Divya Dutta had a strong crush on farhan | She was told
Introduction
Divya Dutta, a talented and versatile Bollywood actress, has had a remarkable journey in the film industry. One of her notable performances was in the critically acclaimed film “Bhaag Milkha Bhaag.” However, not many people know that Divya initially declined the opportunity to be a part of this iconic movie. In a recent interview, she revealed that her decision was influenced by a “huge crush” she had on the lead actor, Farhan Akhtar. Let’s dive into the fascinating story of how Divya Dutta’s crush almost prevented her from playing a significant role in “Bhaag Milkha Bhaag.”
The Role of Ishri Kaur in “Bhaag Milkha Bhaag”
In Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s “Bhaag Milkha Bhaag,” Divya Dutta portrayed the character of Ishri Kaur, the sister of the protagonist, Milkha Singh, played by Farhan Akhtar. The film depicted the inspiring journey of Milkha Singh, an Indian athlete and Olympian. Divya’s performance as Ishri Kaur was widely appreciated, earning her critical acclaim and several awards.
Divya’s Initial Hesitation
Despite the eventual success and recognition she received for her role in “Bhaag Milkha Bhaag,” Divya initially had reservations about accepting the part. In an interview with Pinkvilla, she candidly shared that her hesitation stemmed from having a “huge crush” on Farhan Akhtar. Divya confessed that she couldn’t imagine herself playing Farhan’s sister on screen because of her admiration for him.
She recalled saying, “I wasn’t doing it because I had a huge crush on Farhan at that time. I said, ‘Why should I play his sister?’ Rakeysh said, ‘But you are an actor, you are a professional.’ I said, ‘Yeah but… you know…'” Divya’s initial reaction showcases the conflict she experienced between her personal feelings and her professional commitment.
Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s Persuasion
Fortunately, director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra was able to convince Divya to reconsider her decision. He believed that she was the perfect fit for the role of Ishri Kaur and saw her potential as an actor. Rakeysh, recognizing Divya’s talent and versatility, convinced her that she could bring depth and authenticity to the character.
He reminded her that being an actor meant being able to portray various roles, even if they didn’t align with personal preferences. Rakeysh’s persuasive skills and belief in Divya’s abilities ultimately convinced her to take on the role of Ishri Kaur in “Bhaag Milkha Bhaag.”
The Surprise Encounter on Set
On the day Divya was scheduled to start shooting for “Bhaag Milkha Bhaag,” Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra had planned a surprise for her. He asked her to arrive on set a day earlier, creating an air of anticipation. When Divya arrived as instructed, Rakeysh tapped on someone’s shoulder, and to her surprise, it was Farhan Akhtar standing before her.
Divya recalled the moment, saying, “He turned. I just kept looking at him and said, ‘This is not Farhan at all! This is Milkha.'” Farhan’s transformation into Milkha Singh was so remarkable that Divya was momentarily taken aback by the stark difference between the actor and the character he portrayed.
A Memorable Scene and Emotional Connection
During the filming process, Divya Dutta had the opportunity to be a part of a particularly memorable scene. In this scene, Farhan’s character, Milkha Singh, presents Divya’s character, Ishri Kaur, with a pair of gold earrings. The scene didn’t have a predetermined ending, allowing Divya to bring her creativity and emotional connection to the character.
Drawing inspiration from an earlier scene where Milkha’s father salutes him, Divya decided to salute Milkha towards the end of the scene. This heartfelt gesture deeply resonated with the entire film unit, evoking a wave of emotions that led to a spontaneous group hug. Divya shared, “I was shocked. How did I do this? How did I remember this? We came together for a group hug and cried. Some films and moments become so special without realizing how.”
Recognition and Awards
“Bhaag Milkha Bhaag” received widespread acclaim and was a commercial success at the box office. The film won two National Film Awards, one for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment and another for Best Choreography. Divya Dutta’s portrayal of Ishri Kaur earned her numerous accolades, including Best Supporting Actress awards from the Zee Cine Awards, the Producers Guild Film Awards, and the International Indian Film Academy Awards.
Divya Dutta’s Versatile Career
Divya Dutta’s career in the film industry spans over three decades, and she has showcased her versatility through a wide range of roles. Apart from “Bhaag Milkha Bhaag,” she has delivered remarkable performances in movies such as “Delhi-6,” “Badlapur,” “Blackmail,” and “Gippi,” among others.
Her ability to bring depth and authenticity to her characters has made her a sought-after actress in both mainstream and independent cinema. Divya continues to impress audiences with her talent and dedication to her craft.
Conclusion
Divya Dutta’s initial hesitation in accepting the role of Ishri Kaur in “Bhaag Milkha Bhaag” due to her crush on Farhan Akhtar showcases the human side of actors and the challenges they face in separating personal feelings from their professional commitments. Despite her initial reservations, Divya’s remarkable talent and the persuasive skills of director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra led to her exceptional portrayal of Ishri Kaur. Divya’s journey in the film industry serves as an inspiration, reminding us of the importance of perseverance and the ability to overcome personal obstacles for the sake of one’s craft.
