Chitrangada speaks her mind on controversies

In an industry where actresses are known for the catfights, an honest compliment from a talented actress to another is rare yet admirable. But then that’s Chitrangada Singh Randawa, the actress who has always talked straight – be it rubbishing a rumour or giving due credit to people when deserved.

The actor will soon be seen in a big budget commercial film, 'Desi Boyz' opposite Akshay Kumar.

This is Chitrangada’s first big budget movie where she plays the role of a gullible professor who can’t seem to forget her first crush. And while any other in place of Chitrangada will be talking of nothing else but the movie, not this actress. In a no hold bar interview the actress insists on speaking on everything else, but her film. And we relent, with a little twist of our own (we did ask her about the fim!). 

Tell us, how difficult it is for a married actress to get lead roles?

Yes, barriers occur sometimes for married actress. But then I believe it is also important to see how desirable you are to the audience now. There are many factors at play, like how much time and effort are you willing to give to a performance? How well can you execute the director’s imagination on screen? Your commitment to work is very important. The industry wants to see how much committed and responsible you are. You should be able to convince them over that. In these terms I feel I have a strong edge as marriage has never stopped me from realizing my dream, and I have realized some of them. 

Let’s talk about the ever-increasing competition in the industry. Is it unnerving?

In Bollywood, the competition among the actresses is tough but I think there is enough work for everybody. There are many directors and producers these days. Yes, good relations often plays a vital role in getting you work, but I believe more than often it’s your success that speaks for itself. People who matter often see how good you are at your work than your relation. It’s also important to carry on with your impact and improve on it as time passes. 

What’s your take on controversies? Are they for real or just created?

Controversies have never followed me much. But I think it’s on how you handle it. In my opinion, you can either react or ignore it. Sometimes it may work, other times it may not be that helpful. But today the audiences are too smart. They exactly know when you try to fool them. But when the controversy is genuine it is good because it helps. 

How involved is your husband Jyoti Randhawa in your career? Do you consult him before taking up a project?

My husband Jyoti does not understand anything about cinema or the industry. He has no idea. So there is no question for consulting him. The way it works for me is this: Sometimes I do not like his golf shots and sometimes he does not like my onscreen shots. 

Why does Bollywood produce so few heroine centric films? 

It is the audience who are supposed to be blamed for these because they give so much importance to the hero. They want to see more men-oriented films. But I think Vidya Balan is changing this trend. Her role in The Dirty Picture is bringing the female-centered film trend. I think the directors should also start writing on such subjects, it’s about time. 

Tell us more about your first item number in ‘Joker’…

The reason I am doing the item number in Joker is because I wanted to show my dancing skills. Why have I not done in the past? Because I have never got the opportunity to showcase my dancing skills. I have also learnt kathak for two years!

‘Kafrina’ is the name of my item song in Joker. Farrah Khan is choreographing the song and I’m excited about it. The song will also have Akshay Kumar matching my steps.

Are you as modern as you on screen characters?

Modern is different from Western. Modern is when you think progressive and feel independent. As a woman, I feel I should be independent and feel confident in what I am doing. I feel I am more modern than western. I am shy but I am trying to get on it. 

Do you ever regret not being a part of Race2 and Krrish2?

I was never in ‘Race2’, but I was doing Krrish2 and it did slip out from my hand. The film was getting postponed and every time it did, they demanded bulk dates. It had an international crew and technicians. And every time schedules changed, there was just too much of coordination required, which I couldn’t accommodate because I had other commitments as well. (Rakesh) Roshan sir and I sat for a long time to find an alternative, but it was just not working out so I backed out of Krrish2. Even now it is postponed but I really regret missing it. 

What attracts you the most towards Indian men?

Indian men are very emotional. I like their attachment towards their mothers. The unattractive thing about them is they are over possessive. They just cannot seem to give that kind of freedom to their partners. 

It’s the first time that you and Akshay Kumar were paired together. Share the experience with us.

I was little nervous on the first day when I saw Akshay, but later I found him a really good guy to work with. He does not impose and yet is extremely helpful. He plays prank all the time on the sets.  

Director Sudhir Mishra gave you your first break in Bollywood. How was it working with him?

The best thing about Sidhir Mishra is that he makes a film real. He does not try to soften the character by thinking about the audience. He will keep them as real to life as possible, no matter how it looks. 

Next you will be seen in…

My upcoming movies are ‘Inkaar’, which is oppostie Arjun Rampal. The movie is about sexual harassment and it is directed by Sudhir Mishra. It’s just a working title, I am told. The second movie is opposite John Abraham called ‘I Me Aur Main’, a romantic drama.

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