Chitrangada Satarupa is preparing for the theatrical release of 'Main Actor Nahin Hoon', where she stars opposite Nawazuddin Siddiqui. The actor revealed that the film initially attracted her due to the opportunity to work with one of her favorite performers, but the script soon became the primary draw. She also shared her discomfort in portraying a harsh character who bullies Nawazuddin's character over video calls, and criticized the industry's increasing reliance on Instagram followers during casting.
Chitrangada Satarupa on 'Main Actor Nahin Hoon' and Nawazuddin Siddiqui
In an interview with Bollywood Hungama, Chitrangada explained that director Aditya Kripalani first approached her for the female lead role two years ago. Despite having collaborated with him on his debut film 'Tikli And Laxmi Bomb', he still required her to audition. She recalled asking him, 'I have worked with you so many times; still, I need to audition?' Chitrangada noted that Aditya sent the full script, which helped her understand the character better. 'Initially, I was excited about the film as it was going to give me a chance to work with Nawazuddin Siddiqui. But after reading the script, that reason became secondary,' she said.
The film was shot across Mumbai and Frankfurt, with Chitrangada in Mumbai and Nawazuddin in Germany. She mentioned that both units coordinated action calls and time zones, making the process feel like theater. Calling Nawazuddin 'an absolute genius,' she said his minimal performance pushed her to bring out the nastiness in her role. 'I was a little awkward about it. He's been my most favourite actor,' she said. 'Over the call, I am not just being nasty but even bullying him.' She added, 'I feared, 'Nawaz sir must be hating me because he must be thinking that this is how I am in real life too.''
Chitrangada Satarupa on Instagram Follower-Based Casting
Chitrangada also addressed the trend of casting based on social media reach. She revealed that actors are often asked to share their Instagram profiles during auditions. 'It is true, unfortunately, though not for all projects,' she said. She criticized the practice, stating, 'Casting someone based on the followers is a little lame because people are following you for your GRWM videos or such other content. They are not going to go and watch your show or film because that audience is very different.'
Chitrangada noted that 'Main Actor Nahin Hoon' deals with acting, human relationships, mental health, and loneliness. She described its theatrical release as rare for a film of this kind today, comparing it to films like 'The Lunchbox'. The film promises to offer a thought-provoking narrative that resonates with contemporary issues.
