"After Kabir Singh I was looked at much differently with respect to casting": Nikita Dutta
Mumbai, June 21
As 'Kabir Singh' completed seven years since its release, actor Nikita Dutta has reflected on the film's lasting impact on her career, saying the 2019 blockbuster transformed industry perceptions of her and paved the way for leading roles in Bollywood.
Speaking to ANI on the anniversary of 'Kabir Singh', the actor looked back at the film that she describes as a major turning point in her Bollywood journey.
Discussing how the film influenced her career, Dutta said, "Kabir Singh came to me at a point when I was trying to find my way into films. After Kabir Singh I was looked at much differently with respect to casting. I signed my first two films as a lead. This film gave me the change in perception that I needed."
The actor also recalled her experience working on the film and sharing screen space with Shahid Kapoor. While 'Kabir Singh' went on to generate widespread discussion among audiences, Dutta said the focus during filming was solely on the work at hand.
"The movie was something that was loved and discussed by the masses. However while shooting for the film, the thought was never about the end result. I took the film by the day. Just tried to do what I could in every scene. It was Vanga sir's vision that brought out this result. Shahid's focus during filming was extremely admirable," she said.
Dutta also spoke about her recent project choices, including her appearance in Netflix's action thriller 'Jewel Thief - The Heist Begins' (2025), and her desire to continue exploring varied genres.
"My concious manifestation is always for great work to come my way. It's always been my utmost priority. I then try to make efforts so no character looks the same. But there are still so many genres like action, comedy that I want to be a part of and push my limits as actor even more," she said.
The actor is next set to headline 'Nazdeekiyan', an upcoming Prime Video India series produced by Dharmatic Entertainment.
The project marks her first collaboration with Dharmatic, the digital content arm backed by Karan Johar.
Speaking about joining the series, Dutta said, "I feel Karan Johar is the family-romcom genius we have in these times. Being a part of his dramedy feels like a wish fulfilled since I started acting. There was no way I could let go of it when it was offered to me."
Described as a contemporary relationship drama, 'Nazdeekiyan' features Dutta in a central role alongside Paresh Pahuja, Aakanksha Singh and Taaha Shah. The series is slated to stream on Prime Video India.
Dutta was last seen in 'Jewel Thief - The Heist Begins', where she starred alongside Saif Ali Khan and Jaideep Ahlawat.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's interesting how a film that sparked so much debate about its portrayal of relationships could still be a career-defining moment. But that's Bollywood for you - sometimes controversy equals visibility. Nikita Dutta deserved better than being just "that girl from Kabir Singh" though. Happy she's moving on to diverse roles.
I remember watching Kabir Singh and thinking she had such a small but impactful role. It's crazy how one film can change your entire career trajectory. But honestly, the way the industry works in India, even a controversial film can be a stepping stone if you have the right connections. Hope Nazdeekiyan is good! Karan Johar knows his family dramas.
As someone who watches Bollywood from abroad, it's fascinating to see how differently films are perceived here. Kabir Singh was a massive hit but also heavily criticized. Nikita Dutta seems like a talented actress who's using that platform well. The Dharmatic show sounds promising - Indian OTT content is really stepping up!
She's right about Kabir Singh changing perceptions. Before that film, she was just another TV actress trying to make it in Bollywood. After working with Shahid Kapoor in a blockbuster, suddenly everyone took notice. But I wish she'd talk more about the problematic aspects of the film instead of just praising it. Some critical reflection would be nice.
Happy for her success but can't ignore the elephant in the room - Kabir Singh normalized toxic masculinity. Still, I appreciate her honesty about how the industry works. She's now part of projects with better content like
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