Divya Dutta recently met the Dalai Lama during a visit to Dharamshala, describing the interaction as a memorable experience.

Divya said, “It was a special experience. Spending time in the presence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama was deeply moving. I went to Dharamshala for a holiday, but I returned with a life lesson. Meeting His Holiness reminded me that peace isn’t something you find outside; it’s something you nurture within yourself. That’s a thought I will carry with me forever.”

On the professional front, Divya was recently seen in the historical drama Chhaava and the OTT series Chiraiya.

Speaking about the response to Chiraiya, Divya said, “What has been encouraging is the way viewers have engaged with the story and shared their own experiences. It’s rewarding to see the conversations the series has sparked.”

Actor Divya Dutta has two reasons to celebrate Baisakhi today. Alongside the festive spirit, she is basking in the overwhelming response to her web show Chiraiya.

“Wherever I’m going, people shout ‘Chiraiya, Chiraiya’… even those who don’t know me are messaging about the performance. It is indeed a very good Baisakhi for me,” she says.

Reflecting on the response, she adds, “We are here to entertain, but once in a while comes a story that changes minds, and I’m glad I’m part of one... The way it has impacted everyone, be it on social media and from all walks of life, you will be surprised. Even men have called me and said that they sat down for one episode and couldn’t get up.”

The 48-year-old also plans to visit the gurudwara, as she does every year, to express gratitude. Recalling her fond Baisakhi memories during her college days, she shares, “I remember we would participate in gidda, eat good food together. It is all about celebrating new beginnings with the community.”

Divya Dutta has recently gone viral for her candid views on marriage and singlehood. In a world where societal expectations often dictate personal choices, her honest perspective stands out. Speaking about her journey, she emphasised that fulfillment is deeply personal and cannot be defined by relationship status alone.

Reflecting on her past, Divya shared that she has been in relationships before but eventually realised they weren’t aligned with what she truly wanted. “Maybe we were better off as friends… our thinking was different,” she said, highlighting how self-awareness shaped her outlook.

She admits she’s both surprised and amused by people’s reactions to her being single. “It’s almost amusing how people react. I’ve had people ask me, ‘What is a woman like you doing without someone in your life?’ or even bluntly, ‘Why are you not married?’ But I’m very clear about what matters to me,” she added.

For Divya, being with the right person is what truly counts — not being in a relationship just for the sake of it. “I am open to a relationship if it genuinely feels right over time. But if it doesn’t, I am completely at ease with myself. Self-contentment, peace of mind, happiness, and self-nurturing are far more important than societal validation,” she said.

She also questioned the idea of lifelong guarantees in relationships. “Who can guarantee that growing old together will work? Some couples part ways, or life takes unexpected turns—you never know,” she pointed out.

When asked about her current relationship status, Dutta firmly set boundaries. “Whether I am single or not is my personal matter,” she said, making it clear that she doesn’t feel obliged to answer questions about her private life.

Actor Divya Dutta has portrayed an ideal wife and daughter-in-law several times onscreen. However, off-camera, the 48-year-old candidly shares that she is open to love, but not marriage.

“You should get married for the right reasons. Marriage is an institution that needs two people who grow together. If that is something that I’m not finding right, then I will not get married,” says Divya, whose upcoming social drama show Chiraiya aims to raise awareness about marital rape in the country.

Divya explains, “Rather than have a tumultuous or a disturbed marriage, I’d rather be happily single. I feel I’m at a stage where what I need is companionship and not marriage. That’s my choice, and that’s how it is.” She adds that one should never say never: “I’m not saying no to anything. But as of now, that’s my situation. I’m very happy with it.”

When Salman Khan, one of India’s most famous bachelors, is mentioned, Divya responds, “I think ek Salman ki, aur ek meri, mujhe lagta hai aisi bahut audience hai jinko lagta hai ‘iski shaadi karwa deni chahiye’, pata nahi kyun. I have answered this question so many times. I want to say, ‘Theek hai bhai, meri shaadi karwa do’.”

