Entertainment

My audience is my best critic: Divya Dutta

by Trans World Features (TWF) 19 May 2016, 05:52 am

Divya Duttas acting career spans four distinct industries. Having acted in Hindi, English and Punjabi cinema, she has seen many genres of roles. Having shot to national acclaim after playing Shabbo in 'Veer Zara', she has been nominated for and won many prestigious awards. Back in news for her recently released Traffic, she tells TWF correspondent Jaideep Pandey that Veer Zaara was a turning point is her career

How difficult is it to survive in this industry without a Godfather?

Actually even those who have godfathers have a lot to worry about. In the industry if you work well and hard, the results are longer lasting.

Bollywood has completed 103 years. What do you think is our strength?

The audience has been our strength, the people who come to the theatre to watch cinema. It just makes it so much a part of every one’s life. The audience support is what makes keep trying to get better and better.

Was Veer Zara a turning point in your career?

Yes, as it took me a notch higher. It was better in terms of visibility and otherwise. I would call it a turning point because a lot of people thought it was my debut film.

"Male actors have an easier time in Bollywood than Female actors". How far do you agree?

Male actors can be said to have a longer career, but I think women are breaking it now. You have Kareena Kapoor, Vidya Balan they are working after marriage, and I think it’s great for them. While men do get to act for longer, Bollywood is opening up very fast. You had ‘Ki and Ka’ with Kareena and Arjun and it was so wonderful.

How important are critics for you?

No, I don’t give a lot of importance to critics. My audience is my best critic, I feel. I was reading a critical analysis of a review of the movie, and I found that is too subjective that way. I understand that it’s the way it is and I feel that I can’t gain much from it. It is the audience which is my greatest judge.

Are you open to negative roles in the future?

I am never close to any role that might come my way. I will take a negative role and I have done so in the past.

How was the experience of working in Traffic  and the adulation for your performance?

My role in the movies was that of a mother to a 12 year old and it was emotionally very draining. I thoroughly enjoyed my part in the movie and feel very fulfilled. I am loving the response that I am getting.

Where do you find Manoj Bajpayee as an actor.

We have done three very good films together and unfortunately I never had the chance of getting to act with him even once. I am earnestly hoping that I will get a chance to share the screen with him. He is one of the most talented actors we have in the industry.

We saw you in ‘Savdhan India’. Any more TV plans?

‘Savdhan India’ is a popular show, but I will not be doing much like that as it is a very limited field. As of now I am enjoying myself on the big screen.

Is your role in Irada In Patiala inspired from Hina Rabbani Khar?

It looks similar to her and that’s where the comparison ends I guess. It is not inspired by her, it just happens to look like her.

What's your definition of success?

I should be happy and satisfied and I have the freedom to do as I feel.

You have worked in Bollywood as well as in Punjabi cinema. How are both different ?

Well I would just say that Punjabi is more regional and Bollywood is more global, but now I guess even Punjab is getting global with lots of film going bigger way. Also the IT chain is getting far wider now.

Connect with Jaideep on Twitter: @PandeyJaideep