Chitrangda Singh Talks About About Her OTT Move, Says Would Love To Do A Situational Comedy After ‘Gaslight’

Bollywood actress Chitrangda Singh played the role of Rukmini in the recently released film 'Gaslight', which also starred Sara Ali Khan and Vikrant Massey. In the suspense thriller, Chitrangda features as the lead character Misha's (Sara Ali Khan) stepmother. 'Gaslight', which is helmed by Pavan Kriplani, started streaming from March 31 on Disney+ Hotstar.

In an exclusive interview with Gurpreet Kaur of Outlook India, Chitrangda talked about how was it work with Sara and Vikrant on the sets, her apprehensions as an actress, and more. Exceprts from the interview: 

What do you have to say about ‘Gaslight’?

It is a mystery thriller, and it is about gaslighting. It is very different and unusual, and people who like this genre would enjoy it, especially in the way the our director Pavan Kriplani has told it. I have not done anything like this, not played a part which is this complex and has so many colours to it. 

You have worked with Sara Ali Khan and Vikrant Massey on the film. Do you think they have a different way of working on sets than you?

I dont’t hink there is any difference, both are very hardworking actors. The fact that we stayed together for 35 days on an outdoor shoot and worked every single day, says a lot. Sara and I used to workout together, she is such great energy. Vikrant, on the other hand, has so much experience as compared to both of us put together. He has so many projects, so he had suggestions. Pavan too made sure to have the actors come up with their improvisations on the sets. The whole atmosphere was easy and friendly to work.

You started off with ‘Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi’, briefly moved to commercial cinema and then did some unconventional roles. How do you pick your projects?

I don’t think there has been a plan, I pick projects as and when I like them. If the part is good, great. If the director is good, even better. I didn’t think I would not do an item song or anything, I do what I feel is interesting. I have also recently done an Indo-Italian film, which is going to be screened at Cannes. I find an interesting part, I want to play it. I would love to do a situational comedy, something I haven’t done before, just like ‘Gaslight’.

The teaser of ‘Gaslight’ was a dig on how actors are often typecasted. Do you have any apprehensions as an actor on how the audience perceives you?

The audience perceives you by your work, right? I don’t want to fight it, I think it is a good thing. Good, bag or ugly, it is your work that speaks with the audience. Coming to ‘Gaslight’, it was a take on how different actors, who have done different works, have come together for this thriller. That was the idea behind it. You got to have a sense of humour about it. Yes, it is not good to typecast. It is the work of the director and the audience to think out of the box and surprise people. But beyond that, it is not the audiences’ fault at all.

You made a move towards OTT with ‘Modern Love: Mumbai’ and now ‘Gaslight’. Do you think making a shift is the need of the hour?

Well, you have to change with the times. The business of cinema is as important as its craft. As artists too, we would like our films to be watched by as many people as it could. The producers at a time like, when there are so much instability in terms of the theatres and the viewers’ choice, have to figure out what goes where. I don’t think it started off being an OTT project, but the makers have to take call considering the business. OTT or no OTT does not make a different to me, it is about good work. An actor should have presence everywhere and catch as many audience.

What are your plans for this year?

I have an Indo-Italian film for Cannes apart from another film, which will release at the end of the year. I am always looking at work and scripts.