I don’t believe in camps: Richa

NRI girl Richa Gangopadhyay, who got noticed in “ Leader”, is on cloud nine.
This season its double whammy for this former Miss India USA as “ Nagavalli”, with Venkatesh has just hit the screens and “ Mirapakaya” with Ravi Teja is up for release. But, pray what took her six months and more to hit the screen again despite the impressive debut?
“I was basking in the success of “Leader” and waiting for the right script.I want to be versatile, not just another glam doll. While promoting “Leader”, “Nagavalli” and “Mirapakaya” came my way and I signed them. I went back to the US to spend time with the family before I start shooting again,” she says excitedly.
With three releases in one year, Richa couldn’t have asked for more. She has signed another film with ace director Selva Raghavan, with Rana in the lead. Sources say Suresh Babu will produce the movie. With three out of four films with Daggubati clan, isn’t she wary of being branded as belonging to their camp?
“I don’t believe in camps and signing up with Daggubati’s is purely coincidental. Director Vasu saw me in Sureshbabu’s office and was convinced I made the fit for “Nagavalli”. He wanted someone with innocent looks and large eyes. As far as my next movie with Rana is concerned, my twitter fans liked the jodi in “Leader” and wished to see the pairing again. So, to assume I’m doing films with Daggubatis only is wrong,” she clarifies.
Critics were silenced after her performance in “Nagavalli”. In fact she watched the originals “Aptara-kshaka” and “Chandramukhi” to see how Jyothika and Soundarya played the characters. “After I signed the film, I realized the challenge I’d taken up. I was nervous on the first day of my shoot. Director P Vasu was not happy with my walking style and I was almost dropped but when I did a challenging scene in just one take, plans to drop me were put off!” Richa recalls.
This Bengali girl is learning Telugu and attempted to speak the language at the audio launch of her movie recently. Does she have a Telugu tutor?
“No, I just talk to people on the sets and learn the language. I have learnt music so I pick up sounds fast, and hope to speak Telugu fluently soon”
A former model, Richa is under the scanner of fashion police and fitness advocates for putting on weight. Doesn’t she believe in working out and size zero look?
“ I am a student of nutrition and feel its important to look healthy. I have tight shooting schedules leaving little time for exercise, besides, the irresistable mutton biryani , majjika pulusu make me put on weight! Exercise yes but no boring treadmill for me, I love kick boxing and hot yoga. I will work on this soon” she resolves.
Richa is thrilled her parents are in the city and will watch her releases. “I want to live up to their expectations and make them proud” says Gangop-adhyay signing off.
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