From her first film Suraksha to the popular television serial Shanno ki shaadi, actress Divya Dutta has come a long way. Her future, too, looks bright with a terrific movie line-up, discovers Vidya Prabhu.
You play Shanno in the television serial Shanno ki shaadi.
Yes, I do. By doing that, I honour a commitment I made about one and a half years ago.
What made you take it up in the first place?
It is undoubtedly a very good role. To tell you the truth, then I was not working on as many movies as I am right now. So I decided to go for it.
Any other serials in the pipeline?
Not really. I have got my hands full with a gamut of movies. First, there is a dark comedy Dubai Returned, followed by Mr Ya Miss, Darwaza Band Rakho, Vikram Bhatt's Aakhir, Tanuja Chandra's Runway and two other untitled films, one of which is an English-Hindi bilingual.
Have you ever given a thought to theatre?
Theatre has always been at the back of my mind but somehow I never got around to doing it. Even now, I would love to do it but I am tied up with movies. However, I have managed to squeeze in time for actress Ayesha Jhulka's play, which will open in September.
What do you look for in a role?
I primarily look at how a role is laid out by the director. I take into consideration my co-stars, before signing a role.
How did you get into acting?
It began with a talent contest I won in 1994. After a three-month course in acting, I bagged my first film Suraksha -- opposite actor Suniel Shetty. It was followed by Agni Sakshi and Veergati. Those being the initial years of my career, I did not have much choice as far as signing films was concerned.
Your ideal role would be...
Ones played by Sharmila Tagore in Mausam and by Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman.
Your best work till date...
I loved my roles in Veer-Zaara, Train To Pakistan and Shaheed-e-Mohabbat.
Do you like item numbers?
Why should not I? In fact, I have one to my credit, in Chhote Sarkar. I would love to do some more.
Comedy, drama or action?
None. I have had quite a bit of every thing but I want to try out some romance!
Speaking of romance, is there somebody special in your life?
Yes, I am seeing someone but that's all I want to disclose at this point of time.
You are a fan of...
Hrishikesh Mukherjee. I am crazy about all his films.
Your favourite actors?
Neetu Singh and Rishi Kapoor. They make an adorable couple.
Your favourite co-star would be...
Clichéd as it sounds, Amitabh Bachchan. He is so natural. When I observed him on the sets, I was convinced I too could evolve with each role instead of delivering my lines mechanically.
Any regrets?
None. In any case, what is pre-destined or pre-ordained is bound to happen.
Has life changed after Veer-Zaara?
Yes, it has in many ways. It has been a turning point of my career. I have now reached a stage where I can take on a role for what it is.
