She took time to claim her spot at the top in the television industry, but once there, there’s been no looking back for actress Divyanka Tripathi. But Tripathi, better known as Dr Ishitha on television show Yeh Hai Mohabbatein, had her share of adjustments to make in the glamour world.
“The biggest struggle was wearing short dresses. In the beginning, it was a taboo for me,” says the actress who was born and brought up in Bhopal.
“I played a simple girl in Banoo Main Teri Dulhan (2006) and after that everyone thought I am like that in real life too. It was when I entered Comedy Circus in 2013 that I actually opened up because I realised that if I don’t wear short clothes, people will have this notion that Divyanka is a ‘behenji’ and she cannot do anything but wear conservative clothes and look sober. As an actor, I really had to break this thought,” exclaims Tripathi.
So, did people make fun of her? “Oh yes, people indirectly cracked jokes in front of me about how they looked at me as a plain Jane. I realised that instead of expecting good acting out of me, they would just expect me in sarees and suits. I wanted to change their perception. I started wearing short clothes for the character... it was very uncomfortable for me,” says the actress.
For someone, who stayed away from the glitz and glamour of Mumbai, becoming a household name was unexpected, but the actress has a theory behind her journey.
“I think the universe was preparing me to be an actor. I never pursued one thing for long but I was jack of all trades. I was learning everything possible because I knew my father would never shell out money for dresses or parties but he would always give me money for new courses and books. I have learnt sketching, drawing, singing, dancing, rifle shooting, paragliding. I was an NCC cadet and I loved the fact that I was encouraged to learn something,” says Tripathi who is engaged to marry actor Vivek Dahiya.
Talking about her source of inspiration, the actress says, “My parents have been my biggest support. Had it not been for them, I would have not been able to be the confident and fearless person that I am today.”
She adds how her life would be incomplete without her siblings, “My best memories in life are with my elder sister Priyanka Tiwari and my brother Aishwarya Tripathi.”After that she entered a talent hunt contest, 'India's Best Cinestars Ki Khoj', in 2004. Even though she did not win, it opened the world of small screen for her.
She took time to claim her spot at the top in the television industry, but once there, there’s been no looking back for actress Divyanka Tripathi. But Tripathi, better known as Dr Ishitha on television show Yeh Hai Mohabbatein, had her share of adjustments to make in the glamour world.
“The biggest struggle was wearing short dresses. In the beginning, it was a taboo for me,” says the actress who was born and brought up in Bhopal.
“I played a simple girl in Banoo Main Teri Dulhan (2006) and after that everyone thought I am like that in real life too. It was when I entered Comedy Circus in 2013 that I actually opened up because I realised that if I don’t wear short clothes, people will have this notion that Divyanka is a ‘behenji’ and she cannot do anything but wear conservative clothes and look sober. As an actor, I really had to break this thought,” exclaims Tripathi.
So, did people make fun of her? “Oh yes, people indirectly cracked jokes in front of me about how they looked at me as a plain Jane. I realised that instead of expecting good acting out of me, they would just expect me in sarees and suits. I wanted to change their perception. I started wearing short clothes for the character... it was very uncomfortable for me,” says the actress.
For someone, who stayed away from the glitz and glamour of Mumbai, becoming a household name was unexpected, but the actress has a theory behind her journey.
“I think the universe was preparing me to be an actor. I never pursued one thing for long but I was jack of all trades. I was learning everything possible because I knew my father would never shell out money for dresses or parties but he would always give me money for new courses and books. I have learnt sketching, drawing, singing, dancing, rifle shooting, paragliding. I was an NCC cadet and I loved the fact that I was encouraged to learn something,” says Tripathi who is engaged to marry actor Vivek Dahiya.
Talking about her source of inspiration, the actress says, “My parents have been my biggest support. Had it not been for them, I would have not been able to be the confident and fearless person that I am today.”
She adds how her life would be incomplete without her siblings, “My best memories in life are with my elder sister Priyanka Tiwari and my brother Aishwarya Tripathi.”
One thing about Vivek you love: He is so positive. We had this sudden spark. He was ready to take up my responsibility in every way possible.
One thing you don’t like about Vivek: He is so likeable. I like everything about him.
Life after marriage: Vivek is a very open minded person. Generally men in India generally like to sit back and get dinner and coffee on the table. Vivek is all about equality and does not want everything readymade. I don’t think balancing marriage and work would be tough.
Prized possession: Vivek and my family.
Trivia
Phobia: I am really scared of losing people I love. My family means the world to me and I would not want to ever hurt them. That is what I fear the most.
Favorite dish: I love daal baati, Gujarati food and thepla.
Define yourself in three words: Positive, flexible, adventurous
Two things fans don’t know about you: I forget a lot! I have a poor memory. Main Ghajini hoon! Also, I can be super lazy. I can sleep 15 hours a day!
Had you not been an actor, what would you have been?: An Army officer
Idea of success: Achieving my dreams and being happy with it. I want a happy life for my family. Success is happiness!
What turns you off: Blatant lies and disrespect.
Health advise for fans: Have a very good breakfast in the morning and throughout the day keep having small meals after every 2 hours. Its important to workout, yoga is good.
Tough thing about being an actor: Handling fame and fan attention