Divya Dutta recently shared a stage with Gulzar at an event—an experience that reminded her just how fortunate she feels to have known him personally for so many years.

Reflecting on their bond, she says, “I have been very fortunate to have known Gulzar saab personally. I remember telling people who knew him that I just wanted to meet him once. But I’m glad the opportunity came knocking at my door when I was asked to have a conversation with him in Indore at an event. When we met, he said, main umeed karta hoon ki tum mere baare mein thoda jaanti ho. I told him I have seen all his films, listened to all his songs, read his books and absolutely adore him. Something clicked between us, and the warmth and affection he gave me stayed in my heart.”

Sharing one of her favourite memories, she adds, “I remember once I was climbing up an escalator and he was ahead of me. I was about to lose my balance and he held my hand saying, ‘Aaja beti, aaja.’ That moment cemented my relationship with Gulzar saab. Since then, I have been fortunate to speak with him on many platforms, to meet him personally at his home, to talk to him and really get to know him. His sense of humour is amazing, especially the way he jokes about things with such ease.”

They’ve shared screens, sets, and soirées — but never the same frame. After three decades in the industry, Divya Dutta is finally starring opposite Manoj Bajpayee in their yet-untitled upcoming film — a wish long on her list. Although they’ve shared credits in four films, “this will be the first time we’re truly featured opposite each other”. “It was lovely because half my year was spent working with him,” she says.

Describing her interaction with Bajpayee, Dutta says that whenever they discussed work, they would often digress towards food, a love they both share. “It’s nice to have known him more closely now, beyond being co-actors who would just cross paths on set. We have a certain relatability and connect, and he’s a fabulous actor. Even when we were exhausted from shooting late nights, both of us would stay back to give cues to each other. And if you ask what we discussed the most — it was food! He’s such a foodie. He loves to cook and feed people, and he cooked a lot for me,” shares the actor.

After wrapping up her collaboration with Bajpayee, Dutta will be seen in the romantic drama Tum Rahe Na Tum, opposite Jimmy Sheirgill. She’s also working on a new project with Neeraj Pandey. But what excites her most is Echoes Of Valour, co-starring Neeraj Kabi, a festival favourite that premièred at Venice Film Festival.

“It’s a beautiful love story between a husband and wife. Jimmy is a terrific actor. Working with such co-actors is always enriching,” she adds thoughtfully. She also has a big show coming up with JioHotstar. “I can’t talk much about it yet,” she teases, “But I’m very excited. I feel like I’m doing everything an actor should be doing.”

Reflecting on her journey with quiet gratitude, Dutta believes that “enjoying in the now gave her a lot”, but that doesn’t dim her hunger for better roles. The actor is especially pleased with the changing narratives around women in cinema.

She elaborates, “There was a time people said married actresses couldn’t romance heroes or look glamorous. But look at Kareena [Kapoor Khan], Vidya [Balan], Alia [Bhatt] — they’ve changed that narrative. We’re now telling stories about what happens after ‘happily ever after’. Women in their 30s and 40s can play both younger and mature roles — it’s a beautiful phase..”

For actor Divya Dutta, the festival of lights is a “tonic”. As she describes it, “Yahan se apni urja lekar kaam pe jaate hain!”

“This is the time to unwind, and it’s like ‘kaam ki baat Diwali ke baad.’ It’s time to spread happiness with family, friends, and those who work for you!” the 45-year-old tells us and adds, “Above all, it’s about pampering yourself by dressing up well, decorating your house, and refreshing everything. There is something about this festival. Hawa main kuch naya hota hai!”

A must-do tradition for Divya, whose film Echoes Of Valour was screened at the Venice Film Festival this year, is Diwali shopping. “I literally go mad when it comes to festive shopping! I put on a cap, mask, and big sunglasses, and I head to the busiest market in Mumbai,” she reveals, adding, “I feel that even if you are a known face, you should not distance yourself from these small joys of life. I disguise myself and try not to talk much, as people recognise my voice, so I give signals to my brother, and we shop. (laughs) I love indulging in that mahaul.”

