Divya Khossla shines, makes a mark on her own

With no promotions or marketing strategies, Savi clocked in 5:7 million record views on its release. Divya Khossla who plays the titular character, says she feels rewarded that the film’s evocative message has struck a chord amongst the audience.

“In Hindi cinema you see the typical male saving the heroine. Savi too was written for a male character, but I requested Mukesh Bhatt, to let the protagonist be a female. As Savi turns saviour for her family, it lets out an empowering message to all women. It’s also a heartening time not only as a female actor but also as a woman to go out there, chase your dreams and be fearless,” says Divya.

Her journey

With the emphasis on the word fearless, Divya confesses her journey in the industry has come with its share of struggles. Having made her acting debut in 2004 with Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Saathiyon, she took a hiatus after her marriage to T Series head Bhushan Kumar a year later in 2005. Focussing on direction, and studying cinematography, Divya directed two films Yaariyan and Sanam Re, only to return to acting in 2016.

“After my second directorial, when I decided to get back to acting, I took three years to get a film. The struggle was real since no one was willing to give me an opportunity in the industry. Had I had these chances, don’t you think I would have been working, instead of waiting for that one chance,” she says in all honesty.

The statement itself may come as a surprise, after all here is a woman who has the backing of the strongest production house in the country. Divya well aware of the perceptions given her privilege, says has always strived to be her person.

The failure of her comeback Satyamev Jayate in 2019, translated into another year and a half long wait for her to sign on her next Yaariyan in 2021. “I had no one pushing me, and neither were people willing to sign me because they see through the lens of being someone’s wife, and from the family that I am. When you are married to a successful partner, it is very difficult to make people see your individuality. That has perhaps been the most difficult for me, to carve my own space and identity, beyond the family I come from. Somewhere people also don’t think you can be as successful,” she says candidly.

Savi has given her the confidence

Acknowledging that her concern now is to be careful when it comes to her choices, she says, “For me to maintain the momentum as an actor is to get those opportunities, and get a choice to choose the best. The need of the hour is to be cautious with my choices of scripts. I need to cement my position as an actor, and take on parts that challenge me.”

Beyond the spotlight, she says she loves spending time with her 13-year-old son, whom she has kept away from the spotlight. “It was our personal choice to keep our son away from the camera which follows us.”

Now a Telugu film

Divya’s next is the Telugu film Hero Heeroine which is set against the backdrop of the film industry. Helmed by Suresh Krishnan, the movie also stars Shiva Kandukuri. “I am very excited. Yes, it’s based on the Telugu film industry, and I am very excited to be working in Hyderabad.”