EXCLUSIVE: ‘Veeram’ actress, Divinaa Thackur opens up on body shaming

Divinaa Thackur, a young talented actress, is all set to make her debut with the trilingual film titled ‘Veeram’. Directed by Jayaraj, the movie is based on William Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’. Recently, we interviewed Divinaa and spoke to her about her character in the film, her journey in the industry, and many other things.

How does it feel to make your big screen debut with such a grand film?

It feels cosmic!! ‘Veeram’ is the best possible debut for me, I feel truly blessed. A debut I always thought of.

Your director had told you to gain weight for this film? Were you okay with experimenting with your look in the first film itself as moviegoers have a certain frame of mind on how an actress should look?

Initially, I was a bit hesitant but quickly realised that as a newcomer, I had the advantage of not carrying a baggage of public perception. I could look the way the character needed. Later when I read the script and the entire character sketch, I felt it was imperative too and today I am absolutely proud of the choice I made.

What would you like to say about body shaming that happens with celebs a lot, especially with the actresses?

I am against it and just the fact actors have a visible media life does not allow anyone to demean them just because the actor doesn’t fit into their definition of “right”. An actor is a human being and must be given that leash to pursue their lives according to their convenience. However, I also do believe that we actors set an example for common people. Hence as a public figure, an actor must also be aware about their choices.

‘Veeram’ is based on William Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’. So before you signed the film did you know anything about Macbeth?

Yes, I did. In fact, in the first meeting I mentioned it to my director that “throne of blood” by Akira Kurosawa is best adaptation on Macbeth so far.

In the trailer, we get a glimpse of you doing some action. So how easy or difficult was it to do it, as this film has a very different kind of action sequences?

Fortunately, it wasn’t that difficult for me because I have been learning Kalaripayattu for past four years in Mumbai. But getting accommodated with the sword Urmi took a while because it’s considered to be one of most dangerous weapon in hierarchy of swords. But it was worth every drop of blood and sweat!

We have heard that you have learnt Kalaripayattu for the film. How was the experience of learning the martial art, and how difficult it was, and do you feel every girl should learn martial arts for her safety?

It wasn’t difficult for me. I loved every bit of it. I am a tough girl and love tougher stuff. I strongly feel every individual be it a girl or a boy must learn one form of martial arts. There are several benefits to it like self-defence, more focus, storm free attitude, endurance, etc.

‘Veeram’ is made in Malayalam, Hindi, and in English. Were you well versed with all the three languages?

I am well versed with English and Hindi but Malayalam was completely a foreign language for me, it still is! But I worked hard over my lines for at least a month with proper diction meaning and flow in fact even today I remember all my lines in Malayalam.

How was the experience of working with Kunal Kapoor?

It was an absolute treat! He is a great human being, very grounded, well read, aware and was very supportive of me as a newcomer.

You don’t come from a filmi background, so how difficult was it for you to get into the industry?

It has been a great and memorable journey. It was unbreakable indeed. Till date I must have appeared in not less at least 1000 auditions. There were many downs and less ups, but today I feel I am a ripe artiste and can be further hybridised to shape in a new fruit as an actor. The journey has made me a lot tougher, a fighter and a go getter.

Recently, on ‘Koffee With Karan’ Kangana Ranaut blamed Karan Johar for nepotism. Do you agree with that and plus do you feel that big filmmakers give first chance to the star kids and the talented actors are ignored?

I am too young for all this and currently focused only on my acting career.

We have heard a lot about casting couches, any incident that happened with you.  

Hand on wood, I never faced any situation like that.

Every actress has a list of directors she wants to work with. Who are there in your list?

Yeah, I noted this in my diary during my challenging days. The list is Rajkumar Hirani, Imtiaz Ali, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Zoya Akhtar, Karan Johar and Quentin Tarantino.

Is there any particular genre that you would stay away from?

No. I feel as an actor I must be open to experiments and as a newcomer, I must not be too choosy and nit-picking about genre.