Divya Dutta On Sharmajee Ki Beti, Drawing Parallels To Her Character And More

Sharmajee Ki Beti, a film by Tahira Kashyap, hit Amazon Prime Video last week and is already making waves. Critics and audiences alike are praising its unique concept of seamlessly intertwining the lives of three middle-class women and two teenage girls, all sharing the common surname 'Sharma.'

With a powerhouse cast featuring Sakshi Tanwar, Divya Dutta, and Saiyami Kher, Sharmajee Ki Beti explores societal norms and relevant themes through their compelling narratives. Dutta in the film shines as Kiran Sharma, a spirited Patiala woman navigating her new life in the bustling city of Mumbai. As a housewife, Kiran initially feels out of place, but her journey of self-discovery begins when her mother, who faced similar struggles in Patiala, urges her to rediscover herself. By believing in herself, Kiran redefines her identity, earning respect as a housewife.

Kiran's story challenges societal norms by asking why a woman should abandon her self-respect as a homemaker and why she shouldn't seek self-worth, whether or not she works outside the home. Divya Dutta brings this character to life with exceptional skill, doing justice to Kiran's empowering journey.

In a recent conversation with SheThePeople, Divya Dutta opened up about the uncanny parallels she sees between herself and her character Kiran. Dutta says, “I think very bizarrely there are certain similarities in me."

Divya Dutta Reflects on Similarities With Kiran

She recalls, "I come from a small town like Kiran, and it took me some time to establish myself. Of course, I came for work and Kiran is someone who is married here and with no work. But I think for every woman, be it Kiran or Divya, to find your own journey to know what makes you happy, to know what is your calling.”

Dutta relates her own discovery of cinema as her calling to Kiran's quest for self-realisation. "In my case, cinema became my calling, but it was a process of trial and error. Similarly, Kiran invested a lot emotionally in her family until she realised that she has to befriend herself and find happiness within herself." she shares. 

Moreover, she identifies with Kiran's vulnerability despite being in a bustling city. "Despite being in this big city, Kiran never lost her warmth and innocence, and I feel I have that too."  Lastly, a shared trait is their deep attachment to their mothers. "Her constant calls and discussions with her mother—I've always done that," she admits.

When asked how she would handle Kiran's challenges, Dutta believes she would react similarly. "I think I would have done exactly what Kiran did. That’s why I connect so deeply with her character, and it seems many others do too, from what I've heard."

Challenges and Self-Discovery

Dutta further delved deeper into the reasons behind Kiran's delayed self-discovery and why women like her often endure hardships silently. She shares, "I think many women endure hardships silently. There's a conditioning to adjust, compromise, and prioritise family first, as seen from our parents' example. And there is a major sense of guilt that comes over if you do otherwise; many women go through this."

Discussing the importance of self-realisation and prioritisation, Divya emphasises, "Individuals must understand and prioritise themselves. Whether it happens early or not varies for each person. Some people never realise this at all."

Personally, I realised that in my relationships, I didn't give myself enough importance when I should have. I'm glad I eventually recognised this, though I can't pinpoint exactly when it happened. 

Divya Dutta's Perspective On Parenting

Dutta also sheds light on Kiran's unconventional approach to motherhood, particularly when her child confided in her about their sexuality. "I believe parents should be very open to their children's confidence," she emphasises. 

A major gap in today's society is the lack of listening. If there's emotional distance between parents and children, many kids struggle to find the right support and guidance.

Divya stresses the importance of accepting children for who they are, "Parents need to prioritise their children's happiness. Instead of imposing our own dreams on them, we should celebrate their individuality and accept them unconditionally."

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Sharmajee Ki Beti has sparked numerous questions with its intricate plot and compelling storylines, making it a must-watch for those seeking thought-provoking cinema. Read our review here.