‘I’m not obsessed with Chitrangada’

Chitrangada Singh received rave reviews for her impressive outing in Sudhir Mishra’s recently released Yeh Saali Zindagi. And now, she is set to act in his next venture, an untitled film that revolves around sexual exploitation at workplaces.

“Let me clarify, I haven’t chosen Chitrangada for the film. It was producer Prakash Jha’s idea to rope her in for it because the film’s idea came from him. And he thought she fit the bill perfectly. So technically, I haven’t chosen her,” says Mishra, adding that writer Manoj Tyagi of Page 3 (2005) fame is working on the story of the film, shooting for which will begin by August-September.

Chitrangada, who made her debut with Mishra’s Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi in 2003, will also be part of his Kareena Kapoor-Farhan Akhtar starrer Dhruv. Yet he insists there’s “no question of being obsessed” with her. “Don’t forget she is a wonderfully talented actor too. And why do people question my association with her? Hasn’t Karan Johar worked several times with Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol? Also, Aishwarya (Rai-Bachchan) has worked several times with Sanjay Leela Bhansali,” retorts Mishra.

Real roles
Although Chitrangada dons a glamorous avatar in Yeh Saali Zindagi, Mishra insists he is not going to purportedly package her in a sexy mould.

“Chitrangada plays a modern Indian woman. She brings the image of a real woman on to the screen with lots of grace and vulnerability. And if a role fits her, I won’t hesitate to cast her again,” says Mishra, adding that he hopes to work with Arjun Rampal in this film. “I’ve wanted to work with Arjun for a long time. I’m happy that it’s all working out now.”

Meanwhile, Mishra is waiting for Farhan to finish shooting his upcoming biggie, Don 2 to start work on his ambitious project, Dhruv. “Since Excel Entertainment is backing the film, I have to wait for Farhan. By the time he is through with Don 2, I will wrap up my other film too,” he says.