Divya Dutta is one of the most iconic actresses in Indian cinema, known for her incredible acting prowess and versatililty. From single-led films to multi-starrers, the actress has enthralled everyone with her performances. She is still remembered for her roles in films like Veer Zaara, Aaja Nachle, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, LOC Kargil and numerous others. And recently, Divya talked about one of her biggest apprehensions of essaying a certain kind of role in an iconic film.
In a recent interaction with Siddharth Kannan, Divya Dutta revealed how she feared of getting type-casted in the roles of playing the heroine’s best friend in films, after Veer Zaara. For the unversed, the actress played the role of ‘Shabbo’, the best friend of the female lead, ‘Zaara’, played by Preity Zinta. Recalling being afraid of people’s mentality of stereotyping actors easily, Divya said:
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“I was sitting at the movie’s premiere holding my mother’s hand. It’s a Yash Chopra film, so the whole world would be watching it. I enjoyed it a lot. But, at the same time, I was worried I would be stereotyped as the best friend of all heroines in the industry. There is a herd mentality in our industry. Everyone runs after the one who looks good and leaves the rest behind.”
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Speaking along the same lines, Divya then narrated how during the premier of the film, Veer Zaara, she ran away during the interval, holding her mother’s hands. Divya revealed that while her mother was proud of her performance, the former didn’t expect the kind of response that was awaiting her. Adding how Yash Chopra then called her beside him and she was immediately surrounded by a massive crowd, the actress narrated:
“At the time of the movie’s interval, I ran away holding my mother’s hand. Mumma said she was very proud of me for the performance. I said, ‘Thank you, Mumma, even I am loving being a part of this film.’ When we stepped out, I hid a little behind her. I didn’t want to hear any friend calling me because my dream was to become a ‘Yash Chopra heroine’. While I was hiding there, Yash uncle saw me and called me over. As I went up to him, I was crowded and surrounded by people.”
Earlier, during a conversation with Bollywood Bubble, Divya Dutta remembered the day when she got a call from Yash Chopra’s office, offering her the role of ‘Shabbo’ in Veer Zaara. She talked about her ardent dream of becoming Yash Chopra’s heroine and expressed how even before hearing about the role, she felt herself to be the film’s heroine already. In her words:
“I had a desire to become a Yash Chopra heroine. Since childhood, I have been daydreaming where I’m wearing Chiffon sarees just like a Yash Chopra heroine. During my auditions, Yash ji was sitting with us, I wished I had worked with him as his heroine. One day, I got a call when I was in London, saying Yash ji and Aditya Chopra wanted to meet me. I came here and met them and they said they were making a film titled Veer Zaara and I was Zaara in my head already.”
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In the same interview, Divya also recalled how her mother guided her to dispel her thoughts about doing a side role in a film like Veer Zaara, that was not only directed by Yash Chopra, but also had an ensemble cast of some of the most iconic actors. Divya shared that her mother made her understand that there was no godfather for her in the industry, who will present before her the dream role she always wanted.
What are your views on Divya Dutta’s revelations?
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