Deepika Padukone is my husband's favourite, not me: Chitrangda Singh

It was in 2008’s Sorry Bhai that actress Chitrangda Singh made her much-talked about comeback in Bollywood after a self-imposed hiatus of three years.

Incidentally, it’s taken the actor almost another three years since her last release to hit the big screen again. Keeping her busy were several endorsements, some with biggies, including one with her self-admitted crush Shah Rukh Khan.

“But I’m hoping to make up for the lost time in the next year,” says the actress who has four films lined up in her kitty including Yeh Saali Zindagi, Desi Boyz and Prakash Jha’s next based on sexual exploitation. “The wait has been long, but the films have been worth it,” she adds excitedly.

Teaming again with mentor Sudhir Mishra in Yeh..., she hopes to recreate the magic of her debut film Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi that had won her much acclaim. “But it’s hard to top a Hazaaron... and it’s not fair to compare the two either,” adds the actress who’s been juggling a family back in Delhi and work in Mumbai. “It isn’t easy,” admits Chitrangda, “but thanks to the  support I have from my husband and family that I am managing the two just fine.”

Talking about hubby,  ace golfer Jyoti Randhawa, she rubbishes rumours of any rift between the two. “Just because we don’t attend filmi parties together, it’s unfair to say that there’s any trouble brewing. He’s a superstar in his own right and is definitely not awed by his actress wife, but it doesn’t mean he’s not supportive of my choices,” she asserts.

But there’s no smoke without fire? “Well, both Jyoti and I have professions that require us to travel. And when it comes to managing a family, there are bound to be adjustment issues, just like most couples with children do. But all’s well with the marriage,” she reiterates.

So, is she his favourite actress? “No, I’m afraid that would have to be Deepika (Padukone), though I wish it was me,” she laughs. On a serious note she adds, “He’s not into Bollywood at all.”

Talking about her own journey back, Chitrangda reveals that she’s happy with its pace. “I’m in no race to reach anywhere. All I want is to be able to do interesting work and that’s what I am doing. So no complaints! Though I’m keen for good work, I’m not desperate, so I don’t feel any pressure either,” she says. “But yes, I do hope to work with Shah Rukh some day. I don’t think any actor can claim to have a rewarding Bollywood career if she hasn’t worked with him. That’s my Bollywood dream too!” she smiles.