Mumbai — Actor Chetna Pande, currently garnering attention for her performance in Haunted 3D: Echoes Of The Past, has opened up about the highs and lows of her career. From the intense emotional demands of reality television to deeply personal motivations and rewarding film experiences, her path showcases remarkable perseverance and self-discovery.
Pande’s participation in Ace of Space marked a significant turning point. “Before that, people only knew me through the characters I had played. For example, in Dilwale, people remembered me as Jenny. But Ace of Space was the first time people got to know the real Chetna, my actual personality,” she shared.
The show allowed audiences to connect with her authentic self. “Reality shows break you emotionally because dealing with so many situations and challenges is not easy. Every emotion is shown very honestly. Whether you are crying, fighting or laughing, people connect directly with who you really are,” Pande explained. This genuine exposure helped her build a strong fan base. “After I came out of Ace of Space, my social media journey truly began... That show gave me a completely new identity,” she added.
Physical and mental challenges followed when she joined Khatron Ke Khiladi. “I used to wake up every morning and think, ‘Will I come back alive today or not? What am I going to have to do today?’” she recalled, particularly regarding water stunts that pushed her to her limits.
She undertook the show as a heartfelt tribute to her father. “I did that show for my father because he has made me strong since childhood. He used to make me work out, so doing that show was my dedication to him,” Pande said. Though eliminated after one round, she maintains a philosophical outlook. “I was very disappointed because I didn’t get another chance... But that’s okay. Some incomplete journeys are still beautiful.”
Her experience on Haunted 3D offered a more supportive environment. Working alongside Mimoh Chakraborty proved uplifting. “From the very first day, Mimoh was extremely sweet and grounded. He never behaved like someone who came from a film family,” she noted. Mimoh’s encouragement helped ease her nerves, especially with Mithun Chakraborty on set.
After a successful scene, Mimoh reassured her about his father’s rare praise. Later, Mimoh personally called to compliment her performance, saying she had “absolutely killed it.” The most touching validation came from director Vikram Bhatt. “Before the film released, Vikram sir called me and said, ‘You have performed so well... Nobody else could have played Sunheri except you. You are the only Sunheri,’” Pande recalled.
Upon watching the film herself, Pande was moved by her own work, crediting Bhatt’s guidance. Audiences too have responded positively. One viewer shared that the film’s core message — facing the consequences of one’s actions and the idea that what goes around comes back — resonated deeply.
Chetna Pande’s journey serves as an inspiring reminder of the personal costs and rewards in the entertainment industry. Her honesty about emotional struggles, familial tributes, and professional gratitude paints a relatable picture of an artist who continues to evolve through every challenge and opportunity.
