Not all Hindi film heroines nab the role of a lifetime right off the bat, but model-turned-actress Chitrangada Singh did. She made her silver screen debut with Sudhir Mishra's critically acclaimed film Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi (2003), wherein she played the character of Geeta Rao, a modern, ambitious woman who knows how to live life on her own terms and conditions. However, despite getting a big screen start and receiving excellent reviews for her show-stopping debut performance, Singh’s career did not take off well in Bollywood. She has taken two long breaks and starred in only a dozen films over 15 years, but except Desi Boyz (2011) none clicked with the audience. After spending one and a half decade of her life in the industry, Chitrangada is now turning producer with the forthcoming film Soorma, a biopic based on the life of hockey player and ex-captain of the Indian national team Sandeep Singh. Eastern Eye catches up with the actress-turned-producer in Mumbai to know more about her movie, what made her dive into film production, does she regret taking long breaks from films, and much more.
Which role do you find more challenging being an actor or a producer?
Hands down, producer. I am saying this over and over again that I have so much respect for producers after doing this film. It’s not just about the money, but also about patience and the amount you want to believe in your project and take it through no matter what. Every single day, there would be one issue or the other about something or the other. Handling people, managing people, I never thought that would be so difficult. I think, in a creative field, more than anywhere else, people come with a certain opinion. And to get the right kind of people on board for your project, I think, is probably the most important thing.
What made you foray into film production?
I met Sandeep Singh and heard his story. I wrote it down. I met him a couple of times and realised how powerful this story was, and how important it was to make it for a lot of reasons. Not just because it would translate to cinematics beautifully, but also because there is an important message here, about the guilt I felt when I heard his story and realized I didn’t know about his life or his work at all. Here, if in cricket a player scores a century, people talk for weeks, but Sandeep has done so much more. So, I thought it was a very important film to make if you would talk about comebacks. It’s not like I wanted to become a producer so I found the film. I have to give full credit to this film and to this story that as collateral I became a producer.
Are you planning to write scripts with characters you would like to play?
Previously, I was writing two stories and at that point, I was writing with me in mind, those characters that I would love to play. Though, that was in a bit of a backburner after I met Sandeep Singh and this became a far more powerful story than anything I was even thinking of, to be honest.
Tell us something about the scripts you are working on?
One is a love story and the other is a thriller. It’s written as a mainstream commercial film. After this one (Soorma), I would say I am going to take them on. I have locked the screenplay and dialogue for one and the work on the other one is still going on. Let’s see what happens after this (Soorma) releases. One thing at a time (smiles).
There are huge gaps between your films, what is the reason?
It’s not like I was choosy. I was particular like we all are and we should be. I wasn’t getting the kind of offers I was looking for or the kind of people I wanted to work with at that point. So, I chose not to work instead of do the work I won’t be proud of.
You seem quite particular about the kind of films you choose, is there a flip side to it?
That you got forgotten. I have taken big breaks in between. It was 4 ½ year one time and 2 ½ years the other time. But I have realized that if you do good work, people don’t forget you easily. I am so thankful to the audience and to the industry that they hadn’t completely forgotten me every time I made a sort of comeback. If you do good work, you remain relevant; you remain in people’s minds. It’s not important that you keep doing one thing after the other to remain relevant. That’s my take.
Do you have any regrets about taking such long breaks?
We introspect all the time, we are women. We are thinking all the time and overthinking. I was going through some personal issues as well at the time, and I wasn’t doing such a good job of balancing both worlds. So, I think that’s why the professional part took a little bit of a backseat. But that was the best I could do at that point. I don’t have any regrets as such because I don’t think I had a choice.
Did you ever feel nervous during the production?
The day we were going to launch the trailer of Soorma, I was so nervous. I thought I never felt like this. I can’t believe this. I felt nervous about the reaction of the audience and the fact that Dhadak trailer was coming an hour and a half before our trailer in the same auditorium. I wanted them to push it as I didn’t want it to come on the same day, but in the end, it turned out so good.
You share a good bond with noted filmmaker Sudhir Mishra. In future, will you consider him to direct one of your films as a producer?
