Bollywood actress Chitrangda Singh recently took a nostalgic trip down memory lane, reminiscing about her student days at Delhi University. The actress, who recently graced the ramp at the Delhi Times Fashion Week, opened up about her college life, cinematic preferences, and views on dance numbers in films.
Delhi University Days & Fond Food Memories
Chitrangda Singh, a graduate of Lady Irwin College (LIC), expressed a deep connection with the national capital. "Delhi feels like home. I always say that," she stated. Her most cherished memories are intrinsically linked to the iconic Bengali Market, located right behind her college.
The actress fondly recalled the culinary delights of the area. "Barfi wali lassi and the chaat were fantastic!" she exclaimed. The market served as a popular hangout, or 'gedi spot,' for theatre enthusiasts from nearby institutions, where everyone would congregate.
Her exposure to the performing arts deepened just across the street at the National School of Drama (NSD). Singh spent considerable time there, visiting the Kamani Auditorium and the NSD canteen. "I saw the hard work acting demands," she revealed, though she initially leaned towards modelling rather than acting as a career.
Reflecting on her alma mater, she described Lady Irwin College as a "very rooted" and "well-rounded, holistic environment." She appreciated the grounded and secure atmosphere, partly because it was not part of a larger campus, which she felt allowed students to be themselves without the pressure of fitting into specific labels.
A Penchant for Thrillers & Dreaming of Action
Shifting focus to her film career, Chitrangda Singh disclosed her strong preference for the thriller genre. "They are my absolute favourite. If it works, it’s better than romance or anything else for me," she shared. The actress is currently manifesting an opportunity to star in an action film.
She acknowledged the complexity involved in crafting a good thriller, noting, "I think thrillers are the hardest to write." Her filmography in the genre includes Gaslight (2023), where she starred alongside Sara Ali Khan and Vikrant Massey, and the upcoming Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders (2025).
Working on the latter film was a special experience for her, particularly because of her co-star Nawazuddin Siddiqui. "Working with Nawaz was special – everyone on set was amazing," she added.
Item Numbers: A Character to Portray
Interestingly, Chitrangda Singh was initially approached for Raat Akeli Hai – The Bansal Murders to perform an item number. She addressed the often-debated format with a clear perspective.
"I believe dance is an important part of our storytelling," she said. The actress views such performances as playing a distinct character within a film. She cited her own experience performing "Aao Raja" in the 2015 film Gabbar Is Back, which required a specific kind of confidence.
Addressing common criticisms about clothing or context in such songs, Singh remarked, "People say things like, ‘Arre, yeh kya kapde pehne hain?’, or ‘There’s so much violence’. But, as an audience member, you choose what you want to watch." For her, it is an integral aspect of the cinematic narrative she contributes to.
