Chum Darang, known for her honest and unfiltered personality in Bigg Boss 18, had already made a mark in Bollywood before stepping into reality TV. She played a role in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s blockbuster Gangubai Kathiawadi, starring Alia Bhatt. Recently, she shared her journey of landing the role and working with the acclaimed director on Bharti Singh and Haarsh Limbachiyaa’s podcast.
When asked how she got cast in Gangubai Kathiawadi, Chum revealed an interesting backstory. She had traveled to Delhi with her grandmother, who was experiencing severe knee pain. They stayed at her brother’s house while seeking medical care for her grandmother. Since no one else was around to help, her elderly grandmother, despite her age, recorded her audition video. Chum laughed as she recalled the moment and said, “It was just me and my grandmother at home. There was no one else to record, so she filmed my audition.”
Her performance caught the attention of the filmmakers, and soon, she received an unexpected call. The person on the other end introduced themselves as someone from Bhansali’s office. Chum was excited and immediately shared the news with her best friend. However, her friend dismissed it as a prank, leading her to doubt its authenticity. She later realized it was a real opportunity and went ahead with the process. “At first, I thought it was fake. My best friend even told me it was a scam. But then I realized it was real, and it all fell into place,” she said.
Speaking about her experience on set, Chum admitted that she felt intimidated by Bhansali’s meticulous approach to filmmaking. She had only a few scenes with Alia Bhatt, but the pressure of working with a director known for perfection kept her on edge. Every detail, from dialogues to expressions, was scrutinized. She admitted, “I was always scared. He demands perfection, and you can feel it on set.” She also shared that Bhansali personally chose the colors for each character’s costume, showcasing his keen eye for detail.
Coincidentally, Gangubai Kathiawadi completes three years today, having released on February 25, 2022. The film became a significant milestone in Alia Bhatt’s career and cemented Bhansali’s reputation for crafting cinematic masterpieces.
Before entering Bigg Boss 18, Chum had also appeared in Badhaai Do, displaying her versatility as an actress. However, it was reality television that brought her widespread recognition. The show amplified her popularity, making her a well-loved celebrity.
During her time in Bigg Boss 18, her bond with Karan Veer Mehra won fans over, with #ChumVeer trending across social media platforms. Their chemistry became a talking point, and viewers were deeply invested in their journey. She also developed strong friendships with Shrutika Arjun and Shilpa Shirodkar, further cementing her place in the audience’s hearts.
Chum Darang’s story reflects resilience and determination. From a self-recorded audition in a quiet home in Delhi to a grand set under Bhansali’s direction, she proved that talent and persistence open doors in the most unexpected ways.