Richa Chadha recalls how Ali Fazal's struggle from 'living in a shanty with a bicycle' and being mocked after 'Victoria & Abdul' with Judi Dench: 'Two members from the film industry called me and said iss ladke ka kuchh nahi hoga'
For Richa Chadha , 2026 feels particularly significant for her husband Ali Fazal , whose career has evolved considerably from his early years of struggle to growing recognition in India and overseas. Having witnessed his journey closely, the actor says his recent critical appreciation and box-office success feel especially rewarding after years of seeing him being questioned, written off and even mocked.
Richa Chadha remembers Ali Fazal’s difficult early daysAli Fazal’s journey in the film industry has been marked by persistence, with Richa having witnessed his struggles before he established himself as an actor. Recalling the circumstances in which he lived during his early years, she highlighted just how far he has come.
“He lived in a shanty, had just a bicycle,” Richa shared with SCREEN.
She also recalled how some people in the industry questioned Ali’s prospects when the couple announced their relationship. According to Richa, she personally received calls from people who doubted that he would make it in the industry.
“When I announced my relationship, two members from the film industry called me and said, ‘Iss ladke ka kuchh nahi hoga’ (This boy will never make it). From everyone writing him off to almost making fun of him when his film with Judi Dench came out, to see him get both critical love and box office success, I’m very happy,” she said.
Richa Chadha recalls Ali Fazal sharing screen space with Judi DenchOne of the milestones Richa remembers particularly fondly is Ali’s appearance in Stephen Frears’ 2017 film ' Victoria & Abdul ', in which he starred alongside veteran actor Judi Dench. The film gave Ali an international platform, but Richa recalls that some people responded by questioning how he had landed the opportunity rather than acknowledging the achievement.
“I can tell you that two people had said about that film, ‘Isko kaise mil gaya? (How did he get this opportunity?)’ To hold your own in front of Judi Dench is very hard,” she said.
Richa Chadha’s work frontWhile celebrating Ali’s professional journey, Richa has also been steadily pursuing projects of her own. The actor is currently shooting for a Netflix India show and is preparing to launch her travel series ' Musafiri ' on YouTube on September 25. Written and narrated by Richa, the first season of Musafiri explores Mumbai’s culture, history and architecture. The actor has previously revealed that the concept had remained part of her research for around 12 years before she eventually brought it to the screen.
Ali Fazal's ' Mirzapur The Movie ' and box office collectionOn Day 21, ‘Mirzapur: The Movie’ is currently running across 1,714 shows and has recorded a live India net collection of Rs 0.47 crore today. According to Sacnilk, the film’s total India gross has reached Rs 264.19 crore, while its cumulative India net collection stands at Rs 221.97 crore.
Richa Chadha remembers Ali Fazal’s difficult early daysAli Fazal’s journey in the film industry has been marked by persistence, with Richa having witnessed his struggles before he established himself as an actor. Recalling the circumstances in which he lived during his early years, she highlighted just how far he has come.
“He lived in a shanty, had just a bicycle,” Richa shared with SCREEN.
She also recalled how some people in the industry questioned Ali’s prospects when the couple announced their relationship. According to Richa, she personally received calls from people who doubted that he would make it in the industry.
“When I announced my relationship, two members from the film industry called me and said, ‘Iss ladke ka kuchh nahi hoga’ (This boy will never make it). From everyone writing him off to almost making fun of him when his film with Judi Dench came out, to see him get both critical love and box office success, I’m very happy,” she said.
Richa Chadha recalls Ali Fazal sharing screen space with Judi DenchOne of the milestones Richa remembers particularly fondly is Ali’s appearance in Stephen Frears’ 2017 film ' Victoria & Abdul ', in which he starred alongside veteran actor Judi Dench. The film gave Ali an international platform, but Richa recalls that some people responded by questioning how he had landed the opportunity rather than acknowledging the achievement.
“I can tell you that two people had said about that film, ‘Isko kaise mil gaya? (How did he get this opportunity?)’ To hold your own in front of Judi Dench is very hard,” she said.
Richa Chadha’s work frontWhile celebrating Ali’s professional journey, Richa has also been steadily pursuing projects of her own. The actor is currently shooting for a Netflix India show and is preparing to launch her travel series ' Musafiri ' on YouTube on September 25. Written and narrated by Richa, the first season of Musafiri explores Mumbai’s culture, history and architecture. The actor has previously revealed that the concept had remained part of her research for around 12 years before she eventually brought it to the screen.
Ali Fazal's ' Mirzapur The Movie ' and box office collectionOn Day 21, ‘Mirzapur: The Movie’ is currently running across 1,714 shows and has recorded a live India net collection of Rs 0.47 crore today. According to Sacnilk, the film’s total India gross has reached Rs 264.19 crore, while its cumulative India net collection stands at Rs 221.97 crore.
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