He is somebody I respect immensely; he is the reason why I am here. In fact, I will be more than happy (if he directs a film for me) but I would be so nervous to approach him as a director or a producer because he is who he is in my mind. I respect him so much. I wish if there is one thing we could do again it would be Mehrunissa, the script that Sudhir has been wanting to make for a long time. We worked on it. I worked on my character so much.
Have you thought of directing your productions?
If I produce and direct, I will die. That’s too far off. As different as production is from acting, I think the direction is as different as production and as difficult and challenging. I am not saying that there has to be an age when you start directing, but I think you just need to feel ready for it.
This is your first production and that too on a serious subject, did you ever wish to start with a commercial film instead?
I think a good story is the mantra for success. I don’t think that we should make a commercial film or a love story, put an item song and then it will become a success. I think a good story makes a good production. They are a gem these days. If you have that then that’s half the battle won. So, to wait and put this on hold is something that I can’t possibly comprehend.
Have you watched the final cut?
Oh, yes. We watched it with the background score and everything. It has shaped up really well. The music of the film is fantastic. I think Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy and Gulzar sir together is an awesome combination.
How did Diljit Dosanjh come onboard to play Sandeep Singh?
We wanted somebody who looked a bit like Sandeep Singh and the look he had was very difficult for a mainstream actor to pull off, though it came so naturally to Diljit Dosanjh. He took one-two days to say yes and we were on the edge of our seats because he was so good for the role. I was looking at some pictures of behind-the-scenes and Sandeep was on the set and Diljit was sitting beside him, they looked so similar in so many places. So, that was it, that’s how Diljit came aboard.
We heard Diljit was a little hesitant initially?
Yes. He had reservations because he never played sports. He said to put romance more so he had to play the game less but he was just joking. When he was onboard, he gave in completely. He gave his 100%.
Was Taapsee Pannu your first choice for the female lead?
Just like in the case of Diljit Dosanjh, for Taapsee Pannu’s role, a couple of names were thrown but Taapsee was my first choice. I wouldn’t agree on anybody else but her. So, I was totally for her from day one and she is perfect.
How was your experience working with Sanjay Dutt is Saheb, Biwi Aur Gangster 3?
It’s been lovely. It’s been so joyous to actually work with him. He is the kindest and the nicest person I met in this industry. He is so lovely. I have been a bit of a fan of Sanju. He is very quiet and when he would come, there is this aura about him. When we started working, he seemed like such a child. There is this purity about him. So, it was great working with him.
Ed Sheeran’s latest single, Sapphire, is out now, and it marks a new chapter in his musical journey. With the Indian rhythms, rich storytelling, and unexpected star power, Sapphire is a big cross-cultural leap for the British singer-songwriter.
A musical journey through India with Arijit and SRK in the spotlight
Bringing together the soulful voice of Arijit Singh, choreography by Bollywood icon Farah Khan, and a surprise appearance by Shah Rukh Khan, the song celebrates global connection. Recorded during Sheeran’s visit to India earlier this year, Sapphire captures the spirit of collaboration and joy. From a sitar-laced melody to Arijit's vocals, the track has the feel of a summer anthem rooted in shared sounds and stories.
Shah Rukh Khan makes a special appearance in the Sapphire music video
The music video, directed by Liam Pethick, traces Sheeran’s journey across India, starting on a rooftop at sunrise and winding through beaches, bustling markets, and backlot film sets. There is even a stop at A.R. Rahman’s music school, where he jams with young musicians. One standout moment was a studio session with Arijit and a bike ride around his hometown.
In his own words, Ed says, " Sapphire was the first track that really gave me direction for the album. I finished it in Goa with some amazing Indian musicians. Getting Arijit on board was the missing puzzle piece. We even recorded a Punjabi version that drops soon; it’s one of my favourites on the record."
Ed Sheeran and Arijit Singh in India
New album Play coming this September and live shows sell out instantly
Sapphire is part of Sheeran’s upcoming album Play, releasing on 12 September 2025. After closing the Mathematics era, this album sees him experimenting with sounds from India and Iran.
