New Delhi, May 28 (IANS): Actor Chandrachur Singh, who has been out of action for health reasons, is back. From films to television he is doing everything and is also wowed by the film industry's professionalism and changing work culture.
"Bollywood is going through a transitional phase. One of the good things that has happened over the years is that there is continuity. Now most of the films are shot in just one schedule, which was not there before," Chandrachur told IANS on the phone from Mumbai.
"The mechanics of filmmaking have changed; post-production values have changed in a big way. There is a lot of professionalism today; films are getting fresh treatment...It is good to see they have learned the business dynamics of it," added the 43-year-old.
He breezed into Bollywood in 1996 with two successful films - "Maachis" and "Tere Mere Sapne". He proved his versatility by playing a militant in off-beat serious drama "Maachis", about militancy in Punjab, and an NRI who falls in love with a desi girl in romantic comedy "Tere Mere Sapne".
Later in "Josh" and "Kya Kehna" he was seen romancing Aishwarya Rai and Preeti Zinta respectively.
After 2001 release "Aamdani Atthani Kharcha Rupaiyaa" the actor suffered health problems and has been out of action.
The actor claims he used his time constructively.
"I was busy spending quality time with my five-year-old son, watching world cinema, reading books and listening to classical, rock music (my son likes to listen it a lot)," said Chandrachur, who worked as a music teacher in Vasant Valley School in Delhi before becoming an actor.
"It was a kind of rejuvenation, where I also got a chance to expand my horizons and introspect myself," he added.
He was seen in this year's release "Chaar Din Ki Chandni" and will also feature in "Zila Ghaziabad" and Mira Nair's "The Reluctant Fundamentalist".
He has been also shooting for tentatively titled film "Pal Chhin".
What about taking up direction?
"Not as of now. I have no plans to step behind the camera. But I don't know what the future holds. Right now I am content with the wide variety of roles that I am getting as an actor," he said.
Chandrachur is also venturing into small screen as the host of Food Food channel's cookery show "Royal Rasoi", which will explore recipes patronised by the erstwhile royalty.
The show will also talk about royal household, where the recipes come from, along with the history and anecdotes attached to it.
"It was more of an intuitive decision. My brother Aditya was producing the show. I had some free time as most of the films that I have worked are in post-production. It is a very interesting concept as the show will not only talk about food but also about contribution to the place, erstwhile history and cultural diversity of that place," he said.