I always prioritize quality over quantity of work: Nikita Dutta

It was late in the evening and the cup of coffee in front of me was sending rings of smoke in the air. 

I was anxious, yet calm...scribbling on the notepad, possibly sketching, while awaiting the arrival of Nikita Dutta. She's a known name to any television lover. But for those who entered the party late, here’s a bio. 

Born in a defense family, the pretty and ambitious Nikita has climbed the ladder of success solely on her merit.  A diverse personality, she has mastered the domains of modeling, anchoring and of course, acting.  

Adding another feather to her already illustrious cap, Nikita is set to enchant television lovers via her impressive portrayal as Suman in Sony Entertainment Television’s Ek Duje Ke Vaste. 

Check out the experts of a fascinating conversation that I recently had with the actress. Read on:  

Hi Nikita…Thanks for speaking to Tellychakkar.com…

Thank you, Manisha. It’s my pleasure. 

So now, tell us…how did you bag this role?

(Thinks) Honestly, I am very choosy when it comes to roles. I can’t relate to the daily saas-bahu soaps. I always prioritize quality over quantity of work. After I quit Dream Girl, I got a lot of offers. There are shows on Indian television that are very different, you can never relate to them so that is not my genre. This show is very realistic. It will connect with the audience, so I opted for this one. 

Interesting. Please continue… is the role challenging enough? 

Every role is challenging as it’s different from your personality. But my character Suman is not a constant one. It has different shades. Everyone can relate, at some or the other point,with her. My character is very relatable. 

Well, if I am not wrong ,you called it quits in your first show itself, isn’t it? 

Yes, I did!

So in the first show itself you took a stand so don’t you think that it is too risky?

See, risk is everywhere, in each field but if you are not happy with your work then you should leave it. Then you are not being true to your work. So you rather not do it than do it half-heartedly.

Tell me… Do you have any similarities to your character?

(Hmmm…) The one thing, which is the connecting factor between me and my on-screen character is multitasking.  Suman can do a lot of work at once and so can I.

As we known, Suman runs a catering business so how often do you show your cooking skills?

 Well, honestly, the food that I make in real life can only be eaten by me.I am a very bad cook. I can never make proper Indian food. I am working on the cooking tactics so that it can be seen in the show. 

(Awww…poor girl!)

Can you tell us about your work background?

I am from a defense family. I started with Miss India 2012. Then I did anchoring of a music request show on Zoom TV. Later did anchoring for 2014 world cup. