The comeback kid of B’wood

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It seems ironic, but the phrase “out of sight, out of mind” doesn’t seem to work with Chitrangada Singh. The actor seems to have aced the skill of eluding the limelight and yet not disappearing from the memory of her fans or film-makers.

No wonder then that whenever a movie starring the fiery Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi actor is announced, it becomes the talk of the town.
Chitrangada, however, still chooses her films with her heart and according to the script, and not the hero or the director. We caught up with the actor, now out of hibernation for promotions of the film Desi Boyz, where she is paired opposite Akshay Kumar.

Your role in Desi Boyz is quite different from those you’ve played in the past. Tell us about it.
I play Tanya Sharma, a professor in Oxford University. Akshay’s character, Jerry, and Tanya have a past. In college, Jerry was Tanya’s senior and she had an enormous crush on him. But then they lose contact as Jerry quits college. Now, when he is back to complete his studies, things have changed. Tanya, who was then a student, is now a professor. And she is still interested in him.

There were rumours about you and Deepika Padukone having issues...
As actors, we are never jealous of each other. We do our job just like any other professional. It feels ridiculous to read such news. In fact, Deepika and I do not share much of screen space in Desi Boyz. Let me tell you one more thing — there was no catfight over any costumes at all. If I need a particular dress, I can afford to buy one. I do not need to get into any fights for that.

How was it working with John Abraham and Akshay Kumar?
Working with Akshay was really interesting and fun because he is a simple, helpful and jovial person. He made me comfortable with his brilliant jokes. I do not have many scenes with John and Deepika, but we all enjoyed our work and the time we spent together.

As a mother, how do you find time to bond with your son?
I know a thing or two about striking a balance between my profession and my family life. Earlier, when my son was just two-and-a-half years old, I would take him along with me for my shoots. This kept me close to him. Now since he has grown up a bit, I can afford to leave him at home.

And your husband…
We try to be close to each other during our free time and whenever possible, unhesitatingly join each other at our respective workplaces too.

You never look a day older than you did in your first film. What keeps you looking so young?
I am a trained Kathak dancer and I practise whenever I find time. This keeps me fit and healthy. The other reason is my sportsman husband. I remember once I had to attend a golf event of his in Korea and had caddied for him for hours together. I enjoyed the experience immensely. Becoming a caddie for him every now and then is yet another reason for me being fit.