Interview : Chitrangada Singh: Many People Saw a Reflection of Smita Patil in Me
Chitrangada Singh is celebrated in Bollywood as a talented and captivating actress with an understated yet powerful screen presence. She made a remarkable debut with Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi, a performance that earned her the Bollywood Movie Award for Best Female Debut. From her very first film, the delicate intensity and emotional depth of her portrayal won both audience and critical acclaim.
Over the years, Chitrangada has impressed viewers with memorable roles in films such as Inkaar, Desi Boyz, Yeh Saali Zindagi and Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster 3, while also being part of grand commercial entertainers like Housefull 5. Her acting is marked by a rare blend of sensitivity and strength, where quiet restraint often speaks louder than words. With her versatility, natural beauty and expressive power, she has carved a distinctive space for herself in Hindi cinema. She also stepped into film production with Soorma.
In recent times, her performances in OTT projects like Gaslight and Khaki have taken her craft to a new level, earning her renewed appreciation. Now, with Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders set for release, Chitrangada spoke to our Sr Editor Keerti Kadam, about her journey, her characters and the evolving landscape of storytelling.
Your performances in Gaslight and Khaki were widely appreciated. Now, your character in Raat Akeli Hai feels strikingly different and refreshingly new. Do you feel that OTT platforms have broadened the horizon of roles and opportunities for you?
Absolutely. To be honest, I sometimes feel I should have embraced OTT a little earlier. Perhaps I was late, but the phase I’m in now—working with such gifted directors, writers and actors—has been incredibly enriching and inspiring. Their perspectives push you to unlearn, relearn and rediscover yourself as an actor. OTT has emerged as the perfect medium for me because it allows space for layered characters, bold themes and nuanced storytelling. You’re not confined to conventional formats; you can experiment freely and take creative risks. In that sense, OTT has opened up a vast, exciting and hopeful new path for me.
Your character in this film is intense, complex and emotionally charged. How close—or distant—is it from your real personality?
It’s both close to me and completely different at the same time—it occupies a very intriguing middle ground. The character carries immense emotional complexity, layered with tension, pain and vulnerability. To explore those depths, I had to prepare myself mentally, and it took time to unravel her inner knots. Yet, she never felt entirely alien to me. There were moments when I thought, if I were in her place… (laughs) perhaps I, too, might have taken an extreme step—maybe even committed a murder. As an actor, when you step into such characters, you begin to discover hidden facets within yourself, and that’s what makes the process so thrilling.
What is Honey Trehan like as a director? Did he guide you closely through scenes?
Honey sir is a true perfectionist. I’ve worked with many directors, but collaborating with him feels like attending an acting masterclass. I learned so much during this journey. What truly stands out is the love and respect he has for his actors. When you sense that your director believes in you, cares for you, and genuinely wants to bring out your best, it pushes you to give more than a hundred percent. There were moments when capturing a particular emotion felt challenging, but the process of reaching it eventually became very beautiful. Overall, it was a deeply fulfilling and joyful experience.
Many people fondly compared you to Smita Patil. Did you ever feel that resemblance yourself?
Yes, very much so. During my very first film, Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi, many people pointed it out to me. The look of that phase—the sarees, the simple bun, the calm in the eyes, and the restrained emotional expression—made several people see a glimpse of Smita Patil in me. Honestly, that remains one of the greatest compliments of my life. She wasn’t just an actress; she was an entire university of sensitive, soulful acting.
One moment, in particular, remains etched in my memory. At the first screening of my debut film, filmmaker Ketan Mehta—who had worked extensively with Smita Patil—was present. At that time, I didn’t even know who he was. After the screening, he came up to me with tears in his eyes. He didn’t make a long speech; he simply said, “You are rare,” and walked away. Later, when I learned who he was, I truly understood the weight of those two words. The warmth of that moment and the quiet, heartfelt appreciation he offered are memories I will cherish for a lifetime.
By Keerti Kadam