EntertainmentPosted at: Apr 17 2026 4:07PM


Richa Chadha questions casting in films, says authentic talent should get a chance

Mumbai, April 17 (UNI) Producer and actress Richa Chadha has questioned the industry as to why filmmakers cast "commercial" actors when they neither manage to pull in box office revenue for such films nor add any credible identity to the festivals.
Speaking candidly about the current state of Indian cinema, Chadha highlighted this long-standing casting paradox. She said, "If an actor isn't going to get your film a theatrical opening and add significant weight at festivals, then what's the point of casting them?"
Emphasising that her remarks were not directed at individuals, she underscored the value of trained performers, whose craft offers a degree of consistency and reliability in performance. Chadha also said that independent cinema has always been characterised by risk-taking, truth and strong storytelling. But when casting is done solely for "market value," these fundamentals are weakened.
She added, "Indie films are meant to showcase new talent—actors, writers, and technicians—who bring freshness and authenticity to their work. When filmmakers compromise on casting in the name of 'commercial value,' the film loses its soul.
In the 1980s, indie cinema was very strong, and actors like Farooq Sheikh, Amol Palekar and Shabana Azmi were big names in their own right. Today, that space has almost disappeared. If the entire industry continues to rely on a few big male actors, the number of films will also decrease."
Having successfully worked in both mainstream and indie cinema, Richa emphasised that in today's world, true recognition isn't built on labels, but on performance. She urged filmmakers to offer opportunities to talent who can truly enhance the story, whether new or experienced, but who are genuinely connected to the film's vision.
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