At home, she has continued the tradition of making halwa, a skill she learnt from her mother. “Suji ka halwa is a must in my home, and I make it with a lot of love and passion. Even my cook says, ‘Aapke haath ka halwa jaisa halwa koi aur nahin banata.’ I also enjoy decorating the ‘hatti’ (earthen hut) during the puja, as it is believed to bring prosperity. I perform the puja tradition exactly as my mother used to do.”

Another annual Diwali ritual includes visiting actor Shabana Azmi’s home: “Besides that, we have a get-together with my close group, which includes actors, writers, DOPs, and directors. I do miss (actor Amitabh) Bachchan saheb’s party, which used to happen on Diwali day.”

She has also managed to succeed in keeping her Diwali free for herself so far. “Shoots do happen these days, but luckily, I have always been at home for the festival. Last year, I was shooting close to Diwali, but I reached home just in time.”

Mumbai: Well known actor of Hindi and Punjabi cinema, Mukul Dev, passed away in New Delhi at the age of 54 Friday. He had been hospitalized for an unspecified ailment. The news of his death caused a ripple of shock within the film industry as well as viewers who had watched him in films and on television since the 1990s.

Born in New Delhi to a Punjabi family in 1970, Mukul was the son of a senior police officer. He trained to be a pilot before finding his call in acting. He was initially cast in a movie ‘Naam Kya Hai’ by Amitabh Bachchan's ABCL but it was shelved. He launched his career with Doordarshan through a serial named ‘Mumkin’ in 1996. The same year he made his cinematic debut with Sushmita Sen starrer ‘Dastak’ where he played a police officer.

Mukul went on to feature in 'Qila', 'Wajood', 'Kohram', 'Mujhe Meri Biwi Se Bachaao', 'Yamla Pagla Deewana', 'Son of Sardaar', 'R... Rajkumar', 'Jai Ho' and several Punjabi films including 'Sarabha'.

On television, he was the host of 'Fear Factor India: Season 1'. He acted in serials like 'Kahin Diyaa Jale Kahin Jiyaa', 'Kashish', 'Gharwali Ooparwali', 'Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki', 'Sshh.. Phir Koi Hai', 'Kumkum... Pyara Sa Bandhan' and 'Pyar Zindagi Hai'. Mukul was the brother of actor Rahul Dev.

He is survived by a 22-year-old daughter Sia. Rahul performed the last rites in Delhi. Friends and peers from the entertainment industry mourned his loss. Actress Deepshikha Nagpal who announced his demise on social media recalled how they met whenever he came to Mumbai. Actor Vindoo Dara Singh remarked that Mukul had kept to himself and stopped stepping out after his parents' death.

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Mukul Dev, former model and familiar face in Hindi and Punjabi films, died at the age of 54 on Friday night. The actor succumbed to severe health complications after a week-long battle in the Intensive Care Unit in a hospital in Delhi. His cremation was conducted on Saturday.

Born into a Punjabi family in Delhi, Mukul was the younger brother to actor-model Rahul Dev. He is survived by his daughter Sia. After the news of his death broke, tributes from the industry began pouring in.

Actor Mugdha Godse (Rahul Dev’s partner) confirmed the news, telling us, “We are still in a state of shock. He was in ICU at a hospital in Delhi, for a week; severe health complications, and he couldn’t survive. None of us in our wildest imagination could think of this coming.”

Veteran actor Puneet Issar, who worked with Mukul in Yamla Pagla Deewana (2011), says, “Not possible, he was so fit and fine... Achcha ladka tha... Saari baatein maanne wala, khush rehna wala insaan — that was him.”

Actor Divya Dutta, a close friend and co-star in Shaatar (2023) and Iski Topi Uske Sarr (1998) shares her grief, saying, “Life is so unpredictable... And how frivolous this life is. I still can’t believe it. He was a dear friend and adorable guy.”

