Mumbai, September 14, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Actress Divya Dutta, who is currently awaiting the release of Last Man in Tower, has revealed that she initially feared being stereotyped after playing the memorable character Shabbo in Yash Chopra’s iconic film Veer-Zaara.
Speaking during the promotions of Last Man in Tower in Mumbai’s Andheri West, Dutta interacted with the media alongside co-star Manoj Bajpayee and director Ben Rekhi.
Recalling her experience of working in Veer-Zaara, Dutta said starring in a Yash Chopra film had always been a dream. She grew up watching his movies and had imagined herself wearing the filmmaker’s trademark chiffon saris, but instead found herself playing Shabbo.
The actress admitted that she had reservations about taking up the role because she wondered whether it could limit her to a particular image.
Dutta said she initially thought the film’s success and the labels associated with a Yash Chopra production might lead audiences to see her primarily in similar roles. However, she recalled Aditya Chopra encouraging her, telling her there was a reason she had been chosen for the part.
That reassurance helped her embrace the character fully. Dutta said she worked extensively on Shabbo’s dialect, body language and mannerisms and enjoyed every aspect of the process.
Veer-Zaara, which starred Shah Rukh Khan and Preity Zinta, revolved around a cross-border love story set against the India-Pakistan relationship.
Dutta described the film as her first commercial success and said the affection she continues to receive for it remains overwhelming. She also recalled that there was one person she did not meet on the set, whom she described as a “very hot favourite”.
Meanwhile, Last Man in Tower is currently playing in cinemas.
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