Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Heeranandani: The Diamond Bazaar’ finally released on Netflix yesterday and is now streaming on the streamer.

Starring Manisha Koirala, Richa Chadha, Sanjeeda Sheikh, Sonakshi Sinha and Aditi Rao Hydari in the lead, the project has generated the buzz ever since the initial announcement back in December. 

Now, Richa, who portrays the role of Lajjo in the series, revealed that she was offered a bigger role but denied for it.

Citing the reason for the same she said that she felt her role of Lajjo was special.

Richa said, She said, "When I was approached for 'Heeramandi,' at the time Sanjay sir was the showrunner and I had been offered another part, one with more screentime for sure. But because an actor also needs to see, what's in here that's new for me, I chose Lajjo. I have experimented with characters that have a grey shade, like Bholi Punjaban or Tara in Madam Chief Minister. Basically I get accused of playing only empowerd characters, so i felt the need to break that stereotype and surprise the audience.I wanted to play a part of a hopeless romantic and leave the audience with gooseflesh. That's exactly what's happening. People are calling me in tears. Hence when sir told me, come and check this character  out, I immediately drawn to Lajjo. I was certain this would pay off and it has, the love within 24 hours has been overwhelming. Right from industry peers to filmmakers, to friends and audiences have sent me such amazing love, I couldn’t be more grateful.” 

She continued , "I've always harbored a desire to incorporate Kathak dance into my onscreen roles, and 'Heeramandi' provided the perfect opportunity to do so.”

She further added, "As a trained Kathak dancer, bringing Lajjo's dance number to life was a fulfilling experience for me, adding another layer of authenticity to the character."