Chitrangda Singh, who made her debut in Bollywood with Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi in 2005, went on to do other prominent films like Yeh Saali Zindagi, Desi Boyz, Saheb, Biwi Aur Gangster 3 and Baazaar. The actress also turned producer in 2018 with a sport-based biopic, Soorma, starring Diljit Dosanjh. Her choice of films have mostly been a tad different and often not fitting into the typical Bollywood leading lady mould.

The actress, who is evidently choosy about the parts she picks to play, tells us that there are certain women in cinema whose careers have always left her inspired and motivated. “Film personalities like Smitaji (Patil), Rekha ji or even Shabana ji (Azmi) have not only impressed us with their body of work in Bollywood which includes glamourous roles, but also set an example by achieving their goals in showbiz. Their passion and grace with which they made their way in the film industry has left me amazed. It is their love for the craft and the way they pursued their career that inspired me,” she says.

Talking about the choice of films of these supremely talented leading ladies, Chitrangda adds, “Their films like Mandi (1983) and Mirch Masala (1986) have inspired me and have been a reason for me to be a part of Bollywood. Also, how can we forget the performance of Rekha ji in Umrao Jaan (1981)? These women have truly been an inspiration.”