Chitrangda Singh has revealed that she never actively pursued a role in a Salman Khan film, expressing surprise at being cast alongside the superstar in the upcoming war drama, "Battle of Galwan". In a recent interview, the actress shared her initial reaction to being offered the role, stating, "I got Apoorva Lakhia (director) who gave me a call and I was like, 'Really?' I wasn't so sure that I'd ever end up doing a Salman Khan film because I mean, I don't even think I ever pitched myself for some work, you know with him even though I'd known him socially for a long time".
Singh, who comes from an army background, feels a personal connection to "Battle of Galwan," which is based on the 2020 Galwan Valley conflict between India and China. She expressed her excitement about being part of a film that highlights the bravery and sacrifice of Indian soldiers. "I'm happy to be part of something which, you know, I mean that's the world that I know and I'm very proud to be a daughter of an army man," she said.
Directed by Apoorva Lakhia, known for "Shootout at Lokhandwala," "Battle of Galwan" aims to depict the real-life, heart-wrenching clash and is slated for an April release. The film also stars Abhilash Chaudhary, Ankur Bhatia, Vipin Bhardwaj, and others. Singh praised the film's combination of commercial appeal and its grounding in real incidents. "Yes, I think commercially also it's going to be a big one, Galwan, and it is at the same time rooted in very real incidents. So I think that's a great combination for cinema," she stated.
Singh also lauded Khan's spontaneity and improvisational style on set. She noted that he is secure and loves to improvise, making the scene ever-evolving until the final take. "Luckily, with Salman, there is a lot of improvising; he likes to improvise on set, so a lot of moments and things are improvised," Singh said. She also praised Khan's on-set behavior and professionalism, noting that he makes sure everyone is looked after. "It's the most fun being on sets with him... There is no stress when he is around," she added.
Singh admired Khan for being "who he is and not wanting to be anything else". She told PTI in an interview that Khan has zero pretension, which she finds rare in the industry. "The most amazing thing about him is that there is zero pretension… I've not come across anyone in the industry, who has zero pretension, it's this man," Singh said.
While "Battle of Galwan" marks the first time Singh and Khan are sharing screen space, Singh revealed that she was earlier set to team up with Khan on a movie, which the superstar was going to produce, but the film never materialized. Despite her initial surprise and any nervousness about working with a major star, Singh seems to be enjoying the experience and is committed to giving her best to the role.
