‘I wanted to break free’; Divyendu Sharma talks about moving beyond his boy-next-door roles

Divyendu Sharma has evolved into one of Bollywood’s most dynamic performers, consistently choosing roles that challenge stereotypes and showcase emotional depth. In a recent chat, he spoke candidly about his artistic journey, the decisions that have influenced his growth and the thoughtful approach he takes toward every new opportunity.

Staying grounded despite success

Reflecting on his journey, Divyendu shared that success has never influenced his outlook or his dedication to acting. He believes he hasn’t changed much as a person and has always been certain about his choice to be an artist and an actor. Rather than seeking stability or conforming to conventional ideas of success, he finds joy in the creative process itself. For him, the real reward lies in the fact that, no matter where his career stands, he continues to do what he has always loved and that, he feels, is truly fulfilling.

Moving beyond the boy-next-door image

Divyendu also spoke about how he has successfully distanced himself from the lighthearted, “boy-next-door” characters that defined his early years in the industry. Breaking free from those familiar roles was a conscious decision, he shared. “Initially, I wanted to break free from the boy-next-door comedy, the happy-go-lucky guy image. Thankfully, fortunately, it happened, God-willingly. So right now I’m in the absolute honeymoon period of my career," he added.

Exploring darker themes

On the work front, Divyendu’s latest film, ‘Saali Mohabbat’, is a drama-thriller that marks Tisca Chopra’s debut as a director. Released on ZEE5 on December 12, the film also stars Radhika Apte and

Anurag Kashyap

in important roles. The story follows themes of betrayal, desire and morality. Divyendu plays Ratan Pandit, a complex character that immediately caught his attention.