Why Mani Ratnam rejected Divya Dutta for 'Dil Se'
What's the story
In a recent interview with Zoom, actor Divya Dutta opened up about her first meeting with Shah Rukh Khan on the sets of Dil Se. She revealed that she was keen to be a part of the film but couldn't because director Mani Ratnam felt she resembled Manisha Koirala, the movie's female lead. Here's what Dutta said.
First meeting
How Dutta arranged a meeting with SRK
Dutta, who recently appeared in the web series Chiraiya on JioHotstar, recalled her first meeting with Khan. "When I had come in, Shah Rukh Khan was doing Dil Se. I was very keen to do a role which Preity Zinta did in the film," she shared. "My manager was the same as Shah Rukh Khan's. I requested him to make me meet SRK."
Meeting arranged
Everyone gave me dirty looks, recalled Dutta
Dutta's manager agreed to arrange a meeting with Khan, who was shooting in Connaught Place at the time. Despite her initial hesitation due to the crowd gathered around Khan, Dutta eventually met him. "One man called me and said that SRK is waiting for me," she recalled. "Everyone looked at me and was like, 'Who is this girl going to meet Shah Rukh? They gave me dirty looks.'"
Conversation
This is what Khan told her
During their brief meeting, which took place in a jeep surrounded by a noisy crowd, Dutta asked Khan to recommend her for Zinta's role in Dil Se. "He said that he can only convey my message to Mani sir." "Then, Mani sir called me and said that I look a lot like Manisha Koirala. Hence, you can't technically be a part of this film," the actor shared.
Self-discovery
Dutta has since appeared in several films and web series
Despite not getting the role, Dutta didn't let it deter her and went on to star in several movies and shows. The actor has since appeared in projects such as Chhaava, Veer Zaara, Badlapur, Special 26, Heroine, and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, among others. She is currently seen in the OTT series Chiraiya.