Ali Fazal and Richa Chadha talk about food and being a part of world's first-ever ASMR cover shoot

For the world’s first-ever ASMR shoot, Cosmo India quizzed nine creative individuals about the sounds that have a calming effect on them. Amongst those was Bollywood's new 'it' couple, Ali Fazal and Richa Chadha. The duo met on the sets of Fukrey and tied the knot last year!

Ali Fazal, Actor and Producer

Cosmo India: Ali, tell us about the sounds that have a soothing effect on you... 

Ali Fazal: “The crunch of a Ferrero Rocher chocolate, the sound of my breath when I meditate, the crackling noise of [tearing] paper, my face against the pillow, and the sarota [betel nut cutter] in my grandmother’s hands cutting the dali [nut] for paan [betel leaves].” 

CI: Do you enjoy ramen? 

AF: “I love ramen. However, if I am craving for something at midnight, I’d turn to fruits or bread.” 

CI: And do you ever cook at home? 

AF: “On the days I am not working, I enjoy cooking. The kitchen is my lab, and I often try my hand at different cuisines.” 

CI: What does date night look like for you and Richa? 

AF: “More often than not, date night is ramen night—since I am aware that Richa enjoys it more than I do. She was probably the one who introduced me to good ramen. Other than that, our favourite cuisines are Japanese and authentic Kerala dishes.” 

CI: Can you tell us what kind of videos are you watching on YouTube these days? 

AF: “I have been watching cooking videos, fight nights, and podcasts, too.” 

CI: How was your experience shooting for the first-ever ASMR cover with Cosmo India? 

AF: “I am a sucker for reinvention...This was a new sensory experience. It felt as though everybody on set—the sound technicians, videographer, and so on—was on the same page.”

Richa Chadha, Actor and Producer 

Cosmo India: Richa, what do you crave when you are in the mood to binge? 

Richa Chadha: “I enjoy ramen... but I can’t eat it very often, because I am gluten intolerant. But I do indulge myself whenever I am on vacation. I prefer veggie ramen with loads of mushrooms, bamboo shoots, water chestnuts, and a smoky, yuzu-ish broth.” 

CI: Who is the better cook between Ali and you? 

RC: “I cook Indian cuisine well, and Ali has aced pasta, lasagna, baked, and Lucknowi food. He also whips up a nice salad. As for who’s better—you’d have to have a meal with us to decide [laughs].” 

CI: What sounds are soothing to you? 

RC: “When I am trying to doze off, a low humming sound is calming. Even the sound of the fan, the air conditioner, and the ocean are all soothing. We have a cat fountain at home, and the sound of flowing water is very relaxing.” 

CI: What was the last thing you laughed at on the Internet? 

RC: “I believe it was a satirical cartoon.” 

CI: What does date night look like for Ali and you? 

RC: “When we travel for work, every night becomes a date night; it is fun being away from responsibilities, and the limelight, for a while.” 

CI: And what kind of videos are you watching on YouTube these days? 

RC: “I don’t know if people read books anymore... Lately, I have been watching an erratic variety of things on the Internet—from astrology to animal videos, informational videos about the climate crisis, SNL sketches, and so on.” 

CI: How was your experience shooting for the first-ever ASMR cover? 

RC: “If I am being honest, I think an ASMR cover is a super-cool idea. The creative process plays with your mind, and it appeals to the animal side of a social animal. I think this video series will make a lot of noise, and foster interesting conversations.”