"You Are Not Bollywood Material": Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal Playfully Shut Down Conan O’Brien’s Acting Ambitions

In a hilarious clash of cultures that has set social media abuzz, power couple Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal recently gave American late-night icon Conan O’Brien a dose of reality—or at least, a very funny version of it. The banter took place during a promotional segment for the third season of the Emmy-winning travel series Conan O’Brien Must Go, where the comedian attempted to pitch himself as the next big star of the Indian film industry.

In a clip shared by HBO Max, O’Brien is seen seeking professional guidance from the Bollywood duo, expressing a bold interest in breaking into Hindi cinema. However, the couple did not hold back in their playful skepticism.

When O’Brien inquired about the requirements for stardom, Ali Fazal quickly grounded him, stating, “You cannot just come and just pitch and you want to be a star, especially somewhere you don’t belong.” Echoing the sentiment with a grin, Richa Chadha delivered the final verdict, telling the host, “[You are] not Bollywood material.”

Clearly undeterred by the rejection, the veteran comedian pivoted to a show-and-tell approach. He insisted that he possessed the essential skills for the trade, claiming he could sing, dance, and even play the sitar with one hand. When challenged on his command of the language, O’Brien showcased his commitment to the craft by breaking into an impromptu performance, singing a few lines in Hindi to prove his worth.

The lighthearted exchange is part of the latest season of Conan O’Brien Must Go, which follows the host as he travels to four countries—India, Morocco, the Netherlands, and the Philippines—to connect with fans he originally met through his popular podcast. True to his signature style, O’Brien dives headfirst into local traditions, food, and culture, maintaining the witty, self-deprecating humor that has become his trademark.

The show has garnered significant critical acclaim since its inception, securing multiple Primetime Emmy nominations. Its track record includes a win for Outstanding Writing for a Nonfiction Program in 2024 and for Outstanding Hosted Nonfiction Series or Special in 2025.

For fans eager to see if O’Brien eventually wins over the Bollywood elite, Conan O’Brien Must Go Season 3 is currently available for streaming on JioHotstar in India.