Actress Divya Dutta recently opened up about changing audience preferences, the growing attention given to intimate scenes in films, and the importance of telling stories that encourage meaningful conversations. Interacting with the media during a film festival in Mumbai, the actress shared her perspective on how Indian audiences consume content and why filmmakers should not be judged solely by a few moments that go viral on social media. She also spoke about her contrasting performances in Chiraiya and Gajab Ki Raat, explaining why she enjoys stepping outside the image audiences may have created for her.
During the interaction, Divya was asked whether the way Indian audiences consume films has become problematic, especially when intimate scenes from movies are circulated widely online and end up overshadowing the actual story. Responding to the question, she felt that responsibility cannot be placed entirely on one side. Divya Dutta said, “Well, I don’t think you can place the responsibility solely on one party. It also depends on what the audience chooses to engage with; if they focus on those specific elements, then that is what will continue to appear. Such scenes might be a very minor, insignificant part of the film, but if clips of them are highlighted and circulated extensively, I don’t believe it’s something that warrants such serious concern. These things tend to be fleeting—they appear and then fade away. Ultimately, what matters is the story; if the story is good, people will appreciate and watch the film. These intimate scenes are just transient moments.” Her response highlighted the importance of looking beyond viral clips and judging a film by the larger story it wants to tell.
The conversation then moved to Divya's recent performances and her ability to portray characters with completely different shades. After receiving appreciation for her work in Chiraiya, she took on a negative character in Gajab Ki Raat. Asked how she manages to move between portraying a strong woman and a strong negative character, the actress said she has thoroughly enjoyed exploring different personalities on screen. Divya explained, “I’ve been able to manage both quite well. It’s been a fantastic year, with three films released that featured completely different characters. 'Chiraiya'—alongside Manoj [Bajpayee]—and, of course, 'Gajabraj'... it’s fascinating to explore the various layers within a character, whether they are positive or negative. As an actor, you always feel that there’s so much more you could bring to every scene—a different shade, a new dimension. I’m glad I had the chance to break the mold; just because 'Chiraiya' was a hit, it doesn’t mean I have to keep playing the same kind of role—I’ve taken on something negative instead. It’s great to be able to shatter the specific image that others might try to build for you—the expectation to 'just keep doing it this way.' It’s truly enjoyable to break that pattern. And I’m glad that this has been a very successful year.”
Divya's comments also reflected her belief that an actor should not become confined to one successful performance. Rather than repeating a familiar character simply because audiences have appreciated it, she prefers to experiment and discover new dimensions through her work. Her contrasting roles in Chiraiya and Gajab Ki Raat demonstrate that she is comfortable exploring both positive and negative characters. For an actor, such opportunities can be creatively rewarding, allowing performances to remain unpredictable and challenging. Divya also expressed happiness about having a successful year in which audiences got to see her in distinctly different roles.
One of the most significant parts of the interaction came when Divya was asked about Chiraiya and its subject, which many people still find uncomfortable to discuss, particularly when it comes to marriage. The social drama explores marital rape and consent, bringing attention to experiences that are often ignored or normalized. Divya said the series has helped start an important conversation, with women from different backgrounds reaching out to share how deeply the story affected them. She said, “I believe Chiraiya has sparked a very important conversation. Often, people feel these topics shouldn't be discussed, or they simply dismiss such experiences as 'just the way things are'—effectively normalizing them. I cannot even begin to tell you how many women—mothers, daughters, and others—have reached out to me, saying how deeply they were moved by this story. They realized that what they were going through wasn't just their own isolated experience; it was something that happens to many. And so, they began to talk about it. It is truly heartening to see how a story told through visual media has made such an impact. Ultimately, I believe that in any marriage—or, for that matter, in any close, meaningful relationship—the most essential elements are respect and equality. If these values are embraced and made a core part of one’s life, any relationship can become remarkably stable.”
Chiraiya is a six-episode social drama streaming on JioHotstar. Directed by Shashant Shah and created and written by Divy Nidhi Sharma, the series is an official adaptation of the acclaimed Bengali web series Sampurna. By addressing marital rape and consent, it takes up a sensitive subject that is frequently pushed out of public discussion. Divya's remarks underline how storytelling can give people the language and confidence to speak about experiences they may have long considered too uncomfortable to share.
From questioning the attention given to viral intimate scenes to discussing the freedom to experiment as an actor, Divya Dutta touched upon several important aspects of cinema and society during the Mumbai interaction. However, her comments about Chiraiya stood out for the way they connected the series with conversations happening beyond the screen. For her, the real impact of a story lies not simply in its popularity but in whether it makes people think, reflect and speak openly. And that, she suggested, is what meaningful storytelling should ultimately achieve.