Actress Divya Dutta is pleased with the critical acclaim her film Sheer Qorma is receiving not just in India but even worldwide. It was director Faraz Ansari who delivered the news to her that it had won the Grand Jury prize at the Asparilla International Film Festival in Florida.
“The feeling is, of course, of elation. In the times we’re living in, this kind of news is very welcome. We were sure the film would work. While shooting something, you know what the project is capable of. We patiently waited for the right time. Also, it’s Pride Month, what could be better than our film getting a great launch,” Dutta beams with excitement.
Dutta is no stranger to awards and critical praise, whether for her work in films or as a personality. When asked if such awards mean anything to her, she replies she’d be dishonest if she said otherwise.
“In a way, they’re like a tonic for any actor, a booster. You feel acknowledged, appreciated by your clan, and that counts. It also changes things for us, the perception about us. Especially, the highly coveted awards for sure, it changed for me after I got a National Award. But it’s not like that would be the end of the world if I don’t get it. If I get one, it’s good,” explains the 43-year-old, who won the National Film award for Best Supporting Actress in a Supporting Role for Irada (2018).
Dutta, who has yet to see Sheer Qorma, believes that we are still learning about LGBTQI+ issues in our nation.
“Abhi toj jaake sundar films banni shuru hui hain. Earlier, there only used to be one or two, like Fire (1996), which had to face resistance. Now, we have Aligarh (2015), Kapoor & Sons (2016), which hit home so beautifully. There’s the web show Made in Heaven as well. Appreciation comes from the West, where it’s no big deal. We’re more conservative in our thinking,” she admits.
However, the actor says that a change is on the way. “We’re getting there in terms of acknowledging ourselves. But we must not underestimate yourself. We’re celebrating Pride Month in a way that has never been more beautifully celebrated,” she concludes.
