Actress Ishita Dutta has reflected on the film that changed the course of her career, her close bond with the Devgn family and her journey of trying to break free from familiar on-screen roles. Following the success of Drishyam – The Conclusion, the actress sat down for a candid conversation about the relationships she has built over the years, her marriage to actor Vatsal Sheth and the professional challenges that come with being recognised for one defining character. For Ishita, Drishyam remains far more than just another film in her filmography. Released in 2015, the thriller introduced her to a wider audience and continues to be one of the projects people associate with her most strongly. However, while she appreciates the film’s lasting impact, Ishita is equally keen to explore different characters and show audiences new sides of her acting abilities.
One of the subjects Ishita spoke warmly about was her relationship with the Devgn family, a bond that has grown stronger over the years through professional associations and personal interactions. Asked about the connection she shares with the family, including attending festivals and birthday celebrations, the actress described them as affectionate, approachable and deeply family-oriented. “I think—well, I mean—they are very close and truly very sweet. I’ve always enjoyed spending time with them because there’s so much to learn, both on set and in our personal lives. They are also very close to my kids, which I really appreciate. It’s a very family-oriented dynamic. Kajol ma’am is always smiling. She is very sweet and a fun-loving person,” Ishita said. Her words reflected the warmth she feels towards the family, highlighting how a professional association can gradually develop into a meaningful personal bond.
The conversation also turned to Ishita’s relationship with her husband, Vatsal Sheth, and the unexpected connections between their careers. While both actors have worked in projects associated with Ajay Devgn, Ishita clarified that she did not first meet Vatsal on the sets of Drishyam. Instead, their paths crossed during a look test for the television series Rishton Ka Saudagar – Baazigar. “No, no, no—I didn’t know him. I think I first met him during the look test for the show. At that time, it didn’t even strike us that we had both worked with Ajay sir. We gradually became friends, and within a year—in 2017—we got married. That’s how it happened,” she recalled.
Their love story has also become a source of amusement for fans, particularly because of the memes connecting their professional histories. The couple has often been associated online with the humorous overlap between Vatsal’s appearance in Taarzan: The Wonder Car and Ishita’s role in Drishyam. Rather than taking the comparisons seriously, the actress said they have embraced the jokes and enjoy the lighthearted attention. “And after the wedding, the memes started appearing—and they’re still going on today! We still receive them. It’s all in good fun; the audience enjoys creating them, and we enjoy it too. Why not? It’s all very lighthearted, and we even talk about it among ourselves,” she added. Her response showed that the couple sees the internet’s playful fascination with their film connections as entertainment rather than something to be taken too seriously.
When asked which project she considers the biggest turning point in her life, Ishita did not hesitate to name Drishyam. At the time, she was still relatively new to the entertainment industry and had completed only one television show, which she noted had been quite popular. The thriller, however, gave her career a significant push and helped establish her as a recognisable face among film audiences. “No, no—definitely Drishyam. I was very new to the industry back then, and I had only done one TV show—which was quite popular, by the way. But Drishyam really put me on the map; even today, wherever I go—despite having done other work—people still associate me strongly with that film, along with a few other characters I’ve played. So, I would certainly say it was one of the major turning points,” she said.
While the film brought her recognition, Ishita is aware that being closely associated with a successful project can sometimes lead to actors being offered similar characters repeatedly. Asked whether she had experienced being viewed through the lens of one particular role, she acknowledged that the pattern does occasionally occur. However, she is determined to challenge it by choosing projects that allow her to explore different genres and personalities. “I think I do sometimes get offered similar types of roles, but I always try to break that mould. I constantly hope and pray for the chance to play diverse characters—for instance, in Dedh Pyade, I took on a comedic role, which I truly enjoyed. And recently, Ghamasaan was released, in which I play a police officer. So, yes—while I do occasionally get offered similar roles, I’m still actively trying to break through that pattern,” Ishita explained.
Her comments underline the balance she continues to navigate: appreciating the film that helped define her career while refusing to let it become the only measure of her potential. From the emotional family drama of Drishyam to comedy in Dedh Pyade and a police officer’s role in Ghamasaan, Ishita is looking to expand her range and take on characters that challenge audience expectations. At the same time, her affection for the Devgn family and her playful recollections of life with Vatsal Sheth reveal a grounded side of the actress beyond her professional achievements.
For Ishita Dutta, Drishyam will always remain a milestone that opened important doors. But as she continues to explore new roles, her focus is firmly on what comes next—building on that recognition, experimenting with different characters and giving audiences more reasons to see her beyond the part that first made her a familiar name.