Chitrangda Singh

Defying Boundaries

It's not that our cover star set out to spark a revolution, yet in many ways, she did. India's conventional beauty standards were subtly challenged when Chitrangda Singh’s exoticism was embraced, not just by her. Over the years, she has even deviated from the prevailing professional norms. In this Aza exclusive, we explore more about how she embraced her unique journey and her truest self.

Photography by Ajay Kadam; Styling by Namrata Deepak; Styling team Kashish Sinha; Makeup by Anu Kaushik; Hairstyling by Reeta Shukla; Talent coordination by Communique Film PR; Creative Direction by Arthi Medithi; Words by Kajol Shah

Does marriage and motherhood result in a slow disintegration of a Bollywood heroine's career?At least, that’s the common assumption. Now, is Chitrangda an exception to the so-called rule,or have the rules themselves changed? The power performer weighs in, “The industry has been kind to me. Having said that, I would say that good work cannot be forgotten.” From Sudhir Mishra’s romantic thriller Inkaar to Saif Ali Khan starrer financial thriller Bazaar and her recent release, the OTT political drama, Khakee: The Bengal Chapter—Chitrangda’s choices mirror her words. She’s indeed here to do meaningful work, but on her own terms.

The industry has been kind to me. Having said that, I would say that good work cannot be forgotten.

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Designer, Jigar Mali; Jewellery, Razwada Jewels

Pride & Prejudice

Chitrangda’s OOTD is a summery cyan-blue and white floral dress, paired with berry lips, glares, kitten flats and a perky demeanor. “I loved the moodboard—so beautiful,” she says excitedly, clutching printouts of her hair and makeup references while eyeing the majestic outfits on the rack. The overarching theme of the lookbook was ethnic royalty, showcasing Chitrangda in a way she’s never been seen before. For team Aza—as passionate advocates of Indian splendor in all forms—it was an obvious choice, given that Chitrangda has long been celebrated as the quintessential brown beauty. “I was actually named after a warrior princess from Churachanpur in Manipur. My father was an Indian army officer and was posted in the small town for some time,” she adds. A fitting nod to the regal spirit she was about to channel today.

India is definitely having a moment right now. Whether it’s our culture, tradition or beauty, we appear to be prouder of our heritage.

Chitrangda has been vocal about facing colourism in the modeling industry. That was about two decades ago, when fairness creams ruled the airwaves. But a lot has changed since then—beauty standards have evolved to become more inclusive, thanks in part to the internet’s collective push for accountability and responsibility. What is Chitrangda’s take on the outdated beauty norms, I ask her as she fixes her nath, decked in an ethereal Abhinav Mishra ivory anarkali set. She talks of the broader cultural moment India is having on the global stage to answer the question, “India is definitely having a moment right now. Whether it’s our culture, tradition or beauty, we appear to be prouder of our heritage. There is real Indian representation today. With that, the beauty norms are bound to change.”

Chitrangda Singh in Abhinav Mishra Outfit

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Designer, Abhinav Mishra; Jewellery, Shri Paramani Jewels

It’s a Housefull

He (Akshay Kumar) swears by everything natural and organic. I don’t think he even takes medicine—he relies entirely on home remedies.

Our muse makes an animated exit from the changing room, dressed in the most gorgeous maroon raw silk Jigar Mali saree, her hair curled and swept to one side. She moves briskly, catching glimpses of herself in a vintage hand mirror while a member of her entourage hypes her up. Another plays the role of paparazzi, panning a phone camera dramatically across the room. The team is fueled by an assortment of carbs—three types of rice: egg fried, Japanese sticky, and tom yum—accompanied by a portion of dumplings on the side. The frenzied energy instantly reminds me of the laughter riot that is the Housefull series.

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Designer, Azeera; Jewellery, Shri Paramani Jewels

It would be safe to say that 2011 was the year of Chitrangda’s breakthrough in commercial cinema—with the release of Desi Boyz opposite Akshay Kumar. Last year, fans were delighted to see her cameo in Khel Khel Mein—with playful references to Desi Boyz. And now with the mega ensemble, Housefull 5, we see a proper comeback of the duo. Talking about her beloved co-star, while sipping on water from a straw, she tells me, “Akshay is a wonderful friend and co-star. He is thoughtful in so many ways—he’ll help with our lines, improvise on scenes, and make everyone on set always feel comfortable.” Having known him for over a decade now, I prod her to reveal an unknown fact about him that she admires. She smirks and tells me, “He swears by everything natural and organic. I don’t think he even takes medicine—he relies entirely on home remedies. He’ll use almond oil for his skin. No protein powders or supplements. It’s incredible to see the level of fitness he maintains purely through such a natural, disciplined lifestyle.”

Up, Close & Personal

From a poised economics professor and a mysterious singer to a determined IPS officer, Chitrangda has put on diverse masks as an actor. But when it comes to characters that strike a personal chord, she finds a deep resonance with Maya Luthra from Inkaar. “That’s probably the film that resonates most with my alter ego,” she admits. Maya, an ambitious advertising executive, is layered with contradictions. “She’s strong and she’s weak at the same time,” Chitrangda reflects. “The extremes in Maya—the ambition and emotion, the power and the vulnerability—were so interesting to play. I really enjoyed that.”

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Designer, Seema Gujral; Jewellery, Araiya by Aza

Leaning into the curves of a brick-red couch in a Seema Gujral sequined saree and a stunning layered lab-grown diamond necklace from Araiya by Aza, Chitrangda is a portrait-perfect sight to behold. A single rose rests in her hand, as Ishq Hai drifts through the room, setting a poetic mood. “Love this song!” she exclaims. Between takes, it’s not unusual for her to shoot music requests, from Afreen to Suniyan Suniyan and Billo Rani. Chitrangda’s other interests reflect a similar appetite for depth as well as light-hearted fun. “I love travelling and trying my hand at outdoor activities from scuba diving to golf and horse-riding.” There’s also a quiet, artistic side to her who sketches in charcoal and finds joy in the meditative patience of fishing, a hobby she explored during the lockdown. “It’s so relaxing,” she says. “Just you and the rhythm of the water.”

The extremes in Maya (from Inkaar)—the ambition and emotion, the power and the vulnerability—were so interesting to play. I really enjoyed that.

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Designer, Roqa; Jewellery, Shri Paramani Jewels

The Anchor

In a world full of pressure and competition, having my son feels like having the whole world—it's a constant reminder of what really matters.

From the briny depths of the ocean to the heights of ambition, Chitrangda has chased it all—but the quiet joy of motherhood remains her truest anchor—her most beautiful season, for the rest of her life. “In a world full of pressure and competition, having my son feels like having the whole world. It's a constant reminder of what really matters.” On that endearing note, she asks the team to gather for a group picture and warmly bids us adieu.

Shop Chitrangda's looks and similar styles here

Also Read:From being trolled for her fashion choices to being invited to Lakme Fashion Week and the Vivienne Westwood show, our muse has come a long way. Going beyond “what's Uorfi's latest dress”, Aza dives deep in this unfiltered interview where Uorfi talks of taking the plunge after Bigg Boss, her abusive father, her worldview and more.

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Chitrangda Singh

Pride & Prejudice

It’s a Housefull

Up, Close & Personal

The Anchor

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