Acclaimed Bollywood actress Divya Dutta recently shared an interesting revelation about her role in the hit film ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’. In a recent interview, she disclosed that she initially declined the opportunity to play the character of Ishri Kaur, the sister of lead actor Farhan Akhtar, due to her “huge crush” on him.
Divya’s exceptional performance in Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’, a biopic on Indian track star Milkha Singh, garnered her much acclaim and several awards. However, the actress admitted that her initial hesitation was rooted in her admiration for Farhan Akhtar. It was only after some persuasion from director Rakeysh that she reconsidered her decision.
During the interview, Divya also shared her astonishment upon seeing Farhan on the set for the first time. She revealed that his transformation into the character of Milkha Singh was so convincing that she initially couldn’t recognize him. This showcases the immense dedication and commitment displayed by Farhan Akhtar in portraying the legendary athlete.
‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’ narrates the inspiring journey of Milkha Singh, from the Partition of India in 1947 to his military service and subsequent rise as a champion in the 400m race. The film, written by Prasoon Joshi, featured an ensemble cast including Pavan Malhotra, Yograj Singh, Art Malik, Prakash Raj, and Sonam Kapoor.
Despite her initial reservations, Divya Dutta eventually embraced the role of Ishri Kaur and delivered a memorable performance. Her portrayal earned her numerous accolades, including Best Supporting Actress awards at the Zee Cine Awards, the Producers Guild Film Awards, and the International Indian Film Academy Awards.
‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’ itself received critical acclaim and garnered two National Film Awards, one for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment and another for Best Choreography. The film served as a fitting tribute to the late Milkha Singh, who passed away in 2021 at the age of 91.
Divya Dutta’s versatile acting skills continue to impress audiences, and she remains a prominent figure in the industry. Her recent projects include the Hindi film ‘Anth The End’, along with appearances in ‘Dhaakad’ starring Kangana Ranaut, the short film ‘Sheer Qorma’ alongside Swara Bhaskar and Shabana Azmi, and the Punjabi film ‘Maa’.
Divya Dutta’s candid revelation about turning down the role in ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’ due to her admiration for Farhan Akhtar offers an intriguing glimpse into the dynamics of casting decisions and the personal experiences of actors.