Actor Dipshikkha Nagppal says, “We were part of the same friend circle. Whenever he was in Mumbai from Delhi, we made it a point to catch up. He was only 54 — such a kind and wonderful soul. I can’t wrap my head around it.”

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Yashika Mathur

Divya Dutta’s portrayal of Soyarabai in Chhaava has won her widespread acclaim, adding yet another powerful performance to her impressive filmography. With the film setting new box office records, does she see it as a much-needed win for an industry struggling with multiple flops?

“I’ve always believed that as an actor, you do your job, and when a film does exceptionally well, it becomes a part of history,” she says, adding, “I’ve been fortunate to be in Veer-Zaara (2004), Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013), Badlapur (2015), and now Chhaava. These are films people remember — they become ingrained in their psyche.”

One question that has repeatedly come her way is about her limited screen time in the epic drama: “Some portions were removed, and I’m sure the makers had their reasons. There was a beautiful scene that got deleted, and to my surprise, it leaked online. But what truly matters is the presence of a role. If people felt, ‘aur thoda hona chahiye tha’, that’s because woh actually tha film mein.”

Despite this, she remains unfazed: “The audience didn’t know about the deleted portions, yet they loved the character. I was in Pune recently when someone came up to hug me and said, ‘I hated you in the film, but you’re such a gem in real life!’ Credit to the makers — the character had a towering presence that lingered. And that’s the best part.”

When Ritwik Bhowmik and Shreya Chaudhry commenced working on the second season of Bandish Bandits two years ago, they were tasked with meeting one requirement—live up to the expectations of the audience after the success of the first edition. Considering the response to the recently released second edition, one may say with some credibility that the duo did succeed.

Ask Chaudhry if returning to the show for another edition posed a challenge, and she responds in the affirmative. “Like my character, it felt like Shreya too was starting afresh. Just as [my character] Tamanna goes to a music school in the season, I did too,” she says, alluding to the extensive music workshops that all actors attended so that they could add authenticity to their portrayals. “We had lessons in singing, and [learnt several] instruments,” she says.

For Chaudhry, however, lessons didn’t culminate when the workshops ended. Teaming up with her co-star Divya Dutta implied that Chaudhry got the opportunity to enhance her craft by simply watching the senior actor in action.

“Like her character Nandini, she is also someone who doesn’t judge anyone. While rehearsing [together] she would give me cues. For scenes involving the two of us, she would perform even if the camera wasn’t on her. This helped me.”

Chaudhry’s co-star Bhowmik appears to share her gratitude when reflecting on the opportunities that have come his way. The newcomer’s life changed after the release of season one, which was his first mainstream show as a leading man. In the last four years, he has featured in several shows, including Modern Love—Mumbai, and Jehanabad—Of Love and War. However, he minces no words when admitting that despite the acclaim he received after Bandish Bandits, he didn’t have the privilege to decline offers that didn’t appease him.

“The projects that I chose [to do] after Bandish Bandits were those that I needed to do, because I needed work. I don’t come from privilege, and didn’t have the chance to sit back at home and wait for the next big thing. I wanted to keep working and make ends meet,” the actor shares, matter-of-factly.

While several stars are well aware of the kind of cinema they wish to be part of, Bhowmik says he wouldn’t take a decision just yet. “I haven’t told myself that I want to only be part of a certain kind of project. Perhaps, four or five years down the line, I will be able to do that. At this moment, I would [not] restrict myself.”

The fact that actors are still uncertain about the kind of cinema that will work in an era impacted by the OTT boom implies that artistes like him have the chance to experiment abundantly before picking a path.

“From the biggest stars to newcomers, everybody is confused. Nobody can tell us with certainty that something will work. Since childhood, I have just wanted to be seen on screen, be it [the big] screen or television. Of course, I would love to be part of the movies. But I am excited at the moment. There was a four-year-old boy who wanted to be a hero. That boy has been so happy in the last four years that I don’t want him to be bothered by these questions,” he signs off.

