From being a part of a film’s cast to now becoming the face of it — Divya Dutta says things changed for her as an actor after she won a National Award for Best Supporting Actress for the film Irada in 2017.

“It’s nice to be the face of films. Things changed after my National Award win. People thought I got my due and mere saath achha hona chahiye. It feels nice when makers say, ‘Not without you for the promotions, Divya’,” confesses the 44-year-old.

She will be seen next in a host of different roles. “I play the lead in Nazarandaaz, then I am playing the villain in Dhaakad. There are three other films where I play the lead, and the roles are quite different. It’s a double whammy — I am enjoying doing different roles and being the face [of films].”

Like many artistes, the pandemic was tough for Dutta, too, but things got better after the third wave. She was able to get back to her jet-setting lifestyle, and she’s having a good time shooting for her upcoming projects.

Dutta says even her image has undergone a makeover. “Since I’ve been doing many serious roles, everyone takes me so seriously that wherever I go, people sit up straight and go quiet. With Nazarandaaz, I am unwinding, and being pretty close to myself. Playing the lead in the film is so much fun,” the actor signs off.