There’s enough work for everyone, but there’s pressure to be visible: Chitrangda Singh – Times of India

Elegantly draped in a chic black and white outfit, Chitrangda Singh was an absolute vision during her whistle-stop tour at a promotional event in Ahmedabad. Chitrangda best known for her outings in
Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi,
Desi Boyz,
Yeh Saali Zindagi and
Baazar, says the pandemic made her realise the importance of finding happiness in small things in life (she even started painting), focus on wellness with regular workouts, healthy meals and sleep schedules and not to worry about her “next project”. Excerpts from a chat:

‘THE PANDEMIC HAS CHANGED OUR VIEWING HABITS’

Professionally speaking, 2021 has been a satisfying year. While work has slowed down (a major chunk of the first half of the year was spent in lockdowns), there have been new learnings too. We are now medium agonistic and content creation is no longer reserved for big screens. I recently had my first OTT release. The pandemic has redefined the way we are consuming entertainment and our viewing habits have undergone a massive change. I think OTT is a great way to reach out to the Hindi speaking diaspora across the globe. We have seen some interesting faces and smart content on OTT platforms this year.

‘I FOLLOW A SUSTAINABLE LIFESTYLE AND FOCUS ON FITNESS’

I believe in a sustainable lifestyle. On the fitness front, I have begun doing more strength training and multi-gym workout. I do 45 minutes to one hour of cardio every day and sometimes go cycling in the evening. It is important for everyone to follow some kind of fitness regimen — be it yoga or something as basic as brisk walking.

‘LOVE GORGING ON GUJARATI THALI’

I have been to Ahmedabad many times. It is such a beautiful city! I simply enjoy the sumptuous Gujarati thali during every trip I make here. Having said that, I would love to explore the city as a tourist too, in the not too distant future.

‘YOU CAN ONLY SELECT FROM THE FILMS YOU ARE OFFERED’

I have always been selective about the kind of films I have done. As an actress I can only select from the films that I have been offered.

Sometimes we are simply not fortunate to get the kind of roles we want to do. There was a time when I was offered only glam roles which I wasn’t keen on doing. I wanted meaningful and meatier roles, so I chose to wait for the right opportunity and started writing (she’s currently writing scripts) instead. I believe in pushing my creative boundaries. While there is enough work for all of us right now— there is also pressure of getting good work and staying viable and visible.

‘SATISFYING TO BE INVOLVED IN THE FILMMAKING PROCESS’

I turned producer in 2018 (with Soorma) and it was an enriching experience for me. For a change I was not just restricted to emoting on camera and then going back to my vanity van after the shot. I was involved in all stages of the filmmaking process — from selecting the right story, locking the cast and crew, getting the actual filming process start, editing the film and then finding distributors/screens to planning its overseas and satellite rights. It is a very exciting process to be involved in different aspects of film making. The entire process of making a film starts at least two years before the film’s actual theatrical release. Being a producer is tough, but it is an enriching experience. It is extremely satisfying to see the final product when it hits the screens. I have two more biopics planned, which I will be producing soon. I have bought the rights of these stories and we are looking forward to getting started.