Deva Katta’s latest web series on Sony Liv—‘Mayasabha’ is getting a lot of love and rave reviews from the audience. In an exclusive interview with Deccan ChronicleBollywood actress Divya Dutta, who made her Telugu debut with the web series, talks about her experience working with the supremely talented director, the after effects of playing emotionally charged roles and why OTT era is a great time for storytellers and actors alike.
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How did you prepare for your character, Iravati Basu in the latest web series—‘Mayasabha’?
I didn’t really do much prep work for my character, Iravati Basu, in the web series ‘Mayasabha’. I kind of trusted the director’s vision and let him guide me on how he wanted the character to be portrayed. And I am so glad I did that because I loved the way he brought her to life. The way she’s written and placed in the story is really fascinating—a strong woman in a male-dominated world, with the power to influence things around her. Her interactions with the other characters are just captivating. I think the director did an amazing job of adding nuances to her personality, and I enjoyed playing her exactly the way he envisioned. The silences, the looks, the subtle moments—everything was just spot on. I couldn’t have asked for more.
How was it working with director Deva Katta?
Working with Deva Katta was an absolute delight. He’s a gem of a person—warm, sensitive, and incredibly intelligent. He’s got this amazing clarity about what he wants, and he can break down his vision in a way that’s so easy to understand. When I had some doubts about a scene, he would sit down with me and explain his thought process, and it would make total sense. I was bowled over by the way he narrated the role of Iravati to me over a phone call—I was hooked from the start! We just clicked, and it felt like we were on the same page from day one. He’s a true artist, and I felt so appreciated when he said I was his best casting. I am thrilled to be working with him again in the future.
How different was Mayasabha when compared to other projects?
Working on Mayasabha was a unique experience for me, mainly because I wasn’t familiar with the Telugu language. But what struck me was the warmth and effort everyone put in to make me feel at ease. The way they would explain things, the nuances they would bring out with gestures and facial expressions… It just felt like home. I felt so comfortable and connected to the role and the space. Everyone on set, from the actors to the ADs, made sure I was having a great time, and it was lovely to see such dedication and kindness. I was a bit sad when it wrapped up, but I am hoping for a season two, and I am really looking forward to working with them again.
What draws you to exploring roles in regional cinema?
I don’t overthink things when it comes to choosing roles. I go with my gut feeling. If a story excites me and I feel like jumping into it, I don’t worry about the language or region. What matters most is whether I will enjoy the journey of playing that character. If the role resonates with me, I am all in, regardless of whether it’s a regional film or not. It’s all about the passion and excitement of bringing a character to life.
As a published author, do you find any parallels between your writing process and your acting career, and how do they influence each other?
For me, writing and acting aren’t contradictory—they actually complement each other. The key difference is that in writing, I am expressing my own thoughts and feelings, while in acting, I am bringing someone else’s words to life. But what’s common to both is the passion and heart I pour into each project. When I write, I give it my all, and same with acting—I try to be as authentic and true to the character as possible. Writing also helps me in my acting career, like when I need to fine-tune a scene or help someone with lines. It’s all about being true to the craft and giving it your all.
How do you prepare for emotionally rich, layered characters like the ones you have portrayed in films like ‘Veer-Zara’?
Preparing for emotionally charged scenes is a personal journey for me. I am not a method actor, but I do need some alone time to internalize the scene and connect with my emotions. It could be 20 minutes or an hour, but I need that space to get into the zone. Once I am in that space, I want to be left alone, and my directors usually understand that. When I am done with the scene, I feel a weight lift off my chest, and I am ready to move on. It’s a beautiful process, and I am glad you asked about it. For example, during the filming of ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’, there was a scene where I had to break down and cry, and I asked the director if we could do just one take. He agreed, and it was a very intense moment for me. But once it was done, I felt relieved and could move on.
How do you deal with the emotional aftermath of playing a complex character?
Leaving behind characters like that can be tough. Sometimes, you know you are disconnecting from the role, but other times, it lingers on without you even realising it. I recall feeling drained after wrapping up a biopic—it was like I was still carrying the weight of the character. It takes a toll on you, and you need to be mindful of your own well-being. That’s why it’s great to balance intense roles with lighter ones, like a comedy, to take a break from the emotional intensity.
Looking back on your career, what’s the most challenging role you have played, and how did it help you grow as an artist?
I have had many challenging roles throughout my career, and it’s hard to pick just one. Roles In films like ‘Delhi 6’ and ‘Bandish Bandits’ stand out because they pushed me out of my comfort zone and forced me to take risks. I had to dive into unfamiliar territory and see where it would take me.
With the success of OTT projects, how do you see the future of storytelling evolving, and where do you see yourself fitting in?
I think the future of storytelling is incredibly exciting, especially with OTT platforms. The freedom to explore complex characters and storylines without the constraints of a two-hour film is amazing. We are seeing more nuanced and layered roles, especially for women, that aren’t just good or bad, but multifaceted. Shows like ‘Scam’, ‘Panchayat’, ‘Maharani’, and ‘Mayasabha’ are pushing boundaries and offering audiences something new and different. The fact that ‘Mayasabha’ has gotten such a huge response, with over 100 million views, is a testament to the power of OTTs. It’s a great time for storytellers and actors, and I am excited to be a part of it.