Chitrangada Singh

Early life and family

Singh was born on 30 August 1975 in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, growing up there as well as in Kota, Rajasthan, and also Bareilly and Sophia Girls' School, Meerut in Uttar Pradesh, the latter city being the last where her father, Col. Niranjan Singh, an ex-Indian Army officer with a transferable job, was posted. Her brother Digvijay Singh Chahal is a golfer. After her schooling in Meerut at Sophia Girls' School, she completed her graduation in Home Science (food and nutrition) from Lady Irwin College, New Delhi.

Career

Breakthrough and struggles (2005-2010)

Singh began her career as a model before making the transition to the silver screen. After completing her graduation, she began modelling. She later drew attention after performing in the music video Sunset Point by Gulzar, followed by a music video with Abhijeet Bhattacharya.

Singh made her film debut with Sudhir Mishra's Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi in 2005. The film received critical acclaim and was a box office average. Singh played Geeta, a college student and social worker opposite Kay Kay Menon. Sukanya Verma stated, "Chitrangada is definitely someone to watch out for. She is a complete natural who zaps the camera with a passionate performance." John Pancake of The Washington Post noted her for giving "her character a deep sense of dignity and decency." Her next release, Kal: Yesterday and Tomorrow was a critical and commercial failure.

Following a three year hiatus, Singh returned to films opposite Sanjay Suri in Onir's Sorry Bhai!. Its release over the weekend of the Mumbai terror attacks and was a failure at the box office. This failure led to another two years break from acting.

Commercial films and fluctuations (2011–2020)

Singh started 2011 with Sudhir Mishra's Yeh Saali Zindagi, where she played a club singer Priti opposite Irrfan Khan. Despite positive reviews, it emerged an average grosser. Rajeev Masand noted, "Chitrangada uses her smouldering looks to create a mysterious character whose motivations and actions are unclear." Singh then played Tanya, an economics professor opposite Akshay Kumar in Rohit Dhawan's Desi Boyz. Taran Adarsh stated, "Chitrangada looks stunning and acts well, but her character isn't convincing." The film emerged a moderate success. In 2012, she performed a dance number in Shirish Kunder's Joker.

Singh had three releases in 2013. She first appeared as a prostitute in the short film Kirchiyaan. She then played an ambitious Maya opposite Arjun Rampal in Sudhir Mishra's Inkaar, which was box office average despite positive reviews. Rachit Gupta of Filmfare praised her performance and chemistry with Rampal. Singh later played Anushka a career women, in Kapil Sharma's I, Me Aur Main opposite John Abraham, which was a box office failure. This was followed by a dance number in Anjaan (2014) and Gabbar Is Back (2015) and a special appearance in Munna Michael (2018).

Singh turned a producer in 2018, with the biographical sports drama film Soorma, which was released under her banner C.S. Films and received positive response. She then played a mistress Suhani in Tigmanshu Dhulia's Saheb, Biwi Aur Gangster 3 opposite Sanjay Dutt, which flopped at the box office. In her last film of the year, Singh played Mandira, a businessman's wife opposite Saif Ali Khan in Gauravv K. Chawla's Baazaar. That year, she also ventured into television as a judge with DID Li'l Masters 4. With no release in 2019, she had a cameo appearance in Ghoomketu in 2020.

Career expansion and success (2021-present)

In 2021, Singh played Mary, an assassin's wife opposite Abhishek Bachchan in Diya Annapurna Ghosh's Bob Biswas. Anuj Kumar of The Hindu published, "Chitrangada gets a solid part as the ravishing wife of Bob. Though she doesn’t always succeed in shedding the uber-chic baggage, but her Mary shines among the wimpy men around her." In 2022, Singh expanded to OTT with the anthology series Modern Love Mumbai, playing Latika, an aspiring novelist opposite Arshad Warsi.

In 2023, Singh played Rukmani, a royal queen alongside Vikrant Massey in Gaslight. Saibal Chatterjee stated, "Chitrangada plays a woman whose allure lies in her ability to mask her desires and secrets behind a benign facade. She pulls it off for the most part." Following this, Singh appeared as Kadambari, in a cameo appearance in Khel Khel Mein.

In her first release of 2025, Singh played the leader of opposition in the series Khakee: The Bengal Chapter. Sugandha Rawal of Hindustan Times took note of her "commanding performance", while several reviews criticised her faltered character. She then played a businesswoman opposite Jackie Shroff in Housefull 5. The film was released in two versions, titled Housefull 5A and Housefull 5B, each featuring a different climax and murderer. Devesh Sharma stated that she adds to the "glamour quotient", but has nothing to do in the film. In late 2025, Singh appeared opposite Salman Khan in the Hindi-language war drama film Battle of Galwan, directed by Apoorva Lakhia. The film is produced by Salman Khan Films and is scheduled for theatrical release in April 2026.

Personal life

After a five-year-long courtship, Singh married golfer Jyoti Randhawa in 2001. They have a son Zorawar, born in 2008. The couple got separated in 2013 and were formally divorced in April 2015. The custody of their son was granted to Singh.

