Divya Dutta challenging herself to get out of her comfort zone

Actor, author, travel junkie, and now a motivational speaker, Divya Dutta has led life on her own terms. The Punjabi girl dreamt of being an actress, and she is living her dream. Never mind that she had to learn and unlearn things on the way!

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The year 2024 was special for Divya. Films like Sharmajee Ki Beti and Sikandar Ka Muqaddar won her love, and the web series Bandish Bandits brought her critical acclaim. “Last year was fantastic. I shot for about five different films, and travelled a lot,” opens up the National Film Award winning actress.

“I welcome 2025 with lots of gratitude and hope,” adds Divya, who ushered 2025 in Mumbai, with her family and friends. No New Year resolutions for her.

Talking about her character Nandini in Bandish Bandits 2, she says, “I was an ardent admirer of Bandish Bandits Season 1, which was mesmerising. The story was beautifully told by Anand Tiwari.”

When Tiwari asked Divya if she would be interested in playing the part of Nandini in Season 2, she jumped at the opportunity. The part was initially written keeping a male actor in mind but Tiwari later changed it to a female one. “It just worked out beautifully. The character of Nandini was so nuanced, whether it’s her look or the character arc; her backstory, the intrigue factor and her philosophy of music, everything made her an attractive character to play,” she says.

Divya had to unlearn a few things and learn a lot on the sets. “An absolutely different world it was, and very challenging, exciting and amazing for me. I'm so proud and honoured that I could be a part of this one.”

Divya is inundated with messages and calls for her portrayal of Nandini. “I'm delighted that everyone is watching Bandish Bandits 2 and loving it so much. I guess the music has resonated beautifully with the audience. The songs have become a rage. My young niece and nephew are humming those songs. So, I'm sure it has reached all generations.”

With a number of films to her credit, including Veer-Zaara, Delhi 6 and Welcome to Sajjanpur, Divya is loving her time on OTT. “OTT has paved a path for women, who are in their 30s 40s and above. Being an actress is no longer just romancing the hero or just getting kidnapped by a villain. The characters are more layered now. People want to know what happens after happily ever after, people want to know the grey that lies between a black and a white, and see a woman in such shades. Our audience is ready for it and so are the storytellers, so there's a lot more happening for actresses now.”

Thought it’s been three decades in the profession, for Divya it’s still a learning process. “I have been very lucky. I have worked with the best directors.” Among them was Shyam Benegal, who gave her the memorable character Vindhya in Welcome to Sajjanpur. “He was an institution unto himself. With his unassuming persona, he could bring out the best in his actors. I learnt a lot from him!”

Divya will next be seen in Laxman Utekar’s historical drama Chhaava. “I've also completed a biopic recently, and a film with Manoj Bajpayee. I have taken up many projects and that is pushing me out of my comfort zone. That’s something I want to explore in 2025.” We are watching!