Divya Dutta on playing Preity Zinta's best friend in Yash Chopra's 'Veer-Zaara': Feared being typecast as ‘heroine’s best friend’

Divya Dutta opened up about her concerns following her role in the iconic Yash Chopra film 'Veer Zaara.' Despite receiving widespread acclaim for her portrayal of Shabina Ibrahim, the best friend of the film’s heroine Zaara, played by Preity Zinta, Dutta feared being typecast in similar roles.
Dutta, who has had a diverse career spanning over three decades, revealed in a recent interview with Siddharth Kannan, that her role in 'Veer Zaara' marked a turning point in her career.Although she had already appeared in numerous films, it was this 2004 romantic drama starring Shah Rukh Khan and Preity Zinta that brought her widespread recognition. However, the role also brought with it the anxiety of being minimalized in the film industry.
Recalling the premiere of 'Veer Zaara,' Dutta shared that she was both thrilled and apprehensive. She described sitting at the premiere, holding her mother’s hand, and being acutely aware that a Yash Chopra film would draw significant attention. Her portrayal garnered significant praise, but Dutta worried that she would be confined to playing the “heroine’s best friend” in future projects.
During the movie's interval, Dutta found herself overwhelmed by the reactions and retreated with her mother. She expressed her mixed feelings, torn between the joy of being part of such a prestigious film and the fear of being stereotyped. Dutta recounted a moment when someone at the premiere mistook her for a new actress from Pakistan, highlighting the industry's struggle to categorize her despite her seven years of experience.
Dutta emphasized her determination to avoid being typecast, turning down roles that did not appeal to her. She recounted an instance during the production of 'Aaja Nachle' when she insisted on knowing her co-star before agreeing to the project. Her decision to accept the role only after learning she would be paired with Irrfan Khan underscored her desire to break free from limiting stereotypes and pursue meaningful roles.
Reflecting on her career, Dutta asserted her belief in working with people who respect her talent and contributions, resisting the industry's tendency to categorize and objectify.