Media image

For her performance in Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi, Singh was placed in Rediff.coms "Best Bollywood Debut Ever" list. In Rediff.coms "Best Bollywood Actresses", she was placed 10th in 2005. In the Times Most Desirable Women list, Singh was placed 11th in 2011 and 4th in 2012. Singh is a celebrity endorser for several brands such as Airtel, Parachute, Puma, Garnier, Tanishq, Titan Eye Plus, Dollar Missy and Joyalukkas.

Filmography

Films

Television

Awards and nominations

References

References

1. (16 March 2012). "Personal Agenda: Chitrangda Singh". Hindustan Times.
2. "Chitrangda Singh Movies and Shows".
3. "Chitrangda Singh Mini Biography". Perfectpeople.net.
4. Bandyopadhyay, Zinia. (7 February 2025). "How Netflix pulled most unexpected casting coup with Khakee The Bengal Chapter".
5. [https://www.mid-day.com/articles/why-did-chitrangada-singh-get-nostalgic-on-the-sets-of-sahib-biwi-aur-gangster-3/18739163 "Why did Chitrangda Singh get nostalgic on the sets of Sahib Biwi Aur Gangster 3?"] {{Webarchive. link. (6 March 2019 (14 November 2017), ''Mid-Day''. Retrieved 5 March 2019.)
6. [https://www.rediff.com/movies/report/slide-show-1-chitrangda-thinks-she-looks-thin-in-black/20130306.htm "'Chitrangda likes black. She thinks she looks thin in it'"] {{Webarchive. link. (6 March 2019 (6 March 2013), ''Rediff''. Retrieved 5 March 2019.)
7. (3 July 2009). "Lady Irwin was strict: Chitrangda Singh". [[Hindustan Times]].
8. (19 November 2020). "Chitrangda Singh reveals she lost modelling assignments because of dusky complexion". Hindustan Times.
9. (14 April 2005). "The next Smita Patil". [[The Telegraph (Calcutta)]].
10. [http://www.indianexpress.com/news/the-comeback-girl/384156/ The Comeback Girl] {{Webarchive. link. (11 October 2010 [[Indian Express]], 11 November 2008.)
11. "Bollywood loves politics".
12. Verma, Sukanya. (15 April 2005). "Hazaaron Khwaishein is overwhelming!". Rediff.com.
13. [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A6175-2005Apr20.html 'A Thousand Dreams': Impassioned in India] {{Webarchive. link. (17 June 2017 by John Pancake, ''The Washington Post''. 21 April 2005)
14. (26 July 2005). "Dawn of a new Kal?". Hindustan Times.
15. [http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1287786.cms 'Chitrangada is just taking a break'] {{Webarchive. link. (8 March 2012 Ashok Chatterjee, TNN, ''[[The Times of India]]'', 8 November 2005.)
16. (6 September 2009). "Chitrangada not in golfing news". [[The Times of India]].
17. "Chitrangada is back!". Rediff.
18. link. (29 April 2010 IANS, [[Sify.com]], Wednesday, 29 October 2008.)
19. [http://www.indianexpress.com/news/me-and-slapstick-humor-not-sure-chitrangda-singh/400485/ Me and slapstick humor? Not sure: Chitrangda Singh] {{Webarchive. link. (25 February 2013 ''[[Indian Express]]'', 19 December 2008.)
20. "It's Yeh Saali Zindagi".
21. "Box Office 2011". Box Office India.
22. (3 February 2011). "Masand: 'Yeh Saali Zindagi' surprises you". [[IBN Live]].
23. (25 November 2011). "Chitrangada Singh excited about her Desi Boyz".
24. Adarsh, Taran. "Desi Boyz : Movie Review by Taran Adarsh".
25. "2011 Worldwide Figures: Twenty Films Cross 50 Crore". Box Office India.
26. (23 July 2012). "Chitrangda turns playback singer". [[The Times of India]].
27. (31 January 2013). "Sudhir Mishra, Chitrangada Singh team up again in Kirchiyaan". First Post.
28. Jogindar Tuteja. (16 February 2011). "Arjun & Chitrangda pair up for Sudhir's next on sexual exploitation".
29. (18 January 2013). "Movie Review: Inkaar". [[Filmfare]].
30. "Chitrangada: I wasn't taken seriously as an actor".
31. (11 March 2015). "Big plans for Akshay Kumar's 'Gabbar Is Back'". The Indian Express.
32. "Now a film on hockey player Sandeep Singh". The Hindu.
33. "Chitrangada to produce a biopic on hockey player Sandeep Singh". The Indian Express.
34. Jhunjhunwala, Udita. (27 July 2018). "Film Review: Saheb, Biwi Aur Gangster 3". [[Mint (newspaper).
35. "Chitrangda Singh opposite Saif Ali Khan in Baazaar!". DNA.
36. (2020-05-09). "Nawazuddin Siddiqui's film Ghoomketu to premiere on ZEE5 on May 22".
37. (10 December 2020). "Abhishek Bachchan-starrer ''Bob Biswas'' wraps shoot".
38. (3 December 2021). "'Bob Biswas' movie review: Misses the target, but just by a whisker". The Hindu.
