‘THIS YEAR, I FOCUSED ON MYSELF’
A self-proclaimed workaholic, Divya Dutta, is enjoying the strong roles offered by digital platforms, which gives more freedom to actors
Divya Dutta loves working round-theclock. In fact, even on her birthday, today, she will be shooting all night. The actor, who has four feature films, two web series and five short films, says she “can live on the sets”.
“It has been a lovely year as I feel I have learnt a lot. I am a social person but this year, I focused on myself. This self-care has reflected in my being, my work, my relationships and my surroundings. I had taken a three-month break to reassess my career and where it is heading, which was wonderful. Bouncing back was great too, as I am shooting nonstop. I am enjoying myself and feeling secure in life. It feels good,” she says.
Divya admits that there has been a flood of offers for projects on the digital medium. But she is being selective and chooses projects that let her grow. “I am perceived in a certain way and usually, strong roles are offered to me, but as the platform is different, there is more freedom for an actor. So, my upcoming film, Sheer Qorma, is about a lesbian couple and deals with their struggles. I have never played a gay character on screen, so it was different for me. Now, I want to take on roles that I would be nervous as well as excited about, and it doesn’t matter if it is a web series, a short or feature film.”
The National Awardwinning actor is also excited to be working with talented directors including Neeraj Pandey and Anubhav Sinha. “I was thrilled to reunite with my Special 26 (2013) director as he is brilliant. It is an honour to be directed by him as I love the roles that he offers. And, it is my first film with Anubhav, who seems to have found his calling with films like Mulk (2018) and Article 15. His films hit you hard and are not preachy at all. We are working on a satire called Abhi Toh Party Shuru Hui Hai,” she concludes.
I want to take on roles that I would be nervous as well as excited about, and it doesn’t matter if it is a web series, a short or a feature film.
DIVYA DUTTA, ACTOR