Divya Dutta's Candid Confessions: From Crushes to On-Screen Siblings
In a recent interview with Shubhankar Mishra, veteran actress Divya Dutta shared lighthearted stories from her early career, including having crushes on Bollywood icons Salman Khan and Farhan Akhtar. She humorously recalled the irony of ending up playing their sister in films, questioning the casting at the time.
Salman Khan: A Protective Co-Star and Early Admiration
Divya Dutta revealed that her crush on Salman Khan never led to awkwardness on set. "When I worked with Salman, I didn't feel anything like that. I wasn't in a position to say anything. Just working with him was a big deal for me," she said. She described him as very nice and protective during shoots.
She also reminisced about being drawn to his early screen persona. "That 'Maine Pyar Kiya' phase—a combination of innocence and naughty charm—was very endearing," she added, highlighting his appeal.
Farhan Akhtar: From Crush to On-Screen Brother
With Farhan Akhtar, Divya admitted she directly questioned filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra about being cast as his sister. "I asked why I was being given the sister role. He said, 'You are an actor,'" she recalled.
However, her perspective changed once she saw Farhan in character. "When I went on set and saw him, I didn't see Farhan, I saw Milkhaji. Then I realized how trivial I had been about it," she said, noting they became good friends afterward.
Shah Rukh Khan: A Cinematic First Meeting
Divya shared an anecdote about her first meeting with Shah Rukh Khan, calling it nothing short of cinematic. She recalled tripping on stairs while carrying her portfolio, and the superstar helped her pick it up.
"He said, 'Hi Divya.' I was shocked he knew my name. He said my name was on a shortlist," she explained. She praised his enduring appeal, stating, "He treats women with a lot of respect and love, especially co-actors. His manner and etiquette make him different."
Humility and Professionalism on Set
Divya highlighted Shah Rukh's humility, recalling an incident from the sets of 'Veer-Zaara.' "He asked me before taking my line—even though he didn't need to. That's the kind of person he is," she said.
She also mentioned how he ensured the safety of female co-stars at the airport, waiting until everyone had left. "You can't forget such things," she added, emphasizing his considerate nature.
Reflections on Craft and Career
Summing up her admiration for Salman Khan, Divya said, "Firstly, he was extremely good-looking, and there was a naughty innocence in his eyes—which is very endearing." Despite the early crushes and unexpected roles, she remains focused on her craft.
"I am an actor... and when the role is so excellent, everything else becomes secondary," she concluded, showcasing her dedication to the profession.