In other exciting news, Sheeran’s homecoming gigs in Ipswich, his first UK headline shows since 2023, sold out immediately. Taking place at Portman Road Stadium in July, the three-night run will feature guests like Tori Kelly, James Blunt, and Busted. A portion of ticket sales will go to The Live Trust, a new fund aimed at supporting grassroots music professionals.
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Badshah reacts to backlash over controversial Dua Lipa comment
Rapper Badshah found himself in hot water after a social media post about global pop sensation Dua Lipa. What started as a simple tweet, her name with a heart emoji, quickly spiralled into chaos when a fan asked if they were collaborating. Badshah's response? "I'd rather make babies with her bro."
Badshah's viral response to the comment under his tweet Twitter Screengrab
The backlash was instant. Critics called the remark objectifying and disrespectful, forcing Badshah to clarify. Trying to douse the fire, he later posted, "I think one of the most beautiful compliments you can give a woman you really admire is to wish for her to mother your children. Meri soch nahi, tumhari soch saamne aayi hai." But the clarification didn't sit well with many, who criticised him for doubling down rather than acknowledging the issue. "Since when did that qualify as a compliment?" one user wrote, while others called it tone-deaf and entitled.
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Honey Singh joins the fray with a sarcastic jab
As the debate raged on, Badshah's longtime rival, Honey Singh, couldn't resist chiming in. Reacting to the rapper's explanation on Instagram, Singh dropped a sarcastic "Genius 😂👏👏," clearly mocking the justification. Fans caught the dig immediately, with some laughing at the not-so-subtle jab between the two, who've had a rocky relationship for years.
Badshah had previously expressed a desire to end their feud, but Singh's latest comment suggests the tension isn't fading anytime soon. Meanwhile, the rapper continues to make headlines, whether for his dramatic weight loss, rumoured romance with Tara Sutaria, or this latest controversy. One thing's clear: Badshah knows how to stay in the spotlight, but not always for the right reasons.
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Anurag Kashyap reacts sharply to Ted Sarandos’ remarks on Sacred Games
Anurag Kashyap is known for being outspoken, and this weekend he made headlines again, this time taking aim at Netflix’s top boss Ted Sarandos. The filmmaker lashed out after Sarandos questioned the streaming platform’s early approach in India, particularly their decision to kick things off with Kashyap’s gritty crime drama Sacred Games in 2018.
During an interview on Nikhil Kamath’s podcast People by WTF, Sarandos said he may have chosen a more “populist” route if he could go back, admitting the series was perhaps too novel for the Indian market at the time. The comments didn’t sit well with Kashyap, who fired back on social media, calling Sarandos “the definition of dumb” and sarcastically suggesting the platform should’ve launched with traditional “saas-bahu” content instead.
Kashyap takes aim at Netflix’s shift to mass-market content
Kashyap’s reference wasn’t just casual; it came at a time when Netflix India has partnered with Balaji Telefilms, led by Ektaa Kapoor, best known for her highly successful daily soaps like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. The filmmaker’s post read: “He should have started with Saas Bahu… he would have done well. Which he is doing now. I always knew tech guys are dumb when it comes to storytelling, but @tedsarandos is the definition of dumb is what I didn’t know.”
The post sparked debate online, with even singer-actor Lisa Mishra chiming in to support Kashyap, saying that everything on OTT today is “derivative… specifically of Sacred Games.”
Kapoor, without naming Kashyap, responded via Instagram by accusing unnamed artists of being classist. She defended soap operas, claiming they gave a voice to Indian women and were even studied by international researchers. Her post ended with a call for inclusivity and “graciousness.”
Ekta Kapoor's story Instagram screengrab/ektakapoor
A clash of content ideologies in India’s OTT landscape
Sacred Games, co-directed by Kashyap and Vikramaditya Motwane and starring Saif Ali Khan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, was a landmark moment for Indian streaming content. Though it didn’t continue past two seasons, it opened doors for darker, more experimental storytelling in Indian OTT.
