'I pick my films based on instincts'

From a powerful performance in her first film Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi to glamourous roles in films like Desi Boyz and Inkaar, Bollywood actress Chitrangada Singh has come a long way.

The dusky beauty was in the City recently to launch the Gillette Venus razor for women. On being asked about her perception of beauty and the obsession that Indians have for fairness, Chitrangada says, “There has been a paradigm shift. Indians are now proud of what they are and who they are. Be it our music, food, culture or even our skin colour, everything about our country has become a fashion statement.”

Having been in the industry for a decade now, Chitrangada still finds it hard to understand the formula of Bollywood. “I pick my films based on instincts. I have been part of big commercial movies and some off-beat movies too. But the film industry works on the tried-and-tested formula and there is no definitive theory of success,” says the actress.

Chitrangada is currently busy shooting Babumoshai Bandookbaaz directed by Kushan Nandy. She is starring opposite Nawazuddin Siddiqui in the film, which revolves around contract killers and portrays the role of a cobbler. She has undergone intense training to prepare for the role. “It’s a thriller drama. My character is very lively and also has elements of grey. So I’m very excited about it,” she informs.

Meanwhile, Chitrangada also has plans of producing a film. “I have the rights to a biopic on Sandeep Singh, who is a hockey player who went through a lot in life when he got shot accidentally in the back. His story really touched me and I want to tell it to the world,” she says.

Ask her about her favourite co-stars and she reminisces, “Kay Kay Menon was my first co-star. He came from a theatre background and I was a non-actor that time. So I learnt a lot from him. Akshay Kumar is a bundle of energy and it is difficult to keep pace with him. John Abraham is a chilled-out guy and a wonderful person. So all my co-stars have been amazing.” But Chitrangada is most inspired by Amitabh Bachchan for his zest. “His discipline towards life has inspired me and I have been following his steps closely,” says the actress.