Over the years, Ali Fazal and Richa Chadha have carved their own distinct paths in Bollywood, delivering performances that have truly stuck with audiences. While Richa’s Bholi Punjaban from the ‘Fukrey’ franchise is a fan favourite, Ali’s Guddu Pandit from ‘Mirzapur’ has become a cultural phenomenon in its own right. In a recent conversation, Ali opened up about what it feels like to see these characters become part of pop culture — and honestly, the feeling is ‘dil se’ special.
Characters That Became Cultural Touchstones
Ali shared that it’s a very special feeling as an actor when characters go beyond the screen and embed themselves into pop culture. “When you look at something like Bholi Punjaban from Fukrey or Guddu Pandit from Mirzapur, these are characters that have gone beyond the screen and become a part of pop culture,” he said. According to him, that kind of connection with the audience is among the most rewarding aspects of the craft. He also revealed that both he and Richa have always been drawn to good characters first. “For us, it’s never really been about fitting into a certain image or chasing conventional paths,” he explained, adding that they’ve been fortunate to find roles that challenge them and linger in the audience’s memory.
The Mutual Understanding Between Ali and Richa
The ‘Mirzapur’ star also highlighted the mutual understanding he shares with Richa when navigating the unpredictable entertainment industry. “There’s also a certain mutual understanding we share when it comes to our choices,” Ali noted. He explained that they both respect the process and the unpredictability of this profession. Sometimes it’s about taking risks, sometimes it’s about being patient, but ultimately it’s about honesty in storytelling. That shared approach helps them balance their projects — whether it’s mainstream masala or something offbeat, they stay true to what feels real.
Prioritising Longevity Over Fleeting Success
Summing up his thoughts, Ali emphasised that he and Richa value longevity and impact more than fleeting viral moments. “I think we’ve been lucky to be part of the stories and characters that people remember, quote, and revisit,” he said. “That’s something every actor hopes for. Not just success, but relevance that lasts beyond the moment.” For him, the ultimate goal is to continue being part of narratives that leave a lasting impression — “baat hi kuch aur hai” when a character becomes a part of everyday conversation. Ali and Richa continue to balance mainstream hits with unconventional projects, always keeping character and narrative at the centre of the filmmaking process.