In an industry where timing instinct and visibility can make or break careers actor Chitrangada Singh admits she has learnt some of her biggest lessons the hard way. Looking back at her journey the actor says her decisions shaped who she became on screen but at times listening to too many external opinions cost her roles that later turned into landmark films. Chitrangada who has always been selective about her work revealed that she turned down Gangs of Wasseypur (2012) one of Hindi cinema’s most celebrated films. Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap had approached her for the role that eventually went to Richa Chadha. “I said no to Gangs of Wasseypur. Anurag had come to me for that part” she shares adding that it wasn’t the only major project she let go of around that time. Why did Chitrangada Singh say no to career-defining films? The actor also declined Tanu Weds Manu (2011) a film that went on to redefine Kangana Ranaut’s career. Director Anand L Rai had offered Chitrangada the role that Kangana eventually played opposite R Madhavan. “At that point I listened to too many people and made some bad choices” she admits candidly. “Kangana was mind-blowing in that film. She was brilliant. Looking back I feel I made some really bad mistakes.” Chitrangada explains that when you are unsure you often assume others know better. “You think other people understand the industry more than you do but that’s not always true” she says reflecting on how self-doubt and external advice can blur one’s own instincts. The Shah Rukh Khan film she never knew she missed Interestingly one of the biggest opportunities slipped out of her hands without her even saying no. Chitrangada reveals she was being considered for Chalte Chalte (2003) opposite Shah Rukh Khan but had stepped away from acting at the time. “I had left work for seven or eight years and changed my number” she recalls. “Shah Rukh himself told me later during an ad shoot that they were looking for me. That’s when it really hits you.” The realisation she says was sobering not because she rejected the film but because she wasn’t around when the opportunity came knocking. Is staying visible the real challenge? Chitrangada believes that consistency matters just as much as talent in Bollywood. “This industry has a very short memory” she says. “If you’re not visible enough people tend to forget what you’ve done and what you’re capable of.” She adds that not being part of certain social circles or constant networking can also affect how often your name comes up for projects. Despite the missed chances Chitrangada seems at peace with her journey. “It’s all part of the process” she says acknowledging that every decision right or wrong has helped her grow as an actor and individual. For Chitrangada Singh hindsight may come with a few regrets but it has also brought clarity and a deeper understanding of trusting one’s own voice in a noisy industry.