Divya Dutta is bidding adieu to 2024 with a bang, thanks to the second season of Bandish Bandits, and is ready to open 2025 with much fanfare. The actor will be seen as Soyarabai in the Vicky Kaushal-led Chhaava, which also stars Rashmika Mandanna and Akshaye Khanna. Mention the biopic, and Dutta breaks into a smile.

“The shots that Laxman Utekar [director] has taken give me goosebumps. It’s a very good-looking film. I am delighted to be a part of it,” she starts.

As excited as she was to be a part of the period drama that chronicles the Maratha king’s reign, Dutta wondered how Utekar envisioned her in the part of Soyarabai, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj’s step-mother who had conspired against him.

“When he narrated the role, I told him I haven’t done something like this before. It was starkly different in terms of the look and the character. The fact that you dress up a certain way and go to your palace, it takes you to another world,” she says.

What also enriched her experience was sharing screen space with Kaushal. Dutta has clearly walked away impressed by the leading man, as she says, “Vicky is adorable. He would not go until he has given cues to his co-stars. I would ask him to go and he’d refuse. We would talk in Punjabi; such camaraderie is important. He is one of the finest actors we have. Give him any role and he will belong in it. In spite of being an excellent actor, there is so much modesty and humility in him.”

Many would consider turning 90 a significant milestone in life, but filmmaker Shyam Benegal doesn’t attach too much importance to birthdays. “We all grow old. I don’t do anything great (on my birthday). It may be a special day, but I don’t celebrate it specifically. I cut a cake at the office with my team,” he said.

This year, however, his loved ones made it special for Benegal on his birthday (December 14). His 90th was celebrated at Bombay Gymkhana in Fort, Mumbai with family and friends, including actors Naseeruddin Shah, Shabana Azmi, Divya Dutta, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Rajit Kapur, and Kunal Kapoor, among others.

Despite the physical challenges that come with age, including frequent hospital visits for dialysis three times a week, Benegal is committed to his passion for filmmaking.

He told PTI, “I’m working on two to three projects; they are all different from one another. It’s difficult to say which one I will make. They are all for the big screen.” The director’s most recent film was the 2023 biographical, Mujib: The Making Of A Nation.

Landing the second season of Bandish Bandits was a “surreal experience” for Divya Dutta. The actor, who plays a music teacher in the Prime Video series, says director Anand Tiwari offered her the role in the middle of a casual conversation. “Anand and I were just chatting, and this role came up. I’ve been an ardent admirer of season one. When something is resonating with you, you don’t want to ask too many questions. You just flow with it,” she smiles.

In the musical drama led by Ritwik Bhowmik and Shreya Chaudhry, most of Dutta’s scenes are with younger co-stars, including Yashaswini Dayama and Rohan Gurbaxani. Tell her that the actors have praised her nurturing approach, and she replies, “I still remember who was nice to me on the sets [in my early days].” One of them, she reveals, was her Veer Zaara (2004) co-star Shah Rukh Khan, whose kindness had moved her.

“I didn’t know my camera angles while shooting for Veer-Zaara. So, I would stand anywhere. I was so enamoured that I’d just look at Shah Rukh and forget that the camera was there. One day, before a shot, he whispered to me, ‘The camera is on that side.’ When I thanked him, he said, ‘I won’t be present on all the sets. So, look after yourself.’”

It has been a year of variety for Dutta, who was seen in Neeraj Pandey’s Sikandar ka Muqaddar and Tahira Kashyap’s Sharmajee Ki Beti. But diversity has been a prominent feature of the actor’s three-decade career. It’s getting further magnified, thanks to OTT.

She says, “Earlier, there were limited roles as the lead, and if you weren’t the lead, you would be relegated to the mother, bhabhi or the villain. OTT has changed it totally. There is so much to do for 40-plus women. The variety that comes my way now is amazing.”

