Tannishtha Chatterjee is an exceptionally talented Bollywood/Hollywood/European cross over actress and professional Hindustani classical vocalist.  In fact, her singing is so beautiful; Tannishtha has had a singing role in all her movies and has sung at the London Royal Opera House.  She has had a starring role in movies along side Martin Sheen, Mischa Barton and Lucy Liu. 

After a phone interview with Tannishtha my mind, body and soul feels renewed by her beautiful being and refreshing philosophies. Perhaps she reminded me of many of the philosophies I grew up with living in Asia that are slowly slipping away after living a predominately Western life, now focused on things I never knew even existed.  Do they make me happy?  Yes and no, as in all cultures, which is why I travel the world picking and choosing from the best of civilization.  But I do find the most fundamental joy in the philosophies that Tannishtha aspires for and lives by.  Any movie set graced with Tannishtha Chatterjee will find magic in all, and everything, she touches.

It is with great honor that I share the gifts of Tannishtha Chatterjee thoughts with The Global Townhall readers.

Gabrielle Reilly:  What do you think has attributed to your success?

Tannishtha Chatterjee:    I don't expect much.  Actually, I don't expect anything.  Instead, I try to be open to different experiences and be positive to everything new.  I like to take challenges.  I don't dream about things.  When things happen I put in my best effort which leads me to the next step, the next level.  I am really a very content person.  I'm happy with the space I'm in.  I don't expect to be cast in a role when I attend casting calls, instead I focus on enjoying trying out for it and meeting interesting people. 

I also do not have expectation for the end result of a movie, I just put in my best effort then I move onto next project.  Each project I am entirely in that time and space. 

Gabrielle Reilly:  Do you think living without any expectations of the end result frees you to perform in a fearless place?

Tannishtha Chatterjee:    Yes, if your expectations are too high the end result can be disappointing, so I don't like to get trapped by that thinking.  If the results don't turn out, I am not attached to them.  I can just go on and try again on the next project.  Expectations can have too much disappointment attached to them.  One of the Hindu Gods speaks of practical matters in his entire scripture.  The scripture says to not get caught in the end result, just do your job well.  Sometimes that is difficult and sometimes I feel like I stumble but I do my best. 

Gabrielle Reilly:  I love learning about beauty tips from around the world.  What is your favorite beauty tip?

Tannishtha Chatterjee:    Being an actress can be torture on your skin and hair... all the lights, makeup, the changing time zones as you travel and all the chemicals, so I try to keep my beauty routine as natural as possible.  When I say natural, I mean the real thing that I make at home.  I don't even use a ready-made face cleanser. I grind up plants that are good for your skin and keep the mix in the fridge for a month.  It also works as a scrub.  I avoid chemicals. 

I believe beauty really glows from the inside.  Beauty is about a combination of things including being healthy.  I try to eat a natural diet in regular intervals that includes a lot of raw vegetables.  I do yoga which helps with your breathing pattern and cleanses your system.  I surround myself with positive energy.  I focus on being happy, content and stress free. These attributes show on your face and is what makes you beautiful.  I get excited with ideas and music so I feel joy.  Beauty is really a combination of your life style.

Gabrielle Reilly:  Yes, I noticed in one of your interviews that I was just watching that you looked just radiant.  You have another layer of gorgeous beyond your beautiful appearance. 

Gabrielle Reilly:  Is your hair naturally curly?  What hair tips can you share?

Tannishtha Chatterjee:    Yes.  I keep everything natural.  Sometimes I use henna, oil or egg yolk which are nourishing for hair.   I find the lushness comes from using natural products. 

Gabrielle Reilly:  So when you say oil, do you sleep with it in or what do you do with the oil?

Tannishtha Chatterjee:    Yes, I sleep with it in sometimes.   I use olive oil or coconut oil and also massage into my scalp.  This process is not only good for your hair but also improves your memory, relieves stress and helps you to cool down.

Gabrielle Reilly:  Do you have any advice for working in front of the camera?

Tannishtha Chatterjee:    I think it takes a while to work that out for yourself.  Everybody has to find and discover their own individual process.   I do not focus on which angle my face should be for the camera.  I internalize the character before I work in front of the camera. It is something that we bring from our imagination.  The most important question is how would I react if I was in this situation?  I do not put the emphasis the external so I can be very comfortable with my acting tools of first finding the character.

Gabrielle Reilly:  What are you currently working on?

Tannishtha Chatterjee:    I recently did a movie about an industrial disaster that happened in India in 1984.  The movie is called "Bhopal; A Prayer for Rain" which also stars Martin Sheen and Mischa Barton.   Then I'm doing an Indian film and I just finished up an American project called "Sold" with "X-Files" Gillian Anderson.  I am currently coproducing a film and then also in music theatre.  

Gabrielle Reilly:  Have you work with Lucy Lui? 

Tannishtha Chatterjee:    Yes, I did.  I met Lucy in New York earlier in the year.  I just finished filming "Meena."  Lucy Lui is the Director.  Lucy is fantastic.  She has such great energy.  She does so many things at the same time too.  I admire the way she extends her avenues and tries new things. 

Gabrielle Reilly:  Well, I've never been one to be star struck but I just love Lucy Liu too.  Not because of the movies she has been in or anything remotely to do with fame, just because like you, she has such a beautiful exploratory, joyful, essence. 

So you majored in Chemistry at the Delhi University, how did you break into acting?

Tannishtha Chatterjee:    It all just evolved really.  I did not have big dreams of becoming a famous movie star.  After my Chemistry major I went to the National School of Drama in Delhi.    I worked with well-known directors in theatre in both India and Europe where I travelled for a year.  One thing leads to another. like that famous quote "life is what happens to you while you are waiting."


Gabrielle Reilly:  That must have been very exciting to travel!

Tannishtha Chatterjee:    Yes, I think a student's life is very exciting!  I loved the creative space to just learn and the boundaries are unlimited.   Living and working in different countries gave me a lot of experience.  Working with so many different creative, talented people was invaluable.  I think it is the best opportunity that I am forever grateful for.


Gabrielle Reilly:  So you are also a classic vocalist?  Do you have an album out or do you intend to?

Tannishtha Chatterjee:    Yes, I have been singing professionally for ten years.  I specialize in Hindustani classical music which is almost Indian folk music.  I find it very spiritual and therapeutic.  I love music.

I have sung in all my roles in the movies I have been in.   I also sang at the Royal Opera House in London.  I haven't any plans to make an album though, if it happens, it happens.  In the mean time I will continue to practice and enjoy music.