Chitrangda Singh Grateful That Her Limited Work Has Left a Lasting Impression

Mumbai — Known for prioritising depth and substance over sheer screen time, Bollywood actress Chitrangda Singh says she feels deeply grateful that her relatively selective body of work has continued to resonate with audiences over the years.

Reflecting on a strong 2025, marked by projects such as Housefull 5, Parikrama, and Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders, Chitrangda said that memorability in cinema is driven more by the impact of a performance than by the volume of work.

In an industry often dominated by numbers, visibility, and constant output, the actress believes that even brief but powerful performances can leave a lasting mark. Speaking to IANS, she said, “I think people are slowly realising that it’s not just the amount of work you do or the numbers that make you memorable. Sometimes, even one scene can stay with people and make a strong impact.”

While acknowledging the importance of visibility, Chitrangda emphasised that quality ultimately defines longevity. “Of course, visibility matters and you need roles that audiences can remember, not just one or two moments. But I believe a balance works best. Good work is always remembered,” she added.

Since her debut in Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi (2003), where her subtle and layered performance earned widespread acclaim, Chitrangda has consistently chosen emotionally complex characters. Films such as Yeh Saali Zindagi and Inkaar further cemented her reputation for gravitating towards nuanced roles rather than conventional leads.

Her recent performance in Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders, released earlier this month, stood out for its restraint and internal tension. The role reinforced her belief that measured performances, even without extensive screen time, can leave a deep impression.

“People don’t forget good work,” she said. “I feel very thankful that jitna bhi kaam kiya—however limited it may be—people have remembered it. Maybe good work brings more work over a longer period. Work gets you work, but good work probably sustains you for longer.”

Discussing Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders specifically, Chitrangda also spoke about its portrayal of women within the noir genre, which often reduces female characters to predictable tropes. She felt the film successfully moved away from portraying women solely as victims or manipulators.

“I think it may have something to do with having a female writer. Smita Singh has done an excellent job,” she said, while adding that strong character writing is not limited by gender. “There are men as well who write very interesting characters. But yes, that difference is what made this role exciting.”

She concluded by noting that noir narratives often fall into easy stereotypes. “Otherwise, it’s very easy to place a woman as someone devious and make her the obvious suspect,” she said.

With inputs from IANS