After giving a remarkable performance in Yeh Saali Zindagi, Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi, Desi Boyz and Inkaar, Chitrangada Singh has put on the writer-producer’s hat for the upcoming movie Soorma. She talks to Sangeeta Yadav about her experience of working behind the scenes
It was the real story of an Indian hockey player Sandeep Singh who I met through a friend three years back. When he shared his story about how he made a comeback in Hockey, his journey as a captain, how he recovered from the gunshot wound and stood tall and how the team won many international tournaments under his captaincy — I was awestruck. It is the story of hope and inspiration. He is the real hero who fought all odds and made the country proud. His story had to be told.
It was challenging. When I got the story, I wrote it and decided to produce it too. Director Shaad Ali took over the story from me and wrote the screenplay and dialogues. It was a great learning experience. Scripting is a responsible job. I have developed more respect for filmmakers. Script is the backbone of any project. The entire story is so dramatic that it made it easier for me to be true to the script. We need to bring real life heroes stories onscreen.
Yes. When I put the writer-producer’s hat on, the responsibility of making a biopic became my priority. We went all out to make sure we tell his story on celluloid in an authentic way and as close to the reality. For Harpreet’s character, who was an 18-year-old Punjaban representing the Indian Women Hocket team, Tapsee Pannu perfectly fit the bill. When I met Diljeet, the way he walked, he looked so much like Sandeep. We instantly locked him for the part.
When he gets shot and how his life turns around after that. Sandeep was unconscious for days and when he woke up, the doctor told him that he will never be able to walk again.
It is slated to released on July 27. I am excited about it. It is the continuation of the prequel. Jimmy Shergill and Mahie Gill will be seen as saheb, biwi and I am the journalist. Sanjay Dutt, as the stylish gangster, will be a delight to watch out for along with Deepak Tijori, Kabir Bedi, Nafisa Ali, Zakir Hussain and Deepraj Rana.
Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi. It was my debut film and Geeta’s character was powerful. She came from a middle-class family and was ambitious who falls in love. There were so many contradictions, yet the character was so relatable.
When I did the item song Kundi Mat Khadkao Raja from Gabbar is Back. It took some time for me to be sassy. But once I got to it, I went with the flow and enjoyed the entire process.
I am not going to defend or explain anything. Dancing is an important part of a film and item numbers have been done by many yesteryear actors like Helenji and Sridevi. There is nothing derogatory about it. Item numbers have a glamour quotient and if done well that become the high point of the film. But it will be wrong to say that the film wouldn’t do well without it. If there is a need, then why not.