Divya Dutta
After having essayed a variety of roles in over 100 films, Divya Dutta is super excited about her upcoming controversial and de-glam bio-pic on the life of Manjunath, who was brutally murdered by the oil mafia in Uttar Pradesh. In a chat with Sangeeta Yadav, she tells you that playing Anjali Mullati, the activist who fought for justice for Manjunath, left her depressed
‘Manjunath left me depressed’
Tell us about your role in Manjunath.
I play Anjali Mullati who lives with her family in Bangalore. One day, she chances upon a news item on how Manjunath Shanmugham, her 10-year junior from IIM-lucknow, was gunned down by the petrol mafia after he sealed an illegal petrol pump station in lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh. She is shocked and agitated on hearing this and wants to do something for Manjunath. Anjali is annoyed that nothing is being done to nab Manjunath’s killers, a question that the movie asks the audience. For me, there is an Anjali in everyone’s life. There are only a few who work to change society.
Why did you accept this roleIJ
Though the story is controversial and my look is completely de-glamourised, I found the script inspiring. This story needed to be told and I wanted to be a part of this service to society. The script moved me personally too. The movie revolves around Manjunath’s tryst with the oil mafia who threatened him many times. It is about his parents who were scared to come to UP from Karnataka to fight the case and it also tells the story of how Anjali and her husband fight to get him justice. Advocate Indra Bhushan Singh’s side of the story who also faced many death threats has been told well.
Any scene that really touched youIJ
There is a scene in which Anjali is sitting in the car, feeling helpless and lonely because things aren’t working out. This particular scene disturbed me a lot and left me depressed for quite a few days. I could feel what Anjali must have experienced during her fight for Manjunath.
Have you ever taken a stand for a stranger in real lifeIJ
Once I saw an old woman being harassed by goons. I went there, pushed them away and yelled at the crowd. I told them that I’ll call the police and get them arrested if they continue to beat her up. This incident gave me the confidence to fight for something which was wrong and for someone whom I hardly knew. At that moment, I just listened to my inner voice. It was an experience of a lifetime.
Why is it that people don’t come forward and helpIJ
You can’t blame them because law is such that there is fear in the minds of people. They don’t want to invite trouble. If I file a case, it’ll take years for it to even reach the bench of a judge, forget about getting justice. Court proceedings in India are harassing and cost a bomb. We need support from the Government so that every citizen is looked after well in the society.
Are you a fighter in real lifeIJ
Yes, I’ve been a fighter all my life. Being brought up by a single parent and carving a niche for myself in the industry without the backing of a godfather, has taught me to be a fighter. After spending two decades in Bollywood, I’ve come a long way and am getting better offers now. But I still feel like I have just started my journey in Bollywood.