Actress Chitrangda Singh on why we all need a passion beyond our field of work
Deebashree Mohanty (TIMES LIFE; May 27, 2018)

You are a reality show judge, an actress, a sport enthusiast, a dancer...what exactly is your forte?
I still haven’t figured that out (laughs). I haven’t done enough to know what exactly works for me. But I do believe that variety is the spice of life. I am sure of only one thing – my choices may not work but I still want to make a choice to be different.

How important is it for actors to have a hobby, a passion or something that diverts attention?
It’s extremely important for one’s mental and emotional well-being. We are so caught up in this competitive world that there is a constant need to do something to keep oneself in the limelight. I don’t mean we should be less ambitious but sometimes switching off is the need of the hour. It’s good to have a hobby you pursue only for yourself, and not to please anyone else.

How are you keeping yourself ‘alternately’ busy?
It’s been a busy year for me, work wise. Alternately, I am working on my fishing skills. It takes up a lot of my time but I am enjoying it thoroughly. We go fishing in the lake inside the forest area near Pataudi Palace, in Gurugram. With the necessary permits in place, this is a haven for people who enjoy an off-beat hobby like this. Apart from that, I am just bonding with my son, Zorawar, and my three dogs, who are my lifeline.

The last we had heard Zorawar was into golf...
He is crazy about it and can play quite well too. Whenever I can take off, we head to the golf course where he shows off his skills. Then we head to the horse training ground in the same complex.

How about holidays? Are you an adventure traveller?
I am not the take-a-spa-and-relax-in-the-resort kinda girl. I would indulge in adrenaline-pumping activities every day of my holiday.

Your next travel destination…
I’m dying to go back to Bali. I love the clean, refreshing waters out there. According to me it’s one of the best scuba diving destinations in the world. I also enjoy shopping in Bali...

Do you believe in the ‘love yourself’ philosophy?
It’s easier said than done. In this business, there is a certain stereotype that is prevalent. Whether you like it or not, it’s there. For example; every magazine wants their cover girl to look a certain way. They will photo-shop and make you look everything but you. Such is life. It’s natural that you would want to better yourself but that need should be self-created and not because someone says so. We need to appreciate who we really are. It will help if our films focused on real stories rather than fairy tales. We are getting there.

In this showbiz, do you think there is space for a woman who has a mind of her own?
When we say, make more women-centric films, we certainly don’t mean show the actress beating up a man. I am not a man, I don’t want to be one. It will be enough for me if my role is given the space it deserves and is promoted the way it should be. The good thing in the industry is that producers are wanting to make big ticket films centering around women protagonists. Vidya Balan and Kangana Ranaut have to be given credit. I admire them for that.

QUICK FIRE

What does style mean to you?
Comfort over fashion. I go for something that is classic and brings out my personality – like the 1960s and 1970s.

Your regular outfit
White T-shirt and jeans.

Make-up trick
Less is always more. Never ditch nudes.

Wardrobe essentials
A lot of black, white and grey. There will always be that white shirt or T-shirt and blue jeans I wear a lot. A black dress is a must. Killer outfit for red carpet Something sensuous and sexy. Maybe a floor-length lavish gown. What does fitness mean to you? Everything – because of my army upbringing. I’ve seen my dad waking up every morning to play some sport or other. Come rain or hail, he never misses his session.