Sarandos’ comments appear to suggest that while Sacred Games earned critical acclaim, it may not have been the right commercial launchpad for Netflix in India. Kashyap, however, sees the platform’s current pivot toward formula-driven programming as a step backward.
Ted Sarandos talks about Sacred Games for Netflix IndiaGetty Images
This very public disagreement brings to light a bigger conversation in the entertainment industry, between art that challenges and content that simply sells.
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Fans react as Billie and Nat’s long-rumoured romance takes centre stage
Billie Eilish appears to have confirmed her latest romance in the most cinematic way possible, with a champagne-fuelled kiss on a sunny balcony in Venice. The singer was spotted with actor and musician Nat Wolff, and the intimate moment has fans convinced that the long-rumoured pair are now officially a couple.
In photos circulating online, the Chihiro singer and Wolff are seen locking lips while casually dressed in matching grey T-shirts, enjoying champagne and sunshine in one of the world’s most romantic cities.
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A long-rumoured connection comes into focus
While this is the first clear public display from the duo, Eilish and Wolff’s bond goes back a while. They worked together on her music video Chihiro, which she directed. Around the same time, Nat and his brother Alex opened for her during the North American leg of her Hit Me Hard and Soft tour in 2024.
Fans first started speculating about their closeness earlier this year when the two were seen leaving the iHeart Music Awards together and later on a night out in New York City. Although both had previously described their friendship as platonic, there seemed to be more under the surface.
Fans react as Billie and Nat’s long-rumoured romance takes centre stageGetty Images
In past interviews, Wolff described their connection as one of shared understanding, particularly around living with Tourette syndrome, a condition both have spoken about. “It’s rare to find people you don’t have to explain yourself to,” Wolff once shared, adding that he and Eilish could just “be” around each other.
Keeping it private until now
Eilish has openly said she regrets how much she’s shared about her personal life in the past. In an interview, she stated she wanted to keep her dating life and sexuality out of the spotlight going forward.
A kiss in Italy sparks fresh buzz around Billie Eilish’s love lifeGetty Images
“I wish no one knew anything about my dating life,” she said. “And I’m never talking about who I’m dating ever again.”
Still, their recent public outing in Venice may signal a quiet shift in that. Whether or not they’ll speak out, the photos seem to say plenty.
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The cast of Maybe Happy Ending celebrates their big night at the Tony Awards
South Korea just scored a historic milestone at the Tony Awards, with the musical Maybe Happy Ending bagging six trophies, including Best Musical and Best Lead Actor. The show, centred on two ageing helper robots living on the edge of Seoul, left the awards night buzzing. Korean entertainment, long a force in film, television, and music, is now making serious inroads into Western theatre too.
From Seoul to Broadway: A story born in two languages
Maybe Happy Ending wasn’t always destined for the bright lights of Broadway. It first opened in a small Seoul theatre in 2016, a result of a local arts foundation’s programme. Co-created by South Korean lyricist Hue Park and American composer Will Aronson, the story explores loneliness, connection, and memory through the eyes of obsolete robots. Written in both Korean and English, the piece has been reimagined several times since its debut.
Darren Criss, known to many as a Glee star, played Oliver and took home his first Tony for the role. His co-star Helen J Shen portrayed Claire, the other robot. Together, they brought the emotional weight to a futuristic love story that’s more human than it sounds.
While the robots explore feelings in a near-future Seoul, the show managed to preserve distinct Korean elements like Jeju Island and the traditional plant pot hwabun on the Broadway stage, something fans celebrated online.
A cultural shift, decades in the making
With this win, South Korea joins the rare club of nations with major victories across all four major American entertainment awards, including the Oscars, Emmys, Grammys, and now Tonys. From Parasite to Squid Game, and now Maybe Happy Ending, Korean creators are no longer breaking into the global scene, they’re leading it.
The success also validates years of quiet work in South Korea’s theatre scene. Original musicals like Marie Curie and The Great Gatsby have made appearances in the West End and on Broadway, but Maybe Happy Ending marks the first time a Korean musical has truly swept the Tonys.
As one critic noted, more than awards, it’s about shifting global perspectives. Korean musicals are no longer export hopefuls. They’re now centre stage.