Divya Dutta reflects on career, stereotype-breaking roles and Bandish Bandits S2

CJ Desk

From her early days in the industry to becoming one of Indian cinema’s most versatile and celebrated actors, Divya Dutta has carved a niche for herself by breaking stereotypes. Known for her ability to deliver nuanced performances across both films and series, Dutta was recently nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the Critics’ Choice Awards for her role in Bandish Bandits Season 2.

With the rise of streaming platforms, Dutta has embraced complex and varied characters that transcend traditional roles. She considers this shift to be transformative for actors, particularly women, in the industry.

In a recent conversation, Dutta opened up about her journey, the evolving landscape of storytelling, and an unexpected opportunity that brought her back to Bandish Bandits for its much-anticipated second season.

Reflecting on her career, she said, “When I entered the industry, there were set boxes, and for me, the interesting part was breaking those boxes. It was never about just getting work; it was about doing the kind of work I wanted to do. You have to say no to certain things to get to those final yeses that truly matter.” She added, “With OTT, roles became so much more diverse, especially for heroines, moving beyond just the typical boxes.”