At the age of 47, actor Divya Dutta is content with the direction her career has taken. From her film Sharmaji Ki Beti doing the rounds of festivals to shooting a project with actor Manoj Bajpayee in Lucknow, Dutta has had a busy year.

As she waits for the release of her upcoming film, Chhava, the actor tells us, “I am very grateful. I am doing so many titular roles — it feels nice. There’s a gamut of things and I am rather happy.”

However, this wasn’t without turning down her fair share of roles. “I take up roles which make me nervous [and say no to] those that aren’t exciting at this stage of my life,” Dutta says, adding, “During the first narration of a story, you get a gut feeling. It’s important that I enjoy the journey of shooting a project with the people I work with. If something bothers me, I refuse. I have said quite a few ‘nos’ in the past, but it has been worth it.”

The actor credits this mindset to a piece of advice that producer Aditya Chopra gave her several years ago. “I had signed on to a lot of films, but he [Chopra] told me, ‘Drop half of them’. He said, ‘You should leave behind a legacy and not just do anything’. Now, the audience tells me, ‘When you are in something, we know it will be good’.”

Despite this, does she ever feel like something might be missing? “Kuch hota, toh I would have said a companion (is missing). Par woh jab aana hota hai toh aa jaata hai,” she ends.

Divya Dutta, who celebrated her birthday recently, also completed three decades in the industry this year. In conversation with us, the actress looks back on her choices, both profession and personal, and how she is in a comfortable space in both aspects of her life.

Starting her career in an industry known for its defined boxes — commercial cinema vs parallel cinema, the quintessential heroine vs character actors — Divya Dutta often found herself walking a path less travelled.

“People would wonder, what category do I fit into? Is she a commercial or parallel cinema actress? A heroine or a character actor?” Dutta recalls.

“But despite the industry’s initial confusion, I was determined to create my own path. 30 years later, I still get roles written for me,” she adds with a sense of gratitude. “When someone comes and says, ‘This is for you, you can do this,’ it’s the most gratifying feeling. It’s not common to be in a profession where you are exactly where you want to be, doing what you love,” she says.

From playing a romantic lead to a negative character, Divya has done it all. “I was often told I couldn’t do certain roles. I was told I was too soft for negative characters. But when someone tells me I can’t do something, it becomes a challenge for me,” she says with a laugh. “There were lots of ‘no’s’ along the way,” she admits.

“People thought I was crazy for turning down the offers I got, but I followed my gut. Nobody can say I’m just a romantic heroine or a softy or a lady don. I’ve worked hard to ensure that my body of work is as diverse as possible. There was this production house that offered me a role and halfway through the narration I said no, I don’t want to do this. They asked me kya hua so I told them that I don’t think I will enjoy playing this character. They were also very sporting and accepted my decision. Now, I just say no if I don’t like a role. I don’t like any ambiguities, pretence mujhe karna nahi aata. Bahut kar li diplomacy, jab nayi-nayi aayi thi tab karti thi, but now I just like to be straighforward. Ab pyaar so bolna nahi aata hai, ab toh bas ‘chup kar, mujhe nahi karna hai’ kehti hoon. And I think I deserve it now and trust me, I have worked in better projects with the same people.” (laughs)

With several releases lined up on the big screen and OTT, Divya feels the two can never compete. “I think OTT and theatrical releases need a good marriage, like a film released in theatres should be on OTT after 6 months. Also we need OTT for small films. A film like Laapataa Ladies had a backing of Aamir Khan Productions, 12th Fail had Vidhu Vinod Chopra backing it, so they could be marketed, publicised and released in theatres. But ab agar ek chhoti film hai, kam budget wali, woh kahan hi jayegi. So for such projects OTT is a boon. But theatrical releases will never go. In recent times we have had so many re-releases, toh woh charm to badi screen ka rahega hi,” she says, adding, “What I really feel is that we need good writers. Film chahe chhoti ho ya badi, agar story gripping nahi hai toh audience nahi dekhegi, chahe OTT pe ho, ya theatres mein. The audience these days is very clever and discerning, so we now need big names in acting only for the initial push, uske baad toh story is what counts. Content nahi, toh audience nahi.”

