Bollywood: Tahira is an amazing film director, a perfectionist, says Divya Dutta

Divya Dutta has spent thirty years working in the glitzy world of Bollywood, where she has demonstrated her excellent acting abilities through a range of performances. 

The talented actor, known for her roles in Delhi-6, Special 26, Badlapur, and Veer Zaara, has also made her presence felt in Tamil, Malayalam, and Punjabi films. 

Her work has been well received by the audience with her portrayal of Shabbo in Veer Zaara receiving much appreciation.

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Divya, who started acting as a 17-year-old in Ishq Mein Jeena Ishq Mein Marna, was attached to her mother, late Nalini Dutta, a doctor and government official in Ludhiana, so much that after her death in 2017, she penned a book on her life.

The 46-year-old was a model before entering the Bollywood film industry, where she grew in prominence and reached such heights that she earned the IIFA award in the best supporting actress category for her roles in Delhi-6 and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. In addition, she received the Zee Cinema Award for Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. She also won the National Award in the best supporting actress category for Irada.

She is basking in the success of Sharmajee Ki Beti, her most recent release, which is a Hindi comedy produced by Applause Entertainment and is currently available on Amazon Prime Video.

Diya spoke to Patriot about her career and her latest release. Excerpts from the interview:  

Q: What kind of role are you playing in Sharmajee Ki Beti?

A: I play Kiran Sharma, who hails from a small town (Patiala) but feels lost after landing in a big city like Mumbai. I have worked with a bunch of leading actors such as Sakshi Tanwar, Saiyami Kher, Praveen Dabas and Sharib Hashmi among others. I enjoyed working with all of them. I enjoyed the shooting. It was really fun because I had my niece and my nephew along with me. I played the role of a super woman and did crazy things. That was a really wonderful time.

Q: How did you feel working with Tahira Kashyap Khurrana, the director of Sharmajee Ki Beti?

A: Tahira Kashyap Khuraana is an amazing film director. She is a perfectionist. She was very careful and knew what she wanted from me as an actor. She is an ideal woman and has faced a lot of challenges in her life. Despite that, she smiles and holds my hand tightly. With her around me, I feel I am in safe hands.

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Q: Would you like to share any unforgettable incident from your career?

A: I still recall that I was only 18 years of age while doing a death scene in Veergati and was struggling. Salman Khan came and helped me to get the scene right. He suggested that I close my eyes for at least 10 minutes and breathe. 

Q: Are you happy with the response from your audience?

A: I am very happy and satisfied that my audience and fans love my roles and appreciate my performances. I always work hard to give my best and entertain. I am thankful to God for all the love from my audience.

Q: Would you like to share memories from your time in Delhi?

A: I have a lot of childhood memories from Delhi. I still remember going to South Extension and Bengali market. I love Delhi’s chaat papri and food. I love the city, especially the food which attracts me a lot. 

Q: Any upcoming projects?

A: I am working in Chhaava, the second season of Bandish Bandit and Ek Ruka Hua Faisla. Chhaava is directed by Laxman Utekar with Vicky Kaushal in the lead. Ek Ruka Hua Faisla is a remake of Basu Chatterji’s 1986 film of the same name.

Q: Do you use social media platforms?

A: Yes, social media platforms are very useful nowadays to reach out to audiences and one can use them in the best ways. These platforms give a lot of knowledge and one can use them in a positive way.