One of the most loved and progressive films of Bollywood, Queen (2014), completed 10 years on March 27. Starring Kangana Ranaut, Rajkummar Rao and Lisa Haydon, it’s about a girl who’s dumped by her hubby-to-be a day before marriage and how she goes on a solo honeymoon. The film was loved for its performances, message, execution and it became a sensation. Even the supporting cast put their best foot forward. One of them was Chinmay Chandraunshuh. He played Chintu, Rani’s (Kangana Ranaut) younger brother and left a mark as he played the character of a rowdy yet sensitive young member of the family convincingly. Currently 24, Chinmay was around 12 years old and was in Class 7 when he signed Queen. Earlier, he had worked in Chillar Party (2011) and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013). After Queen, he appeared in a few web series and also delivered an impressive performance in the National-Award winning movie, Toolsidas Junior (2022).
As Queen completed 10 years, Bollywood Hungama exclusively spoke with Chinmay Chandraunshuh about Queen and his memories of shooting the film.
You had worked with Vikas Bahl earlier in Chillar Party. Did that help you bag Queen?
The casting was done by Casting Bay. But considering that Vikas sir had directed Chillar Party, he had kept me in mind. He told me much later that while shooting for Chillar Party that he always believed that if Queen is made, he'd like me to play Chintu (smiles)!
Was there an audition?
Yes. Anmol Ahuja sir, one of the founders of Casting Bay, took my audition. Also, after Chillar Party and before Queen, I acted in one more film - Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013). I played Milkha Singh’s childhood friend. So, Queen was my third film.
You are in full form in the song ‘London Thumakda’. In one shot, you are even seen doing the dance step of ‘Gangnam Style’! What was the brief given to you and other actors?
Before the film went on floors, all the cast members underwent a workshop. We were informed about our scenes, including ‘London Thumakda’. Bosco and Caesar were not present but their assistant gave us a basic idea about the dance steps we can do. I was dancing freely and the scene required me to do so as it was my sister's wedding in the film. Those were the days when 'Gangnam Style' was quite popular. During the rehearsal, I ended up doing its step. They really liked it and I was told to incorporate it.
The shoot for sangeet sequence went on for 3 days. We shot the dance sequence in 2 days and the montage was shot earlier. I didn't care about shoot, retakes, rehearsal etc. I was very young and was just having fun! My scenes are also quite funny.
You stand out in the café scene when Vijay (Rajkummar Rao) tells Rani that he can’t marry her. The way you point a finger at Vijay is memorable. Was that always there in the script?
Director Vikas sir had explained to me the scene that 'Teri didi rote rote cafe se baahar aayi hai. Naturally, you are angry with Vijay'. For the first take, I gave an angry look to Rajkummar Rao and turned away. Then, Vikas sir got this idea of pointing the finger. He suggested, 'Ek yeh variation bhi kar ke dekhte hai'. And it turned out to be really funny. I remember after sir said 'Cut', everyone started laughing, including Rajkummar Rao sir.
How was it working with Kangana Ranaut?
It was a really good experience. I had maximum scenes with her, Yogendra Tiku sir and Alka Badola ma'am like when we go to drop Rani at the airport and later, we also go to the airport to receive her. Then, we also shot for the marriage scenes. While doing these scenes with them, we all felt like we are a part of the same family (smiles).
How was it working with Rajkummar Rao?
I didn’t get to interact with him as I had only one scene with him.
Your funniest scene in the film is when you get blown away while chatting with Vijaylaxmi (Lisa Haydon) on the webcam and so does Rani’s father (Yogendra Tiku)…
(Laughs) I didn’t know there was such a scene in the script. My audition scene was the one where I am playing cricket and I get a call from Vijay. I show attitude to him and refuse to share Rani’s whereabouts. I knew that this scene is there in the film but I had no idea about the rest. A day before the shoot of the webcam scene, I was told about it by an AD. The AD further informed us that the scene to which we have to react has already been shot. They even showed the scene to us. Accordingly, our reaction shot was filmed. Vikas sir gave us cues, which proved to be of help.
Did people start recognizing you once the film was released?
Yes, it happened often. In school, everyone knew that I am into acting. But with Queen, the recognition was much more as my scenes were found to be entertaining. Even on social media, my scenes worked big time. And the recognition continues even today. Now, I have done films like Toolsidas Junior (2022) and shows like TVF’s ImMATURE. People tell me, ‘We remember Chintu from Queen and we saw your film/show to see how Chintu has grown up’ (laughs)!
Did Vikas Bahl ever talk about making a sequel to Queen?
People keep asking me. But I have no answer to this question. I was in touch with Vikas sir even after the film’s release. But he never said anything about making a part 2. He informed me, ‘People have loved your act a lot’.
Did you check the reactions on social media or the reviews at the time of release?
I didn’t but my friends and family members did. They told me that both the film and my performance have been appreciated. My parents were very proud that I shared screen space with Kangana ma’am and that I was a part of such a big film. It was also a big hit. People used to come forward and tell them how much they enjoyed my performance. That made them very happy.
That year, I was even nominated for Best Child Artist award at the Screen Awards. The award, however, went to the child actor in Bhoothnath Returns (2014; Parth Bhalerao).
Are you still in touch with anyone from the team of Queen?
I am in touch with only Vikas sir and Alka ma’am.
Do you feel astonished that no one from the team of the film celebrated its 10th anniversary? After all, Queen is a landmark film…
It’s only when you called me that I realized that it’s been 10 years of Queen. It was a surprise to me that such a landmark film has completed 10 years and it has not made news. No one from the team tried to organize anything. I remember when Chillar Party completed 10 years in 2021, we all met on a Zoom call to talk about the film and our memories. It was attended by all the 9-10 kids along with actors Aakash Dahiya, Vijay Maurya, Nitesh sir and Vikas sir. I wish something similar was also organized for Queen. It would had been very nice.
What next?
I have a couple of projects and web series lined up. I am currently working on season 2 of ImMATURE and TSP’s Mera Bhai.
More Pages: Queen Box Office Collection , Queen Movie Review
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