Actor Chetna Pande says Haunted 3D changed her life after 'worst six months'

Actor Chetna Pande said Haunted 3D's success came after a crushing six-month spell of illness and setbacks at home. The film's strong run and praise for her performance have turned a period of rejection and pain into a defining moment.

In Short

• Chetna Pande called Haunted 3D success a blessing after tough six months
• She said she faced personal setbacks with family and partner's health issues
• The actor said director Vikram Bhatt's faith helped her land the lead role

Actor Chetna Pande said the success of Haunted 3D came after what she described as the "worst six months" of her life. In an exclusive interview with India Today, the 31-year-old said she is still trying to process the film's run, which came after personal setbacks at home and years of professional rejection.

Pande said the moment feels especially important because her mother is undergoing treatment for liver cirrhosis, while her partner and pet have also been dealing with health issues. She said her parents have not been able to fully enjoy her big moment.

Speaking to India Today, the Haunted 3D actor said, "My partner was unwell, my mother was unwell, and then my pet was diagnosed with a health issue. It felt like one setback after another. I had almost forgotten what happiness felt like. I was in so much mental pain that I felt completely broken and at my lowest point. That's why this moment feels even more special. I can't believe that after going through such a difficult phase, something so beautiful could happen."

Pande called Haunted 3D a blessing and said its success felt like proof that perseverance eventually pays off. "I think we actors face so much, from endless waiting to rejection. And then when you get a film like this, which also does such wonderful numbers, it feels like all my setbacks were totally worth it. Every setback in my life that has broken me down has made me stronger and prepared me for today. Now I feel everything happened for the right reason."

For Pande, the success of Haunted 3D feels like a dream. After years of rejection, missed opportunities, and being replaced in projects even after being told she was finalised, she is now receiving praise for her performance as Sunheri.

"It feels unbelievable. I am still not able to process it. There was a point when it was not even releasing, so from there to this journey, it feels very, very special," Chetna said, adding that it was director Vikram Bhatt's conviction that got them here.

Vikram Bhatt's faith in her

Pande said she first met the 57-year-old filmmaker three years ago, when the film had not even gone on floors. During that meeting, she told him how difficult it was for newcomers to get lead roles. She said aspiring actors often get calls only for supporting roles, or are not finalised even after being shortlisted.

"But he told me that I was very talented and that it was surprising nobody had seen me that way," she said. A year later, he saw her as Sunheri, and things changed.

Bhatt was already shooting Haunted 3D with another actor when he came across Pande's photos, in which she had recreated actor Alia Bhatt look from Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. "He called me for a meeting the very next day, and 10 minutes into it, he asked me to sign the contract. He told me it was a special film, and it all felt like a dream come true moment for me," she shared.

Pande said Bhatt later told her that she had brought Sunheri to life beautifully and that audiences would notice her performance. Her co-star Mimoh Chakraborty also praised her screen presence and said the film felt like Sunheri's story. After the release, she said she was overwhelmed by the response from viewers who connected strongly with her character.

Shooting the difficult scenes

Pande said one of the biggest challenges during the shoot was the film's dialogue-heavy Hindi. She also spoke about the emotional strain of filming scenes in which her character is violated and abused, saying one scene stayed with her even after pack-up.

"When the character came close to me, I felt so revolted. I was shivering, and I understood the pain and anger that women face when they are touched without their consent. I wanted to push him away and hit him. Thankfully, the scene required me to kill him, and I think I channelled my energy into that. After that, the whole night I kept thinking about the pain that women go through, and how this is the worst feeling ever," Chetna said.

Working with Mimoh and meeting Mithun Chakraborty

Pande said working with co-star Mimoh Chakraborty was one of the best experiences of her career. "He's such a down-to-earth, adorable person that he instantly became one of my favourite co-actors," she said.

She also recalled a visit from Mimoh's father, actor Mithun Chakraborty, on the set. "He's such an intimidating personality, but he was so sweet to me. He even complimented my work when he was on set. And also to see him bond with Mimoh, who calls him by his name, was surprising yet so endearing," the actor said.

Haunted 3D: Echoes of the Past has grossed over Rs 20 crore in 10 days. The film was released alongside Main Vaapas Aaunga, Governor and Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata.

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