the legendary Barry John. She didn’t have a godfather in the industry; she had talent, and she knew that was enough.
The “Outsider” Who Broke In
Richa’s entry into Bollywood was quiet but impactful. She debuted in 2008 with Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!, playing the hero’s sister. It wasn’t a lead role, but her screen presence was undeniable. However, the industry didn’t roll out the red carpet immediately. She faced the typical struggle of an outsider—auditions, rejections, and waiting for that one “big break.”
That break came in 2012 with Anurag Kashyap’s “Gangs of Wasseypur”. Playing Nagma Khatoon, a woman who ages from a young bride to a fiery matriarch, Richa stunned critics. She was barely in her mid-20s playing a mother to actors older than her, and she owned every second of it. This role didn’t just put her on the map; it declared that she was here to stay.
Bholi Punjaban & The Cannes Glory
If Wasseypur proved she could act, Fukrey (2013) proved she could rule. As Bholi Punjaban, the lady don with a leopard-print jacket and zero tolerance for nonsense, Richa created a cult character. Bholi wasn’t a villain; she was a vibe. The role became so iconic that it spawned two sequels, cementing her status as a commercial star who didn’t need a hero to sell tickets.
Then came “Masaan” (2015). If you haven’t cried watching Richa as Devi Pathak, are you even human? The film received a standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival. Richa’s subtle, heartbreaking performance showed the world that beneath the fiery “Bholi,” there was a depth of silence and pain that she could tap into effortlessly.
Love, Ali, and The Baby
Richa’s personal life is a Bollywood romance written by a sensible scriptwriter. She met actor Ali Fazal on the sets of Fukrey. They didn’t just fall in love; they became a power couple of talent. They kept their relationship low-key and respectful, avoiding the typical tabloid drama.
After facing pandemic-induced delays, the couple legally married in 2020 and celebrated with friends and family in October 2022. In July 2024, they welcomed their daughter, Zuneyra Ida Fazal. Richa has been brutally honest about motherhood, recently sharing her struggles with postpartum recovery and the “betrayals” she faced from the industry during her break. Her honesty about the “dark side” of maternity leave in showbiz has resonated with working mothers everywhere.
Beyond Acting: Producer and Activist
Richa isn’t content with just reading lines; she wants to create stories. Along with Ali Fazal, she launched Pushing Buttons Studios. Their debut production, Girls Will Be Girls, has already made waves internationally, winning awards and proving that Richa has a sharp eye for cinema.
She is also famously unfiltered. Whether it’s calling out nepotism, standing up for animal rights with PETA, or clapping back at trolls on Twitter, Richa doesn’t mince words. Her initiative, The Kindry, was launched during the pandemic to highlight positive stories, showing that her heart is as big as her talent.
Legacy and Future
As of 2025, Richa Chadha is balancing motherhood, acting, and producing. She recently dazzled audiences as ‘Lajjo’ in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s magnum opus Heeramandi. She continues to pick roles that challenge the status quo.
Richa Chadha’s legacy isn’t just her movies; it’s her refusal to fit into a box. She proves that you can be an outsider, an intellectual, a mother, and a superstar—all on your own terms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Who is Richa Chadha’s husband?
A: Richa Chadha is married to the talented actor Ali Fazal. They met on the set of Fukrey and have been together for over a decade.
Q: What is the name of Richa Chadha’s daughter?
A: Richa and Ali Fazal named their daughter Zuneyra Ida Fazal. She was born on July 16, 2024.
Q: Is Richa Chadha from Bihar or Punjab?
A: She is a mix of both! Her father is Punjabi, and her mother is Bihari. She was born in Punjab but raised in Delhi.
Q: What is Richa Chadha’s production house called?
A: Her production house is called Pushing Buttons Studios, which she co-owns with her husband, Ali Fazal.
Q: Did Richa Chadha act in Heeramandi?
A: Yes, she played the character Lajjo in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Netflix series Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar (2024).
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