39. (May 19, 2022). "Modern Love Mumbai: Chitrangda Singh and Arshad Warsi capture bittersweet effects of love, marriage in just one scene".
40. (May 14, 2022). "Modern Love Mumbai: Amazon Prime series makes you fall in love with the city, all over again".
41. (6 March 2023). "Gaslight teaser: Sara Ali Khan, Vikrant Massey and Chitrangda Singh team up for a murder mystery". Hindustan Times.
42. (31 March 2023). "Gaslight Review: Sara Ali Khan's Earnest Performance Is Uneven - Like The Film". NDTV.
43. (17 August 2024). "Chitrangda Singh has this to say about her cameo in 'Khel Khel Mein'". The Print.
44. (11 March 2025). "How Netflix is adding 'Bengal Chapter' to 'Khakee' success". [[India Today]].
45. (20 March 2025). "Khakee The Bengal Chapter review: Neeraj Pandey show falls prey to slow pace despite stellar performances". [[Hindustan Times]].
46. (20 March 2025). "Khakee The Bengal Chapter review: Consistent, pacy, binge-worthy thriller". [[India Today]].
47. (25 December 2024). "'Housefull 5' wraps filming, movie to release in June 2025".
48. "Inside Sajid Nadiadwala's 'Housefull 5' Multiple Endings Gambit: 'Bringing Back That Element of Surprise' (EXCLUSIVE)".
49. "Housefull 5 Review: Leave your brains behind".
50. (27 December 2025). "Battle Of Galwan teaser: Salman Khan leads war drama inspired by Galwan Valley clash". NDTV.
51. "Battle of Galwan expected release timeline, cast and first look".
52. (2 May 2012). "I was there for my hubby then, he's there for me now: Chitrangda".
53. (26 December 2018). "The Jyoti Randhawa and Chitrangda Singh love story: Wedding to divorce".
54. "Chitrangda Singh, Jyoti Randhawa granted divorce".
55. "Best Bollywood Debutants Ever". Rediff.com.
56. Kulkarni, Ronjita. (23 December 2005). "Ten best Bollywood actresses of 2005". Rediff.com.
57. (9 January 2011). "Times 50 Most Desirable Women 2011".
58. (14 May 2013). "Times top 50 Most Desirable Women of 2012".
59. "Chitrangda Singh is now Garnier's brand ambassador".
60. (19 June 2018). "Dollar Missy ropes in Chitrangada Singh as Brand Ambassador".
61. [http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/screen/chitrangada-singh-is-the-face-of-titan-eyepluss-enigma-collection/ "Chitrangada bags another brand"] {{Webarchive. link. (3 April 2015 . Retrieved 26 March 2015)
62. (7 February 2020). "Chitrangda Singh cast as leading lady for Bob Biswas starring Abhishek Bachchan".
63. (11 September 2021). "Gaslight: Chitrangda Singh to play parallel lead alongside Vikrant Massey and Sara Ali Khan". The Tribune India.
64. "'Desi Boyz Era Is Back!' Netizens laud Akshay Kumar and Chitrangda Singh's reunion in Khel Khel Mein". Firstpost.
65. (23 September 2024). "Housefull 5: Chunky Panday shares stunning pics from France; Dino Morea, Chitrangda Singh and Nargis Fakhri join him". The Times of India.
66. "Goutam Ghose's 'Parikrama' starring Chitrangada Singh to release in theatres this week". The Telegraph.
67. (14 January 2024). "Chitrangda Singh joins Nawazuddin Siddiqui in Netflix's Raat Akeli Hai sequel". Bollywood Hungama.
68. (14 September 2025). "Chitrangda Singh on starting shoot of Battle of Galwan with Salman Khan: Glad that his fans have accepted me". Hindustan Times.
69. (13 February 2018). "Chitrangda Singh to debut on TV as a Judge with DID Li'l Masters Season 4". Bollywood Hungama.
70. (28 April 2022). "Modern Love Mumbai trailer: From millennial love to same-sex love, a show on different shades of love". The Indian Express.
71. (6 August 2024). "Chitrangda Singh returns to OTT with Neeraj Pandey's Khakee: The Bengal Chapter". Hindustan Times.
72. "Winners of Bollywood Movie Awards: 1999 to 2007". BollywoodAwards.com.
73. (27 January 2006). "Zee Cine Awards 2006 nominations". IndiaFM News Bureau.
74. (12 January 2006). "Black sweeps Screen Awards".
75. "2nd Apsara Producers Guild Awards Nominations".
76. Bollywood Hungama News Network. (10 February 2009). "Nominations for Pan Bahar Max Stardust Awards 2009". Bollywood Hungama.
77. "Screen Awards 2015, Latest News on Screen Awards 2015, Photo Gallery The Indian Express". indianexpress.com.
78. Chakrabarty, Madhushree. (8 December 2020). "Winners of the Hitlist Web Awards 2019-2020 were announced".
79. "Bollywood Hungama Style Icons Summit and Awards 2025: From Akshay Kumar to Varun Dhawan to Shahid Kapoor to Vidya Balan, celebrities win big". Bollywood Hungama.