Richa Moorjani, known for her roles in Never Have I Ever and Fargo, embodies the complexities of navigating a multicultural identity within the entertainment industry. Her journey, influenced by her Indian heritage, classical dance training, and commitment to authentic representation, reflects a deep-seated passion for reshaping narratives around South Asian visibility in Hollywood. In an exclusive chat with ELLE India, she breaks down various facets of her life.
Cultural Roots and Identity
Richa’s Indian heritage has been a cornerstone of her identity as an actress as she grew up in a multicultural environment. She began her artistic journey at the age of five, training in Kathak and other forms of Indian and Western dance for over two decades.
Her parents had a Bollywood music band called Geetanjali that performed in California for over 40 years. This early exposure to Indian classical dance and music instilled a profound love for her culture. She states, “My deep love for my culture drives me to be an advocate for authentic representation in Hollywood.” This advocacy is a personal mission and a collective effort to reshape how South Asians are portrayed on screen. Richa’s passion for acting was ignited by performances from Indian cinema, particularly those featuring Madhuri Dixit Nene. “I was obsessed with Madhuri specifically,” she recalls, noting that watching her dance sparked her dream of becoming an actor at just six. A notable moment in her career came when she performed alongside Madhuri at one of the Bollywood awards — a full-circle experience that solidified her aspirations.
This connection to her roots continues to influence her work today. She aims to portray characters that resonate with her cultural background while pushing boundaries. Her role as Kamala in Never Have I Ever exemplifies this approach, allowing her to explore themes of family expectations and societal pressures that many South Asian women face.
Richa’s commitment to representation is evident in her choice of roles. She seeks projects that authentically reflect her community and challenge stereotypes. “If we, as South Asian creatives and artists, are not fighting for authentic representation, nobody else is going to be fighting for that,” she asserts. Her involvement in groundbreaking projects signifies her dedication to paving the way for future generations of South Asian artists.
Preparing for Complex Characters
Richa employs unique research methods tailored to each character when preparing for complex roles like Kamala and Indira. For Kamala, she took virtual Tamil lessons to deepen her understanding of the character’s background, emphasising the importance of authenticity over generic portrayals. “I didn’t want to just do a generic Indian accent,” she explains.
Similarly, she worked with a dialect coach to master the Minnesota accent for her role in Fargo, showcasing her dedication to creating authentic representations of diverse characters. She also spent time with a female police officer to gain insight into handling high-pressure situations — an experience she found invaluable for portraying Indira.
Personal Connections with Characters
Richa resonates deeply with both Kamala and Indira. She identifies with Kamala’s struggles against societal expectations while appreciating Indira’s determination in a challenging world. “We’re both always trying our best to thrive in a world that often feels like it wasn’t made for women like us,” she reflects. “In regards to which character I relate to more, I would say I’m more like a combination of Kamala’s family values and Indira’s determination and vulnerability.”
A memorable collaboration for Richa was working with Poorna Jagannathan in Never Have I Ever. She says, “It was one of the greatest gifts I could have ever wished for as an actor. Not only did I learn so much from watching her work, but she very instantly became my rock both on and off of set.”
Evolving Storytelling and Representation
Richa believes that storytelling plays a crucial role in addressing cultural narratives. Despite progress in South Asian representation, she acknowledges that much work remains. “We have barely scratched the surface when it comes to addressing the multitude of issues and narratives that exist within our community,” she states. The success of shows like Never Have I Ever demonstrates the potential impact of centering diverse stories and hiring diverse talent behind the camera. As an artist, she feels a responsibility to contribute positively to these narratives. She emphasises the need for systemic changes within Hollywood, particularly regarding marketing and promotion practices that can amplify marginalised voices. “Without visibility in high-profile events, actors and creators from marginalised communities are almost always underrepresented or excluded entirely,” she points out.
Navigating Typecasting
To avoid typecasting, Richa is selective about the roles she takes on. She actively seeks projects that challenge stereotypes and allow her to explore new territory as an actress. “When I receive a script that doesn’t feel fresh or innovative, I turn it down pretty immediately,” she explains. This approach helps her avoid being typecast and also allows her to address the South Asian diaspora authentically through diverse roles.
Reflecting on the evolution of South Asian women’s portrayal in media since she began her career in 2012, she notes significant improvements but recognises ongoing challenges. While opportunities have expanded beyond stereotypical roles, there is still work needed to ensure equitable representation across all facets of the industry.
Coping with Rejection
Rejection is an inevitable part of an acting career, and Richa has learned to cope with it effectively over time. She recalls a particularly challenging period when she faced numerous rejections and even lost representation due to a perceived lack of success. “That was a major punch in the gut,” she admits. However, this experience led her to focus on self-growth and ultimately prepared her for success when she auditioned for Never Have I Ever. “It was a major lesson to never doubt myself and to prioritise my mental health and happiness in life over everything else,” she emphasises. Prioritising mental health is crucial in such a high-pressure environment. She highlights practices like meditation, journaling, therapy, surrounding yourself with supportive relationships (and cutting out all the toxicity) and taking long breaks from social media as essential habits for maintaining balance amidst industry challenges.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Richa aims to continue pushing boundaries for South Asian American women in film and television. She expressed her interest in exploring genres like psychological thrillers and romantic comedies while also venturing into producing projects that highlight diverse narratives.
Ultimately, Richa Moorjani hopes to leave behind a legacy of meaningful progress toward true representation within the entertainment industry. “That my work contributes to this progress is all I can hope to leave behind as a legacy,” she concludes.
Richa’s journey underscores the importance of authentic storytelling and representation in reshaping cultural narratives within Hollywood — a mission that resonates deeply with many aspiring artists from diverse backgrounds today.
