Bollywood Hungama

Divya Dutta calls 2026 a knockout year; says, It's rare to get praise and success together

Divya Dutta has described 2026 as a knockout year for her, with several of her recent projects receiving attention across digital platforms. From the response to the web series Chiraiya to her collaborations with Manoj Bajpayee in Gajab Raat and Last Man In Tower, the actor has had a busy year. In a conversation with Hindustan Times, Divya reflected on the success of her recent projects, her collaborations and the appreciation she has received from audiences. Reflecting on the response to her recent work, she said, When people come and say that you have ruled the OTT, it feels nice, as I wanted that for a long time and it happened, she says, adding, It often happens that you are praised for your work but it is not so-called commercially successful, or it's the other way around. It's rare to get praise and success together, and when that happens, it's a very beautiful thing. That way, this has been a knockout year for me! The actor also spoke about the impact of Chiraiya, which marked the beginning of this successful phase. Recalling her initial expectations, she said, It started with Chiraiya, and when it dropped I was keeping my fingers crossed, but it created a wave, and till date people come to me relating themselves with the show. Kamlesh, my character, became a phenomenon. I have had admiration with Bhaag Milkha Bhaag and Veer-Zaara, but this went on a different level. Another highlight of the year has been her consecutive collaborations with Manoj Bajpayee. The two actors worked together in three projects, each featuring them in different dynamics. Speaking about the experience, Divya said, I wanted to work with Manoj for so long, and this year I only worked with Manoj (laughs). The best thing is all three have been distinctive roles for us. Pitted against him in Gajab Raat, lovers but with ideological differences in Last Man In Tower, and a very different role in Gandhi And My Mother. It was amazing working in an era film with Manoj as Gandhi and improvisation magician Sudhir (Mishra, director). It has been a very gratifying year. Divya also reunited with veteran actor Waheeda Rehman for a recently completed film. The two had previously worked together in Delhi 6. Recalling their time together, she shared, This time we had just one scene together, but we have worked together in Delhi 6, and we all know she is a fantastic actor. I have some beautiful memories, like watching Guide sitting next to her. I love her warmth, the way she likes my work and has praised me for my jewellery and saris. We spent quality time together and even shopped. It couldn't have gotten better than this. Looking ahead, Divya has several projects lined up. These include the mature love story Tum Rahe Na Tum, co-starring Jimmy Shergill, and Echoes of Valour, a biopic on Shukla Bandopadhyay featuring Neeraj Kabi, in which she plays an army wife. She is also preparing to begin shooting for an upcoming OTT series. Also Read : EXCLUSIVE: Divya Dutta AMAZED by response to Chiraiya this year, Cant tell you how many girls and mothers told me how the show impacted them; also says 2026 has been a mixed bag for Hindi cinema