Crazy, chaotic, clever: A rapid-fire Q&A with Siddhant Chaturvedi

Chaturvedi has played a cricketer, a street rapper, a stand-up comedian and a soldier. His next few films (Dhadak 2, Dil Ka Darwaaza Khol Na Darling, and an untitled Sanjay Leela Bhansali project) are all romances. “I’ve put my heart into them, literally,” he says.

It’s a busy time. And busy times are when actors let their guards down. So, we decided to trap him into a rapid fire, and get his hot takes on life, relationships, cringey trends, and being an actor. “Being unfiltered always gets me into trouble,” he admits. Let’s see how he holds up.

What has been your most favourite role, and your least favourite one?

My favourite is the one that I’m playing next in Dhadak 2. My least favourite, just in terms of screen time I had, was playing Sahil Hooda in the web series Life Sahi Hai (2016). It was my first work. I didn’t really have a chance to shine.

Who would you most want to play?

Yuvraj Singh. I’m a huge fan of cricket, and I’ve been keenly following his journey. It would be very hard to step into his shoes, even for a role.

Who’d you’d never portray?

Hitler.

What’s your indicator of success?

Having choices. Now, I’m getting to do the roles, the films that I want to do. I remember when I didn’t have this luxury. I had to just wait it out and compromise with my dreams.

Which Bollywood remake would you like to star in?

Vaastav (1999). It’s one of my favourite Sanjay Dutt films, and I grew up watching it a lot.

Is there a moment in your life you’d like to relive?

The day Gully Boy released. It was a mad, crazy experience. I was at a screening, and when I exited the theatre, everybody came running towards me, asking for pictures and autographs. I’ll never forget that feeling!

What do you love and hate most about living in 2025?

I love the fact that everything is at your fingertips. You’re so connected with everyone and on top of what’s happening around the world. The flip side of all this tech is that today, we’re so well-connected to each other, that we’re actually distant from each other. It’s so easy to give up on people, move on and find somebody else. Love was never supposed to be easy. Love meant holding on – I see that in my parents.

What’s something our parents obsess over today that we don’t get, and vice-versa?

Good question! Marriage and memes. Our parents want us to think about companionship and having children, and we want them to understand memes without 100 explanations.

Tell us your favourite meme, bit of internet lingo, and emoji.

I forward Bhojpuri Reels the most. I’ve heard of all these Gen Z buzzwords such as pookie and OP, but I have no idea how to use them. And I use the hugging emoji all the time.

What constitutes a relationship red flag for you?

I’m okay with red flags as long as the person is willing to work on them. But bad hygiene, intellectual mismatches, lack of empathy, phone obsession and dishonesty are turn-offs. Lying especially – it starts with a lie, and then you realise you never knew the person at all. And being unkind, not just to animals, but also to kids, older people, and domestic workers.

What’s the strangest compliment you’ve received?

Somebody once told me that I know when to be a boy and when to be a man. I’ve still not understood that!

What’s the last thing that you searched on Google?

Wait, wait, wait. Pulling up Google now. It’s... how to join a Microsoft Teams meeting for this interview! Before that, I was searching for anime recommendations. My all-time favourite is Death Note. But recently, I’ve been obsessed with Blue Box. And Sakamoto Days is very good, too.

Would you rather be a pet parent, plant parent or human parent?

I’m a plant parent, for sure. My mom and I bond over our love for plants. I think it’s time to be a pet parent too... I’m ready.

What’s a fashion trend you think is weird?

Wearing baggy pants so low, people can see your boxers. Like Justin Bieber does. Get a belt, man. Just pull it up.

Which of these toxic males would you be: Angry young man, manchild or mansplainer?

Obviously not a mansplainer! I don’t think I’m the angry young man type. So man-child.

What defines the 21st-century man today?

Kindness, definitely. Men were always supposed to be the angry, brooding type, but we’re acknowledging that kindness isn’t weakness today. We’re also prioritising mental strength over physical strength. Men need to be responsible and accountable for what they do today – everything has a consequence.

What keeps you up at night?

These days, I’m worried about where the entertainment industry is headed, and what counts as entertainment now. We’re addicted to shorter viewing formats. There are fewer and fewer blockbusters released in theatres. In 2019, when I started out, going to the cinema was still a great celebration. We’d wait for Fridays to watch the new hit. Now, you don’t know what audiences will like, and you just have to do your best, and leave it to fate or trends.

What’s one dating term that you find utterly ridiculous?

Nanoship. What does that even mean? It’s so short, I don’t know what it is.

Which self-care hack do you swear by?

Ginger shots. I have them first thing when I wake up. It’s a coffee alternative, and it’s super healthy for your skin and gut.

Which three shows have you already binged this year?

The anime, Sakamoto Days; Murder Mindfully, a German show; and Panchayat.

What’s your favourite anecdote about being recognised (and not recognised) in a public place?

One time, I was in a club in Hyderabad, and it was packed. I was trying to exit, and this girl just wrapped herself around my leg. It was crazy. Another time, at an airport, a man came up and took a picture with me, because he thought I was Ishaan Khatter!

What’s your happy place?

Being on set, or wherever I happen to be shooting. In front of the camera, I’m in my element – especially once the director yells “Cut!”

From HT Brunch, April 19, 2025

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