‘The best actor award goes to…’: Divya Dutta on trusting her gut and manifesting dream to work in films

Q. From actor to writer, how would you describe your journey?

Divya Dutta: My journey has been beautiful and unconventional. I always knew I wanted to express myself, and acting was the best way to do that until I expanded my horizons and began writing. I started with newspaper articles, which helped me connect with my readers. It feels wonderful to express myself through both mediums, and I’m grateful to be able to do so.

Q. Do you find one medium more creatively satisfying than the other?

Divya Dutta: Both mediums have their beauty, creative satisfaction, hunger, and yearnings. The day you feel completely satisfied with something is the day you stop growing. I don’t think I will ever be fully satisfied with either. I live by the phrase “Yeh dil maange more (This heart desires more).”

If I had to choose, I wouldn’t be able to. As an actor, I express the words and emotions of characters written by others, while I express my thoughts through writing. Both mediums fulfil me creatively in different ways.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Divya Dutta (@divyadutta25)

Q. Over the years, you have worked with some of the biggest stars and taken on diverse roles. What is the most crucial factor when selecting a project?

Divya Dutta: It may sound unusual, but my decisions are based purely on instinct—what my gut and heart tell me. I have turned down big films and instead worked with new directors because I just knew I would enjoy the process. That instinct has never let me down.

Q. As a young girl from Ludhiana, what were your dreams? Have you achieved them?

Divya Dutta: I feel incredibly blessed because it is rare to do what you love and make a living from it. While I still have a long way to go, I am grateful for how far I’ve come. Coming from a family of doctors, I had no roadmap, but I held onto my mother’s hand and found my way. I made mistakes—big ones—but I kept going.

Growing up far from Mumbai, the city of dreams, I used to daydream about being an actor. I truly believe that if you want something passionately, the universe conspires to make it happen. I was lucky to be selected in a talent hunt, which brought me to Mumbai. Everything changed after that. I still remember sitting and imagining, ‘The best actor award goes to Divya Dutta…’ and ‘Divya Dutta acts with so-and-so and so-and-so,’ and now, looking back, it feels magical.

Q. The Hindi film industry is quick to typecast actors. Did you ever feel pigeonholed?

Divya Dutta: Absolutely. The industry follows a herd mentality, and you do get typecast. After Veer-Zaara, I was offered many similar roles, but I turned them all down despite the money because I knew I would get bored.

Many actors choose the safe path, but I wanted variety, so I said many no’s. Now, the industry understands that I won’t repeat myself unless it’s presented in a new way that excites me, in a way that I get nervous and get butterflies in my tummy.

You have to keep yourself happy first, other things just follow. Thirty years into my career, I am glad people still want to see more of me; that, I think, means I made the right choices.

After Veer-Zaara, I was offered many similar roles, but I turned them all down despite the money because I knew I would get bored, admits Divya Dutta. (Photo: PR handout)

Q. What has been the most challenging aspect—physically or mentally—of preparing for a role?

Divya Dutta: The most challenging part is always emotional, not physical. You have to strengthen your mind first. I had to learn to disconnect so that my roles didn’t affect my personal life because I’m very emotional and sensitive.

No matter how much I try, some roles seep into my subconscious. The role in The Echoes of Valour, a film I just finished, took a toll on me, as did The Sleeping Partner, a film about marital rape. These roles affect you in ways you don’t even realise.

Some roles are also physically demanding. For Bandish Bandits, I had to unlearn and retrain myself for Western classical music, which was not easy.

Q. Tell us about your session at the Spoken Fest.

Divya Dutta: I was amazed when I was invited to speak about my book, Me and Ma. It is a personal journey, but the audience was receptive and sensitive to my story. It was a beautiful, collaborative session, all thanks to the organisers and the audience. Kisi bhi mood ki kahaani ho (no matter the mood of the story), they are all yours. It was such a “roobaroo (face-to-face conversation)” between the speaker and the audience.

Q. Audience perception plays a big role in an actor’s career. Has this profession affected your mental health?

Divya Dutta: Of course. Some roles can take a toll on your mental health. I’ve been fortunate to have a supportive family and a brother who is a doctor and a hypnotherapist. Having family and friends who listen to you and help you maintain balance is essential. I’ve been fortunate that way. But ultimately, it is your own journey. You have to be aware of how much a role is affecting you and learn to switch off. It’s not always easy, but you have to bring yourself back to you.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Divya Dutta (@divyadutta25)

Q. You’ve written two books. Is there a third one on the horizon?

Divya Dutta: Yes! I’m planning a third book—a collection of short stories for children. I tell my niece and nephew bedtime stories every night, and they keep telling me, “Bui, you must write a book on this!” Who knows? Maybe I’ll follow in Sudha Murty’s footsteps.