She made a splash in Bollywood with an offbeat debut in Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi. The dusky complexion, svelte figure and razor-sharp features of Chitrangada Singh attracted immediate attention from all quarters. To top it all, she had a powerful performance-oriented role, which meant she was not just another pretty face.
Most expected she would be on a signing spree, but she did exactly the opposite. She took a long break and then came back with Sorry Bhai three years later, that failed at the box office. Post that she has featured in few films and recently finished an item number.
Never a part of the rat race, Chitrangada has always made her presence felt. We caught up with her at the Gillette Evening Express on the Delhi Metro, where she talked about her upcoming controversial film, Inkaar and other interesting issues.
“Inkaar is a bold film based on sensitive issue of sexual harassment at workplace. It is something that most of us are aware of at the workplace, but nobody is willing to talk about in the open. It also explores underlying relationships and emotions. I can say it is my best work till date,” she mentions.
She further adds, “It’s an intense character, where I stand up against my mentor, a corporate honcho, portrayed by Arjun. I had to get into the skin of the character to experience her emotions.”
The film was in the news recently as the promos that were supposed to be released in halls during screening of Talaash got delayed as director Sudhir Mishra had to re-dub a section of the film promo to avoid an ‘A’ certificate.
Talking about her bond with Sudhir Mishra, she says, “He is definitely someone I look up to as he discovered the actress in me. I can never say ‘no’ to him. He is difficult to please and brings out the best in his actors,” smiles Chitrangada.
She is also working in another Sudhir Mishra film Mehrunissa and I, Me aur Hum with John Abraham.
Till date, known for her inclination to do ‘serious’ films, she made heads turn with her item song in the movie Joker. “I loved performing to Kaafirana. It was so much fun. I am absolutely open to doing more item numbers in the future. That will not be my only focus. But I am quite fine with dancing. So if some interesting number comes up in the future, why not,” she says.
With respect to films, she adds, “I would like to explore all genres. I think it would be fun to do an all-out action film. Though I have done a light film like Desi Boyz, I wouldn’t mind an out-and-out comedy flick. I would like more variety in my work.”
Most actors have a wish-list of co-stars and directors they would love to work with. Does she have one? “Of course, I do. Among directors, I would love to work with Vishal Bharadwaj, Anurag Kashyap and Homi Adjania. Among co-stars, I haven’t worked with Aamir, Salman and Farhan till date. I am looking forward to sharing frames with them,” concludes the pretty lass.