I keep rediscovering myself with every film: Divya Dutta

Mumbai: Actress Divya Dutta, known for her versatile performances in films like 'Baghban', 'Aaja Nachle' and 'Veer Zaara', says she has never tried to stick to an image and always done different kind of roles.

"I have never tried to bind myself in some kind of an image on screen. I have always tried to do different things. Like I have played the role of a friend in 'Veer Zaara', a teacher in 'Stanley Ka Dabba', a con woman in 'Special 26'. It

is a deliberate attempt on my part to choose different roles. I have never done cliched things," Divya told PTI.

"I like to be versatile. I keep rediscovering myself with every film. It is great to be doing that, it gives great satisfaction," she said.

Considering a lot has changed in Hindi films, Divya feels there is demand for character actors.

"The trend of storytelling has changed and hence a lot of things have changed. Today films are not only about a hero, heroine and a villain but there is more to it. That is when character actors like Nawazuddin Siddiqui come in place. There are roles written for character actors, and it feels great," she said.

Divya is happy that her year started on a good note with 'Special 26', as the film did quite well at the box office.

She has an interesting range of films coming up this year Karan Johar's home production film 'Gippi', Farhan Akhtar's 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag', Vikramaditya Motwane's 'Lootera', a Hollywood film and two other projects.

"I feel I am still a newcomer. I do get nervous and excited whenever I do a film. I like to challenge myself as an actor and hence I will keep doing different kind of roles and not restrict to one particular role or space," said the actress, who is looking forward to the release of 'Gippi'.

"I play the role of Gippi's mother...she is a single mother who is more like a friend to her daughter. She is not a stereotypical mother. I think Karan Johar producing the film is itself a big thing. It is a different kind of a film and he backing it is a plus point," she added.

Releasing on May 10, 'Gippi' is directed by debutante Sonam Nair. The film is a story of a 14-year-old girl. Riya Vij plays the title role of Gurpreet Kaur aka Gippi, who is learning new things while growing up and adapting to changes.