Chahatt Khanna speaks up on fashion policing and freedom of expression; says, 'Women's autonomy still unsettles people' - Exclusive interview

Chahatt Khanna exclusive interview

• Chahatt Khanna launches Ammarzo, a comfort-focused clothing label
• Ammarzo aims for authenticity, elegance, and real women's needs
• Khanna values peace, balance, and authenticity over perfection

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Actor and entrepreneur Chahatt Khanna has entered a new phase of her life, one that is defined less by public noise and more by personal clarity. With the launch of her clothing label Ammarzo, the actor is blending fashion with philosophy, creating pieces rooted in comfort, authenticity, and everyday elegance.

In this conversation with MoneyControl, Chahatt opens up about building a brand that reflects real women’s lives, navigating public scrutiny, motherhood as a single parent, and why she now values peace over perfection in both life and career.

You’ve stepped into the space of celebrity entrepreneurship with the launch of Ammarzo. What sparked the decision to create your own clothing label at this point in your life and career?

Ammarzo was born from a very personal place. At this stage of my life, I’m far more intentional—about how I live, how I work, and how I show up for myself. I wanted to build something that reflected that inner shift. Fashion has always been a form of self-expression for me, but I felt a gap between what women actually need in their everyday lives and what’s often offered to them. Ammarzo came from that realisation. It wasn’t about chasing a trend or capitalising on a name. It was about creating something meaningful, comfortable, and honest—something I truly believed in.

Ammarzo reflects comfort, versatility, and everyday elegance. How closely does the brand mirror your personal style and lived experiences as a modern Indian woman?

Very closely. My personal style today is rooted in comfort, but never at the cost of feeling feminine or confident. As a working woman and a mother, I’ve learned that elegance doesn’t have to be performative. It can be quiet. It can be effortless. Ammarzo reflects that philosophy. It’s designed for real lives, real bodies, and real moments—whether you’re at home, working, or simply taking a pause for yourself.

As someone deeply involved in the creative vision, what were the non-negotiables for you while designing this collection?

Comfort was non-negotiable. Quality was non-negotiable. And respect for the woman wearing it was non-negotiable. I didn’t want clothing that demands adjustment—physically or emotionally. The fabrics had to feel good on the skin. The silhouettes had to allow movement and ease. And above all, the designs had to make women feel at home in their own bodies.

Fashion is deeply personal, yet it’s often judged publicly. You’ve had a social media exchange with Urfi Javed over fashion choices. Why do you think women’s clothing still becomes a battleground for moral opinions?

Because women’s autonomy still unsettles people. Clothing becomes an easy surface to project discomfort, control, or moral policing. What a woman wears is often treated as a reflection of her values, character, or upbringing—which is deeply unfair. Fashion should be a personal choice, not a moral debate. The problem isn’t women expressing themselves; it’s society struggling to accept that expression without judgment.

Where do you personally draw the line between self-expression and public scrutiny?

The line is internal. I express myself for me, not for approval. Public scrutiny exists whether you invite it or not, especially when you’re in the public eye. But I no longer allow external noise to dictate how I live or who I am. If something aligns with my truth, I’m comfortable standing by it—even if it’s misunderstood.

You’ve said, “Perfection is exhausting. Peace is freeing.” What kind of pressure do you think women—especially public figures—silently carry to appear put together at all times?

An enormous amount. There’s a constant expectation to be flawless—professionally successful, emotionally balanced, physically perfect, and endlessly resilient. For public figures, that pressure multiplies. You’re expected to perform strength even when you’re healing. I’ve learned that chasing perfection only distances you from yourself. Choosing peace is not weakness—it’s self-respect.

You’re also a single parent, managing motherhood alongside work and entrepreneurship. How has that responsibility reshaped your priorities?

Motherhood has grounded me in ways nothing else ever could. My decisions are no longer just about ambition—they’re about balance, stability, and presence. I’m more mindful of how I spend my time and energy. Work still matters deeply to me, but not at the cost of emotional availability for my children or myself.

Has motherhood made you more protective of your time, energy, and emotional boundaries?

Absolutely. Motherhood teaches you that your energy is finite and valuable. I’ve become very selective about what—and who—I allow into my life. Protecting my boundaries isn’t selfish. It’s necessary. It allows me to show up fully, both as a mother and as a professional.

Today’s celebrity culture thrives on constant visibility. Do you think the demand for constant access has blurred the line between public persona and private healing?

Completely. There’s very little room left for silence or introspection. Healing is slow and deeply personal, but public life demands immediacy and explanation. That disconnect can be damaging. I believe everyone, public figure or not, deserves the right to step back, heal privately, and return when they’re ready—without justification.

As someone who has consciously chosen peace, how do you deal with unsolicited commentary, especially on your personal life?

I don’t engage with everything anymore. Silence can be a powerful response. I remind myself that opinions are reflections of the people expressing them, not of my truth. Peace comes from knowing when not to respond, when not to explain, and when to simply live your life.

Regulated work hours and mental well-being on sets are still evolving conversations. How important are structured, humane schedules—especially for women juggling families?

They are crucial. Long, unregulated hours affect mental health, physical health, and family life—especially for women who often carry multiple responsibilities. Structured, humane schedules aren’t a luxury. They’re a necessity if we want sustainable careers and healthier workplaces.

Conversations around pay disparity in the entertainment industry are growing louder. From your experience, do you feel women are still underpaid compared to their male counterparts?

Yes, the disparity still exists. While conversations have started, action hasn’t always followed. Transparency and accountability are key. Equal work deserves equal pay, and that should not be a controversial statement.

Also Read: How Bade Achhe Lagte Hain actor Chahatt Khanna lost weight through Ayurveda

The industry has long whispered about issues like casting couch culture. Do you think enough systemic change has happened, or is it still left to individuals to protect themselves?

There has been awareness, but systemic change is slow. Too often, the responsibility of safety is still placed on individuals rather than institutions. Real change will come when accountability becomes structural, not optional.

With Ammarzo, acting, and personal growth all aligning, how do you now define success?

Success, for me, is alignment. It’s waking up without anxiety. It’s doing work that feels honest. It’s being present for my children. It’s choosing peace over chaos and growth over validation. If my life feels authentic and grounded, I consider that true success.