Kanmani of the telly routine?

Like many, she aspired to become an artiste at an early age with an interest in learning and performing during school. This eventually led her take her talent to another level. She then got an opportunity to debut in the Kannada film 12 AM Madhyaratri starring Alok Kashinath, the son of renowned actor and director late Kashinath. It was Alok’s second movie and Kashinath spotted actress Divya, the daughter of an ex-army officer. And today, the same Divya has made a mark for herself with the popular TV serial Akasha Deepa which ran for more than 700 episodes, and Amma alongwith a recent soap in Tamil too. She is back as Kanmani on Udaya TV, and spoke to Bengaluru Chronicle about her latest avatar on TV along with her wonderful experience working with the late Kashinath Sir, and more.

“Though my parents hail from Mangaluru, we settled in Kodagu and then in Anekal before finally moving to Bengaluru. My father, is an ex-army officer who served in Srinagar, for several years before he started serving in the state transport department. It was during school that I developed a great interest in performing alongwith learning various forms of dance. Eventually, I started getting photoshoots that were the right opportunity to enter the entertainment industry, and luckily, I was spotted by Kashinath Sir,” Divya recalls.

The actress who made her acting debut with the Kannada film 12 AM Madhyaratri starring Alok, the son of late Kashinath, initially faced objections from her close relatives, and friends for choosing to act in a Kashinath’s film. She recollects: “When I signed the movie, the initial response from many of my close ones was not so good. But when I personally met the legend, I realised that he is one of the nicest human beings, and many needlessly believe otherwise, mistaking his bold subjects to be how he is in real life. He is one of the simplest persons, and believes in speaking through his work.”

The actress also shares a lighter moment with the legendary actor-director, “When I first met Kashinath Sir, I made it very clear that I would not expose. I was wearing a three fourth outfit when I was speaking to him. When Sir asked me to reply on what ‘exposing’ means, and went onto explain the character was very youthful, and it was apt. So one has to adapt, be it in a saree or a three fourth! It is all about one’s mindset,” he said.

While the film has opened to mixed reviews, it led Divya to explore better opportunities in television as well.

“Though acting in films was on a different experience altogether, small screen actors have a great platform and get more recognition. I took up Akasha Deepa, and I am still remembered for that. It continued with Amma before I took up a Tamil soap which was another satisfying venture,” she adds.

About her latest avatar in Kanmani, Divya reveals that her character is completely different from her past roles. She is seen as a bold and confident woman.

Married to a software engineer, Divya sums up saying that it is her family support that motivates her to work and she hopes to take up more sensible projects in future too.