Actor and producer Richa Chadha is revisiting one of her long-standing artistic passions: belly dancing. The versatile performer spent time in Goa to undertake an intensive five-day course dedicated to deepening her understanding of the dance form.
A few years ago, while preparing for a special number in one of her films, Richa trained in tribal belly dancing under internationally renowned expert Olga Meos in Kazakhstan. What began as preparation for a role soon turned into a genuine passion. The art form, known for its intense core work and precise body isolations, became a powerful tool for her fitness and creative expression.
She further refined her technique with Mumbai-based instructor Shaina Lebana, committing herself to rigorous practice. Even during the lockdown, Richa continued her training through online sessions, using the time to sharpen her movements and stay connected to dance.
Apart from belly dancing, she is also a trained Kathak dancer, having trained for nearly a decade in her childhood under Pandit Abhay Shankar Mishra. After a brief hiatus from belly dancing due to professional commitments, Richa has now chosen to reconnect with the form in a more immersive way.
The upcoming course in Goa marks a renewed chapter in her journey with the dance style, one driven purely by love for the craft. Speaking about her decision to return to belly dancing, Richa shared, “I got back to dancing about 6-7 months after my delivery, I got in touch with Dipika Vijay because she is an amazing teacher.
What started as an exploration into the use of belly dance as therapy, in my post partum phase as actually blossomed into a full-blown parallel interest of mine. After a gap of a few years, I felt the urge to reconnect with it in a more dedicated way.
This course in Goa is not for a role or a performance; it’s purely for myself, to learn, to grow, and to fall in love with the form all over again.” With this renewed commitment, Richa Chadha once again proves that her artistic journey extends far beyond the screen rooted in constant learning, discipline, and passion for the performing arts.