Single and being very happy about it, Divya says she is very happy being by her ownself. “I would love a companion but I don’t miss out on it. I think that’s because I am very content in my space now, with all your experiences that you come with. I don’t want any kind of toxicity in my life now. When a good partner comes into my life, I think I will know. Until then I don’t want any timepasses,” says the actress who celebrated her birthday earlier this week.

“I do have a lot of male attention, but sometimes you are in that phase where you are very happy with the work that you’re doing and I think I am in that space. Also, at this stage in my life, for me what is of utmost importance is peace of mind. So when you’re peaceful in your heart and mind, then only you can give your best in any situation you are in, personal and professional. Baki I think woh completeness hum jo doosron mein dhoondte hain, I don’t think I’m in that place where I want completeness with someone. But companion most definitely. I would love to travel with someone, would love to go on these romantic outings as I am a diehard romantic. But with a very right person. I’m not wanting marriage in my life, surely. I mean I shouldn’t say no ever, but I think I will be happier with a companion. Until then, I am my best companion right now and I wouldn’t like it any other way. Maje aa rahe hain!”

Dutta fondly recalled a lesson she learned from filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra while working on the film Delhi-6. “I was playing Jalebi, a foul mouthed woman and I just couldn’t speak the dialogues because there were all these seniors in front of me. Waheeda ji, Rishi ji, Om Puri sahab and I was very hesitant in speaking like that in front of them. So after several retakes, Rakeysh finally came to me and told me, ‘Set Divya aside. She is too sweet. Think of the person Jalebi is and let her character take over.’ That advice has stayed with me.”

— Inputs by Ankita Bharti

Divya Dutta has taken a day off from her shoot schedule in Lucknow to spend time with her family and friends today, as she turns “sweet 16, once again”. Having completed three decades in showbiz, the actor says that many roles have given her gratification, and it only grows as she now gets to play key characters.

“I am at a stage where roles are being written for me and people say if you don’t do it, I won’t make it (the project). I am getting good projects and titular roles, and dheere-dheere apna mukaam bana rahi hoon,” says Dutta.

Last seen in Sharmajee Ki Beti, the actor is currently shooting a web series with actor Sanjay Mishra. “I also completed a film co-starring Manoj Bajpayee recently. They are all lead roles and I feel grateful that this phase has come in my life,” says Dutta, who will also be seen in the Vicky Kaushal-starrer Chhaava and the next season of the web show Bandish Bandits.

Meanwhile, she has also been enjoying her stint as a writer. Having penned two books, Me And Maa and The Stars In The Sky, Dutta now plans to write a book for children. “I am working on a fiction book of short stories,” says Dutta.

Meanwhile, the actor turns 47 today and she plans to keep things low-key: “My family is planning something for me and a few of my friends would come over. Sometimes, simple is nice! Small things like kids shelling out their pocket money to get gifts for their bui (paternal aunt), yeh sab bahut cute cheezen hoti hain and I look forward to that.”

Actor Divya Dutta, 48, and her brother, Rahul Dutta, 46, continue to share the same kind of bond that they used to as kids. Rahul, who is a doctor, says, “She is two years older than me, but weirdly, she calls me bhaiya. She gets very irritated when I call her didi. I love pulling her leg all the time.”

Divya chimes in: “My first ever photo shoot, which we thought is the most glamorous one ever, was done by him on our terrace. We secretly sent those pictures for a talent hunt and I got selected. I still remember us standing with our heads bowed as our mum asked, ‘Who did this?’”

Ask if there’s something common between the sibling duo, and they say, “writing poetry”. Divya shares, “Rahul writes beautifully and his words are so touching. He has been writing lyrics too. I love the fact that being a guy, he wrote something on gender equality, and I recited it and posted it on social media.”

