Divya Dutta's Enduring Kolkata Romance

Actress Divya Dutta expresses a deep and lasting affection for Kolkata, a sentiment rooted in her childhood and significantly shaped by her experiences working with filmmaker Shyam Benegal. Her connection to the 'City of Joy' has been consistently reinforced through numerous visits for film shoots and literary events.

Dutta recalls an early family wedding visit around age 13-14, and later, her first professional trip for Benegal's 'Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: The Forgotten Hero.' She was particularly struck by the historical studios and the ingrained culture of respecting rest breaks, a practice she adopted. Benegal also introduced her to local culinary delights like 'maachher jhol' and rosogollas, cementing Kolkata's flavors in her life.

Further immersing herself in the city, Dutta worked on 'Ram Singh Charlie,' where she experienced the lively atmosphere of crowded markets and the daily lives of locals. Her visits now often include literary festivals, which she finds a distinct and engaging experience. She particularly admires Kolkata's book culture and its ability to balance cherished traditions with modern progress, a quality she finds refreshing in the digital age.