‘Breaking image is fun’

Divya Dutta talks about the career choices that have led to her becoming both a star and an actor

Divya Dutta has taken care to progress in her career on her own terms, thus avoiding being type cast. Her next film is Kangana Ranaut-starrer Dhaakad. Divya and Kangana are slated to have a stiff face-off on screen. We talk to her about the movie and her career in general. Q think everyone’s journey is difIferent.

I may not have walked through the situations others have. I can only say, when you are passionate about something, you need to do it unhesitatingly, with excitement. You shouldn’t let challenges bog you down and quit.

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I have always had so much love from my audiences. But to be accepted and acknowledged as a successful face within the industry as well, I think that is a great thing. I am glad it has come to be known that I enjoy the work I do. Q You are the perfect symbol of women empowerment. What is heroism to you?

Heroism to me is about loving your day-to-day life. Today, as a woman, you have to take care of so many things. A woman multitasks — looking after her family and working simultaneously. She has to handle her children. I think, if you enjoy doing what you do, you feel happy. A woman is a combination of sensitivity and strength. You see that coming through in whatever a woman does — that for me is heroism in real and reel life as well.

You have chosen to tread a rare path, career-wise. It’s tough to gain fame, yet you have proved you are not only an actor but also a star… Q In this male-centric industry, what is your view of women shouldering films?

Women-centric films have been discussed since the times of Nargisji, Nutanji, Hema Maliniji, Sri Devi, Madjuriji. Female-oriented films should not even be a subject of discussion, they should be the norm. And that’s what’s happening now. These films have always been there but the level of acceptance has become consistent. So, we women are in a good space right now. Thanks to OTT, different stories are coming up. Big stars are also open to doing character roles.

QCan you elaborate on professional journey?

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I started with multi starrer films. I decided that was not what I wanted to do. I took a break and did a Punjabi film with Gurdas Maan, Shahid-e-Mohabbat. After that I started getting different kinds of films. In this industry, you have to prove yourself. After I did Veer Zara, Punjabi and Chulbuli kinds of roles were offered to me. Then for a few years I didn’t work. Thereafter I did Delhi-6 and I got the image of a sister in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. I started being offered sister roles. But it’s interesting to keep breaking images and going forward. I am really happy about the stand I took, the path I chose,

even if it’s unconventional.

Q Tell us about Dhaakad?

Dhaakad is an exceptional film. I play the role of Rohini. I don’t think this kind of character is often depicted on celluloid. Kangana and I have very interesting scenes together. It was fun working with her. The face-off between two women has been shown intriguingly. It is an action film with a difference. I too will be seen doing action scenes. You’ll see a different Divya.

Q How was the celluloid face off with Kangana?

Femaleoriented films should not even be a subject of discussion, they should be the norm. And that’s what’s happening now. These films have always been there but the level of acceptance has become consistent

Our face-off was wonderfully picturised. After watching the scenes, I felt they were meticulously shot and energetically performed. Kangana is a fabulous actor. We shared a great chemistry on screen. I am very happy with how Dhaakad has turned out.*