From her first film Suraksha to the popular television serial Shanno ki shaadi, actress Divya Dutta [Images] has come a long way. Her future, too, looks bright with a terrific movie line-up, discovers Vidya Prabhu.

You play Shanno in the television serial Shanno ki shaadi.

Yes, I do. By doing that, I honour a commitment I made about one and a half years ago.

What made you take it up in the first place?

It is undoubtedly a very good role. To tell you the truth, then I was not working on as many movies as I am right now. So I decided to go for it.

Any other serials in the pipeline?

Not really. I have got my hands full with a gamut of movies. First, there is a dark comedy Dubai Returned, followed by Mr Ya Miss [Images], Darwaza Band Rakho, Vikram Bhatt's Aakhir, Tanuja Chandra's Runway and two other untitled films, one of which is an English-Hindi bilingual.

Have you ever given a thought to theatre?

Theatre has always been at the back of my mind but somehow I never got around to doing it. Even now, I would love to do it but I am tied up with movies. However, I have managed to squeeze in time for actress Ayesha Jhulka's play, which will open in September.

What do you look for in a role?

I primarily look at how a role is laid out by the director. I take into consideration my co-stars, before signing a role.

How did you get into acting?

It began with a talent contest I won in 1994. After a three-month course in acting, I bagged my first film Suraksha -- opposite actor Suniel Shetty [Images]. It was followed by Agni Sakshi and Veergati. Those being the initial years of my career, I did not have much choice as far as signing films was concerned.

Your ideal role would be...

Ones played by Sharmila Tagore in Mausam and by Julia Roberts [Images] in Pretty Woman.

Your best work till date...

I loved my roles in Veer-Zaara, Train To Pakistan and Shaheed-e-Mohabbat.

Do you like item numbers?

Why should not I? In fact, I have one to my credit, in Chhote Sarkar. I would love to do some more.

Comedy, drama or action?

None. I have had quite a bit of every thing but I want to try out some romance!

Speaking of romance, is there somebody special in your life?

Yes, I am seeing someone but that's all I want to disclose at this point of time.

You are a fan of...

Hrishikesh Mukherjee. I am crazy about all his films.

Your favourite actors?

Neetu Singh and Rishi Kapoor [Images]. They make an adorable couple.

Your favourite co-star would be...

Clich�d as it sounds, Amitabh Bachchan [Images]. He is so natural. When I observed him on the sets, I was convinced I too could evolve with each role instead of delivering my lines mechanically.

Any regrets?

None. In any case, what is pre-destined or pre-ordained is bound to happen.

Has life changed after Veer-Zaara?

Yes, it has in many ways. It has been a turning point of my career. I have now reached a stage where I can take on a role for what it is.