The actor adds that their love for writing comes from their late mother: “Back in the day, mum and I would recite our pieces and Rahul would record us. And now, his kids do the same, as we watch.”

As the discussion around exorbitant entourage expenses of Bollywood actors that add to production cost of films continues in the industry, Divya Dutta feels that actors should definitely be considerate and think from the producer’s point of view, too.

The Bhaag Milkha Bhaag actress says, “If you know that something is leading to an escalation in the production cost then you should self-reflect and be thoughtful. I am not saying cut down on all your demands, but try to reach a middle ground.”

Citing her own example, Divya, last seen in Sharmajee Ki Beti, shares, “I had done a film free of cost, for which I was paid later, and that too a hefty amount because it did well. So, you have to believe in the film, you have to believe that a lot of money is being spent to make it, and many people are dependent on the movie. After all, it’s not just about you because filmmaking is a collaborative process.”

Divya feels that she understands this because she comes from a different school of thought. She says, “I’ve done all kinds of movies. I come from Shyam Benegal school of filmmaking where even though we had vanity vans, we would sit outside and chat with each other. The other day, I heard Shabana ji (Shabana Azmi) say that she and Smita ji (Smita Patil) had cars to go to a set, but they refused to use them, saying, ‘Hum baaki actors ke saath jayenge’. For Stanley Ka Dabba, I didn’t ask for a vanity van because I wanted to spend time with the kids who were a part of the cast and share dabbas with them during breaks.”

Divya Dutta confesses that being an actor is no easy feat. “This is a kind of profession where every day you dig a well. You have to keep up and keep working hard. It's not like, aaj toh mujhe saare critics ne keh diya ki showstealer ho tum, toh ho gayi meri zindagi set," shares Divya. In an interaction, the Dhaakad actress speaks about the importance of women having the freedom to make choices and applauds the changing portrayal of female characters onscreen.  Excerpts from a chat:

Divya feels that female characters are becoming more relatable and multi-dimensional, resonating with viewers at a deeper level. "The shift in audiences' preferences can be attributed to the rise of OTT platforms. Gone are the days when women were confined to singing songs as the leading ladies or playing characters like the hero's mother,” she says, adding, “Nowadays, there is more depth to our roles, irrespective of the age-bracket. They are far more layered and relatable. You're not just a goody-two-shoes or a vamp. And I guess it's a beautiful time to be writing characters and for actors to perform them."

On getting the kind of roles she wants, Divya says, “I took up smaller roles at one point in my career and made my presence felt. Now, I am happy that roles are now being written for me.”

A strong advocate of feminism, Divya says it’s all about the freedom to make your own choices. "It’s not about saying I am better," she shares, adding, "Aapko haq hona chahiye ki aap apni zindagi ki choices decide kar sake. I was lucky that my mother stood by me. I feel people should get opportunities to live without regrets and I feel fortunate to be able to make my own choices. Even if they turn out to be mistakes; they are mine."

She recalls, "After Veer-Zaara, I was getting similar roles. After Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, I was offered sisterly roles. Things changed with Badlapur, which got me back to being a commercial actress. So, my journey has been a fun ride."

The actress adds, "Earlier, filmmakers would acknowledge my talent but cast someone else in their projects. After I won the National Award for Irada (2017), I started being looked at as an actor with gravitas."

Divya, who completes 30 years in showbiz this year, shares that her first tryst with fame came from Veer-Zaara (2004). The actress shares that she had reservations about playing a supporting role. "When I was approached for this movie, I felt that my dream of wearing chiffon saris and dancing in the Alps would finally come true. However, during the script narration, Aditya and Yash Chopra revealed that I would be portraying Shabbo, a friend of Zaara (played by Preity Zinta). I was a bit sceptical. I thought if I played a friend’s role in a Yash Chopra film, then everyone’s going to offer me a friend’s role only. Adi probably read my face and said, 'You will be remembered for this role'. Also, when I confided in my mother, she told me, 'Do your part so well that people take notice of you, even among the biggest stars'. And that's exactly what happened."