Popular actress and model, Ishita Dutta is known for her versatile roles in both films and television shows. In an exclusive interview, the actress, who is currently shooting for Drishyam 2, spoke about her experience in the industry and the kind of roles she wants to explore.
In this ever-changing industry where there is immense talent and competition, leaving a mark is often not easy. It needs a lot of hard work and dedication, along with luck, Dutta shared. “In any industry, leaving a mark when you are really good at your job is very hard. But in our industry, there’s also a little bit of luck factor which I feel exists at the right place and at the right time. Sometimes, you may be perfect for a certain role but somebody else might get it. I really do believe in destiny and luck, but that doesn’t take away the fact that you have to work hard, be very talented and do a great job to leave that mark. In the end, the audience needs to love you and your work,” she added.
Dutta started her career in 2012, starring in the Telugu film Chanakyudu. The following year, she made her television debut in the Star Plus serial Ek Ghar Banaunga. Since then, she has gone on to star in many television serials, music videos and films.
Talking about her experience so far as an actress, she said, “My experience in this industry has been fabulous. I, of course, want to do a lot more projects and there’s a lot to explore. Sometimes I feel I still haven’t gotten certain opportunities that I wish for in terms of roles or certain projects or working with certain people, but I believe that will happen in time. But I have had a very good experience with all the people I have worked with so far. They’ve been very nice and supportive. I have learnt and enjoyed a lot. I love everything about being an actor.”
In 2015, Dutta made her Bollywood film debut with Drishyam, alongside Ajay Devgn, Tabu and Shriya Saran. The film was a big success and Dutta received positive reviews for her performance as Anju Salgaonkar, the daughter of Ajay Devgn’s character. “We have started filming for Drishyam 2 and I’m really excited about it. It’s happening after six years and I think people are going to enjoy it. The film is also more interesting than the first part, so I’m really looking forward to it. There’s another film that I’d be working on with my husband, Vatsal. We’re going to be back on screen after a really long time. Apart from these, there are a couple of projects lined up at the end of this year, which I’m excited about,” she said, while talking about her current and upcoming projects.
Actresses usually have role models who inspire and influence their careers. They cite great actors as their inspirations. But for Dutta, inspiration is something that comes from anywhere, any platform and language. “I believe there is so much content available and you’re constantly watching so many films, characters, and actors who do such great jobs and you get inspired. There are many people, actors, and characters that have really inspired me and they make me want to do a better job every day,” she shared.
When asked where she sees her acting career taking her, she said, “Honestly, I don’t think about where I’m going, where I’m headed, or what’s going to happen after a certain number of years. I look at what’s happening currently, take up good projects that come for me and make the best out of them. I try to live in the present so I’ll be happy wherever my acting career takes me. I will just follow what my destiny has in store for me.”
Dutta shared that she is often typecast as a simple girl in films. She wishes to play different roles and characters. “To be very honest, I still feel I haven’t really played a character who is very different. I somehow tend to get very similar characters like the girl next door. I have not really done an outright negative role. I did play a cop in the action film, Blank. I had to do a lot of action in the film and my body language was very different, which I enjoyed. But I think most of my characters have been very positive and simple. This is what I really want to change as an actor. I want a chance to play different kinds of roles and do something that is different from what people normally presume me to be,” she added.
The entertainment industry can be a hard place for actresses, who are often body shamed and trolled in social media. Women empowerment and body positivity is much needed in the industry. Dutta shared her views on feminism and said, “I totally support women empowerment and I am absolutely against people who body shame others. Body shaming has been happening for decades and its high time people be sensitive toward others. Let people make decisions about their own bodies. Everyone has a different body type. You can be of any shape and size. I believe people should simply focus on being healthy, eating right, and sleeping on time.”
Further, she thanked her fans and viewers for all their love and support. She advised the younger generation not to get influenced by the glamour of social media. “Don’t let negativity and trolls get to you. Try to be grounded and stand up for other people,” she added.
