#MAKEITHAPPEN

Richa Moorjani, Actress

04/19/2022

Meet actress Richa Moorjani, who stars on Netflix's Never Have I Ever. The hit series—the third season of which drops this summer—has been applauded by both viewers and critics for its nuanced and relatable portrayal of South Asian women, providing some much-needed representation on screen. For Moorjani, being on the show not only fulfilled her childhood dream of acting, it also gave her a chance to work on a project that's breaking barriers in its depiction of the immigrant struggle. "As I got older and more deeply into the craft of acting," she explains, "I realized the incredible power of storytelling through film/TV and how it can change and shape the world."

Here, we chat with Moorjani on how she gets it all done, from her everyday rituals—which include Ayurvedic oil massages and lots of chai—to why being open and vulnerable helps her through her challenges. Plus, she shares essential advice that's a refrain around here too. "Make your work be about something bigger than yourself," she says. "When you come from the intention of being of service, your work and actions will almost always be received better and the 'results' or outcome become far less important."

My Hustle

What got me started...
I’ve never wanted to do anything else since I was a kid. Acting and dancing were always such important outlets for me to express myself growing up, as well as a way for me to connect to my culture and roots (being an Indian classical dancer). As I got older and more deeply into the craft of acting, I realized the incredible power of storytelling through film/TV and how it can change and shape the world—knowing that keeps me motivated and going even in my lowest moments.

What clears my head…
Journaling

When in doubt, I…
Call my mom.

Greatest challenge—and how I overcame it…
The past couple of years I’ve been dealing with some minor health challenges that have made it difficult to do or enjoy many things I used to do. I haven’t quite overcome these challenges yet, but prioritizing my health and self-care routines is how I am slowly getting through it. Also being open and vulnerable about what I’m going through, whether that be with the people in my life or on social media, has given me a feeling of purpose as well as a sense of community so I feel less alone in what I’m going through.

how i make it happen

3 morning musts…
1. Drink a cup of hot water with lemon.
2. An hour of meditation, stretching, and breathing exercises
3. 10-minute self-administered oil massage from head-to-toe (the ancient Indian Ayurvedic practice of Abhyanga for overall health)

3 life hacks…
1. I try to surround myself with genuine people who inspire, challenge, and energize me.
2. I value my alone time very much. It’s when I can recharge, be most creative and reflect on my experiences and growth. Self-care is so important to me.
3. I take social media breaks often by deleting Instagram from my phone until I need to post something.

3 secret work weapons...
1. I keep an essential oil diffuser in my trailer, so before and between shooting scenes, I am surrounded by relaxing and calming aromatherapy.
2. When possible, I try to get at least 7 hours of sleep. Otherwise, it’s lots of chai.
3. A good playlist on Spotify to listen to between shooting. Sometimes I create playlists for the specific role I am playing to help get into character.

Personal talisman…
I love to burn palo santo sticks to purify the space around me and promote positive energy and protection.

Best advice received…
Make your work be about something bigger than yourself. When you come from the intention of being of service, your work and actions will almost always be received better and the “results” or outcome become far less important.

my style

Favorite wardrobe hack...
Color!

What I would tell my younger self about getting dressed...
You have the right to express yourself through your style in whatever way you want to; never let anyone make you feel like you need to dress a certain way to fit in or impress anyone.

Wearing Veronica Beard makes me feel...
Feminine, confident and beautiful!

My Recharge

What I'm reading/listening to/binging…
1. I’m reading Here We Are by Aarti Namdev Shahani
2. Currently listening to Will Smith’s audiobook memoir, Will
3. Not binging anything at the moment, but my favorite binge of 2021 was The White Lotus on HBO

Beauty/self-care must-haves…
Good sleep, lots of herbal teas to stay hydrated and relaxed, and my favorite skincare products from Osea, Ranavat, and Soma Ayurvedic

Favorite thing to do…
Attend concerts and live theater (but ironically, I hardly ever do)

Favorite thing to make…
Vegan chocolate chip cookies

One mover and shaker I admire…
My little sister is a beyond talented and brilliant singer, writer, filmmaker, and activist. She will change the world through her work.