The so-called Hindi film industry trade caucus has labelled Chandrachur Singh (also known as Rocky to his fans, friends and foes alike) as an unconventional good looker who has no place in the scheme of things vis-a-vis mainstream cinema. This negative attitude is a laughable misnomer as the same pundits had heralded him as the next box office messiah when his first two films, "Maachis" and "Tere Mere Sapney," hit both the creative and financial high tide. Rocky, however, is totally unfazed . In his own words, "If I or any other actor were to muse about other people's opinions, especially in our film industry, I would lose my sanity and perspective." Furthermore, if people like N. N. Sippy, Mansoor Khan, Ajay Devgan, Mukesh Bhatt and Raj Kanwar have Chandrachur for their forthcoming films, and have reposed their faith in his ability, no trade caucus, according to Chandrachur, can write him off. A sensitive introvert, Chandrachur has essayed the role of a completely extroverted, rich playboy in "Silsila Hai Pyar Ka" with great elan.
Acting opposite Karisma Kapoor for the first time, who in real life is a fun loving and gregarious young lady but a transforming introvert in the film, his contrasting chemistry with her is magical. "This will definitely result in another nail in the opinionated pundits' coffins," according to his appreciative director, Shraboni Deodhar ("Silsila Hai Pyar Ka").
"Every hero is into building his muscles these days. That's getting kind of boring. In fact, a filmmaker even told me that my vulnerable look is my best asset." Only a talented, creative and straightforward person like Chandrachur could say this. Pitch forked into celebrity limelight after his first two films, this multifaceted St. Stephen's College alumni (he has briefly even taught music at the prestigious Doon School at Dehradun), Rocky laments the fact that he is unable to do something about which he is most passionate about -his "riyaaz." Chandrachur has learnt Hindustani classical vocal and has a special feel for Indian folk music. The actor is also inspired by the triumph of the human spirit. "Have you seen that ad on TV showing a one-legged man swimming?" he asks. Such amazing resilience encourages me to strive harder.
"Believe me, our source of energy is in the mind. If you want to you can achieve the impossible... sometimes I even dream of Moksha, because I don't want to be born again. And beleive me, I'm not scared of death at all, but I'm scared of living," muses the philosopher in Chandrachur. He further adds that the post-recognition period has made him more forthcoming and a lot more confident. He concurs, "Confidence has come with the little success I've achieved. I'm glad it has happened. I never thought I would ever be self-confident." This from an actor who successfully pitted his skills against actors of the calibre of Om Puri, Tabu, and others in "Maachis," clearly indicates that being modest is an attribute he holds close to his heart. His other great passion is cricket. A potential first-class grade cricketer, he chose to pursue his creative urges, and possibly, let go of an opportunity to play amongst the likes of Tendulkar,et al. He, however, still packs a pretty mean wallop as a cricketer whenever he gets an opportunity to play the game.Hey Chandrachur hope u're not looking at a career hop at this stage...afterall who else is going to field for those impeccably character sensetive roles that you are seem to have such a rare talent for?
