Nationally acclaimed actress and writer Divya Dutta was in Chandigarh to give a keynote address at Literati-21, the Chandigarh Literature Festival, at UT Guest House on Sunday.
She spoke to the Hindustan Times about her writing, films and more.
Speaking about this year’s Literati theme, Divya says: “In this day and age, everything depends on hope, so this year’s Literati theme ‘manifesting hope’ is a positive title as the way we think, work and express ourselves in The world it must show hope because that is what keeps us from going through the thick and thin of life “.
In its writing curve from Me and Mom to The Stars in My Sky: They Who Brightened My Film Journey, he says, “After the first book, everyone asked me what I would have next. “And when I thought it was time to write again about what I’m most passionate about, and that’s the world of my movies and the people who made the difference in my journey.”
More power in women writers
“Everyone has their own journey, but there are always a few people who make it worthwhile, bringing you a smile, caressing your back, saying the right words at the right time, all that and much more. You work with these people, you know them, you have fun with them but you do not often tell them really about your gratitude. So this book has to do with it and I’m shocked at the response, “says Dutta.
On her journey as a woman writer, she says: “I am a lucky woman who has the freedom to express myself as I wish – as an actress and now as a writer. This is a liberating feeling. Recognizing it is even more so. “I feel so good to see so many women writers at literary festivals, it’s really encouraging.”
Reveals working on several upcoming films, including a Dibakar Banerjee film, Aankh Micholi, Dhaakad, Sharmaji Ki Beti, two webcasts, two short films and two English films.
Playing from the heart
“I never want to be stereotyped because if that happens I will get bored. And if I get bored, I will not be able to enjoy my job. So, my mantra is that I read a script or listen to it and if my heart leaps for joy, I know I want to do it. “Today, so many amazing stories are written and so many brilliant roles are played that you feel lucky that they give you so many different roles to play,” says the actor.
From all the work he has done so far, Veer-Zaara and Delhi-6, he says, were the toughest and most interesting roles, as they were breaks, requiring a lot of language preparation and work to get into the character. So these two movies are closer to her heart.
Regarding the current script of Punjabi cinema, the girl Ludhiana says, “I am very happy with the current scene. I’m part of one of Gippy Grewal ‘s films called Country, to be released on Mother’s Day. “I’m very happy to see so many different films of different genres being made here.”
“I used to think that now only comedies are produced in Punjab cinema, but even in the comedy genre, I see that these are very different films. “The public wants that and the creators make it, so it makes me happy and proud,” he says.
City Beautiful connection
In her connection to Chandigarh, she says: “It’s the city of my childhood. This is the place that gave me opportunities. As a student, I was affiliated with Panjab University and won the Best Actor award at the youth festival and another award for best orator. So Chandigarh gave me opportunities and told me that I was recognized and applauded. “And this city has always been close to me because of the excellent balance between city life and the warmth that we Punjabis have.”
“I also made my first two films here, Train to Pakistan and Shaheed-e-Mohabbat Boota Singh. “Well, this is another beautiful connection,” concludes Bhaag actor Milkha Bhaag.
