Khakee: The Bengal Chapter has been making waves with its gripping storyline and stellar performances. The series, directed by Neeraj Pandey, dives deep into the complex world of crime and politics in Bengal, bringing a raw and realistic portrayal of power struggles. Among the standout performances is Chitrangda Singh¡¯s portrayal of Nibedita Basak, a determined politician finding her way in a morally grey system.?
Amidst the chaos of shifting homes in Mumbai, Indiatimes caught up with the actress for a quick chat about her role, on-set experiences, and love for Bengali sweets.
Talking about what drew her to Khakee: The Bengal Chapter, Chitrangda said, ¡°What interests me as an actor is that the roles I play are challenging and complex. Because life is complex. When you play a dimensional role, very sort of idealistic characters, they seem more comic bookish than films. Films need to be a lot more real.¡±
She added, ¡°What¡¯s beautiful about Khakee: The Bengal Chapter is that every single character is so real. Nobody can, as much as they want, hang on to their idealism and morals. Ultimately, everyone becomes how life is. Somewhere there is an adult world, which we need to be practical enough to understand.¡±
Her character, Nibedita Basak, undergoes this same transformation. ¡°She hangs on to that hope that she had, right from college politics and everything to the last end. And it's painful as hell for her. But then she realizes, the only way you can change the system or break the system is to become part of the system.¡±
Referring to political philosophy, she shares, ¡°Chanakya taught the same thing. One has to find a way of doing things that they want to do. One cannot fight every single battle, they have to choose their battles. Choosing the lesser evil is important. In the end, Arjun's character (played by Jeet) realizes that he is choosing the lesser evil. In the real world, that kind of absolute idealism or those moral science classes don¡¯t work.¡±
One of the most unforgettable moments for Chitrangda during the shoot was delivering a powerful speech in front of a massive crowd. ¡°One of the fondest memories I have from this series, which I have never done before in my acting career, is giving a speech to over 300-400 people. This was right opposite Victoria Memorial. There's a huge maidan there. We were shooting a speech scene there.¡±
She recalled, ¡°I was rehearsing my speech in the van with the director, but once I got on the stage and everyone was like ¡®ready to roll,¡¯ I felt very nervous. But then the energy of the people kept me going, and it was exciting to shoot.¡±
During her time in Kolkata, Chitrangda indulged in some local delicacies. ¡°Most of my character¡¯s parts were shot in Bombay, but I was in Kolkata for a week and a half, and I absolutely loved Bengali sweets. Chamcham, mishti doi, nolen gur er rosogolla.¡±
She fondly recalled her growing up days, ¡°While growing up, Mother Dairy¡¯s mishti doi was enough for me because I never got the actual stuff in the cities I was living in. So whenever I got a chance in between shoots, I would have that in a proper kulhad. I even carried back rosogollas. Those are my weaknesses.¡±
On the work front, Chitrangda is keeping busy. ¡°I have just finished Raat Akeli Hai part 2, and I also have an upcoming release in June, Housefull 5. We are all in the process of wrapping it up.¡±
Talking about the film, she shared, ¡°The movie is very glamorous, like how all Housefull girls are¡ªreally glam and hot and all of that.¡±
From delivering powerful speeches on-screen to savoring Kolkata¡¯s sweetest treats off-screen, her experience with Khakee: The Bengal Chapter has been one of transformation and discovery. With Housefull 5 and Raat Akeli Hai 2 on the horizon, the actress is ready to switch gears once again, this time, with a blend of glamour and intensity.