Exploring the Dark Depths: Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Chitrangada Singh Discuss 'Raat Akeli Hai 2'

Returning to a Gripping Narrative

Nearly five years after the suspenseful release of 'Raat Akeli Hai', director Honey Trehan is set to immerse audiences once again in a haunting narrative with 'Raat Akeli Hai 2'. In this sequel, Nawazuddin Siddiqui reprises his role as the intricate character Yadav, who is now on a mission to unravel the murder mystery surrounding the Bansal family. Chitrangada Singh joins him in this thrilling venture. Smita Srivastava engaged in a conversation with the duo, sharing insights from their discussion.

1. What has been the highlight of this year?
Chitrangada: Portraying Meera in 'Raat Akeli Hai 2' has been a rare opportunity. Meera hails from a powerful family and embodies strength, sensitivity, and personal challenges. Nowadays, scripts are increasingly featuring women in central roles, showcasing their complexity. Honey encouraged me to push my boundaries for this character, making it the standout aspect of my year.

Nawazuddin: This film holds a special place for me. I've eagerly anticipated its release since we wrapped up filming. The storyline diverges significantly from the original.

2. How did you approach your character?
Chitrangada: As actors, we develop certain habits—like how to express emotions. Honey taught me to maintain focus, even during repetitive scenes, to avoid mental blocks. His guidance helped me perform beyond my usual limits.

Is it challenging to portray the same character multiple times?
Nawazuddin: Yes, it can be risky. If you think, "This will be easy," you might find that the character can become a burden. Each portrayal requires starting anew. While there is a foundation, your interactions with new characters and their responses shift, which in turn alters your performance.

3. You both were meant to collaborate previously, but it didn't materialize...
Chitrangada: I've always wanted to work with Nawaz, but circumstances prevented it. Our relationship has always been positive. Films can fall through for various reasons, and it's easy for outsiders to speculate about conflicts. I expressed to Honey my desire to work with Nawaz, and he was incredibly supportive during challenging scenes.

4. Is it more challenging to play a dark role or to detach from it?
Chitrangada: Nawaz excels in dark roles. I find it tough to immerse myself in such characters. On set, we share laughs, but transitioning into the character's mindset when the camera rolls can be difficult. However, stepping away from it seems somewhat easier.

Nawazuddin: Exiting a character can also be challenging, as is embodying it. I've portrayed more morally ambiguous characters than purely dark ones. Some roles linger with you. Personally, the character from 'Raman Raghav 2.0' was quite intense, but I enjoyed the complexity of my role in 'Raat Akeli Hai'. Living as a character for a couple of months is a rewarding experience.

5. Is it tough to perform when you're stuck on a shot?
Nawazuddin: Every actor encounters moments of difficulty with certain shots, but the satisfaction of nailing the final take is immensely rewarding.

6. Jatin Yadav is a police officer, while Meera Bansal comes from a media-connected family. What does power signify for you?
Chitrangada: True power is the ability to live life on your own terms. Whether you choose to work or not, it's about living authentically. That's the essence of power; otherwise, it can become limitless in a negative sense.

Nawazuddin: That's a profound perspective. For us, power is about pursuing the work we are passionate about; otherwise, those in power can often misuse it.

7. This year, discussions around large casts, long shooting hours, and violence in films have been prevalent. What are your views on these matters?
Nawazuddin: These issues hinge on mutual understanding. If violence is depicted solely for shock value, it's inappropriate, but if it's integral to the narrative, it should be justified.

Chitrangada: I believe that when actors feel overworked, there should be open communication with filmmakers. If filmmakers perceive the cast as too large, actors must recognize that. Collaboration is key to achieving quality cinema; it cannot be one-sided. Blaming one party is not constructive. Great work emerges when everyone collaborates effectively.

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