Divya Duttawho convinced him birthday Recently, this year also completed three decades in the industry. In conversation with us, the actress takes a look at her choices, both professional and personal, and how she is at a comfortable position in both aspects of her life.
People will wonder which category to put me in
Starting your career in an industry that is known for its defined boxes – commercial cinema Versus parallel cinema, quintessential heroine versus character actor – Divya Dutta often finds herself walking the path less travelled. “People might wonder, which category do I fall into? is that a commercial or parallel cinema Actress? Heroine or character actor?” Dutta recalls.
Divya Dutta (left) as Shabbo with Preity Zinta in Veer Zaara (2004)
“But despite initial confusion about the industry, I was determined to carve my own path. Even after 30 years, I still find roles being written for me,” she adds with a sense of gratitude. “When someone comes and says, ‘This is for you, you can do this,’ it’s the most gratifying feeling. “It’s not common to be in a profession where you’re exactly where you want to be, doing what you love,” she says.
There have been a lot of ‘no’s’ along the way.
From romantic roles to negative roles, Divya has done everything. “I was often told that I couldn’t do certain roles. I was told that I was too soft for negative roles. But when someone tells me I can’t do something, it becomes a challenge for me,” she says, laughing. “There were a lot of ‘no’s’ along the way,” she admits. “People thought I was crazy for turning down the offers I got, but I followed my gut. No one can say that I am just a romantic heroine or Soumya or Lady Don. I’ve worked hard to ensure that the scope of my work is as diverse as possible. It was the production house that offered me a role and after telling half the story I said no, I don’t want to do it. He asked me what happened and I told him I didn’t think I would enjoy playing this character. He was also very sporty and accepted my decision. Now, if I don’t like a role I say ‘no’. I don’t like any ambiguity, pretense, I don’t know how to do. I have done a lot of diplomacy, I used to do it when I was new, but now I just prefer to be straightforward. Now I don’t know how to express love so much, now I just say ‘shut up, I don’t want to’. And I think I deserve it now and trust me, I have worked in better projects with the same people. (laughing)
Divya Dutta
OTT And watching theater will never be in competition
With multiple releases on the big screen and OTT, Divya feels these two can never compete. “I think there needs to be a good marriage of OTT and theatrical release, just like a film releasing in theaters should be on OTT after 6 months. Also we need OTT for small films also. There was support for films like Missing Ladies aamir khan Productions, 12th failed Vidhu Vinod Chopra are supporting it, so that they can be marketed, promoted and released in theatres. But now if it is a small film, with low budget, where will it go? So OTT is a boon for such projects. But it will never be released in theatres. We have had a lot of re-releases in recent times, so the big screen will definitely have that charm,” she says, “I really feel we need good writers. Whether the film is small or big, if the story is not entertaining then the audience will not watch it, whether it is on OTT, or in the theatre. These days the audience is very smart and discerning, so now we just need big names in acting for the initial boost, after that it’s the story that matters. not content, so
Not the audience.”
Divya Dutta (inset) as Lady Don Rohini in Dhaakad (2022)
I don’t want any kind of toxicity in my life
Divya is very happy with being single and says that she is very happy being alone. “I would love a partner but I don’t miss him. I think it’s because I am now very satisfied with all your experiences, in my field. I don’t want any kind of toxicity in my life anymore. I think I will know when a good partner comes into my life. Till then I don’t want to pass any time,” says the actress, who celebrated her birthday earlier this week. “Men pay a lot of attention to me, but sometimes you’re at that stage where you’re very happy with the work you’re doing and I think I’m in that place. Besides, at this stage of my life, the most important thing for me is peace of mind. So when you are peaceful in your heart and mind, only then you can give your best in any situation, personal and professional. The rest I think is the perfection that we look for in others, I don’t think I’m at a place where I want perfection with anyone. But definitely a partner. I would love to travel with someone, go on such romantic outings because I am very romantic. But with a very right person. I definitely don’t want marriage in my life. I mean, I never say no, but I think I’d be happier with a partner. Until then, I am my best partner right now and I wouldn’t like it any other way. Having fun!”
(BCCL/@divyaduta25)
lessons for life
Dutta recalled a lesson he learned from filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra while working on the film Delhi 6. “I was playing a foul-mouthed woman named Jalebi and I was not able to speak the dialogues because there were all these senior people in front of me. Waheeda ji, Rishi ji, Om Puri Sahab and I were very hesitant in saying this in front of them. So after several retakes, finally Rakesh came to me and told me, ‘Keep Divya aside. She is very sweet. Think of the person who is Jalebi and let his character take over you.’ That advice stuck with me.”
– Input by Ankita Bharti
