Richa celebrating birthday with "Bhai" team (Richa Gangopadhyay/Twitter)
Richa celebrating birthday with "Bhai" team (Richa Gangopadhyay/Twitter)Richa Gangopadhyay/Twitter

"Bhai" actress Richa Gangopadhyay has officially confirmed that she is taking a break from films and is planning to pursue higher studies in the US.

In a message posted on her twitter account, Richa said, "I was thinking deeply for the last one year if I want to just continue doing films or pick up my studies in the US where I left off when I moved to India in 2008 to try my luck in Indian films. I intentionally did not want to sign other films after Bhai this year, even though I have been getting many offers, as I did not want to leave the projects midway. So...Yes! I am taking a break from acting for a while to finish up my studies and even pursue higher studies in the US."

"I am not quitting films, just prioritizing academics at this juncture in my life. I know this comes as a shock to many who are unable to understand why I would even take a break when I am at the peak of my film career. But it has been 5 years, when I originally did not even expect to be in India beyond 1-2 years. I feel I should not be putting academics on the back burner, which is important for my long-term career. So it is not a rushed, forced, or unwise decision from my end," she further said.

Richa also thanked everyone who she has worked with for believing in her talent and give her opportunities to prove her skills. The gorgeous actress also promised to stay connected through Twitter and also said that she might come to India to attend some events. [To read the entire text, click here]

Richa began her acting career with the 2010-Telugu release "Leader", co-starring Rana Daggubati. Later, she was part of several hit films including "Mirapakaay", Tamil film "Mayakkam Enna", "Osthe" (remake of "Dabangg"), Bengali film "Bikram Singha : The Lion Is Back", "Sarocharu" and "Mirchi."

The pretty lass will be next in Nagarjuna's "Bhai", which is all set to hit the screens on 25 October.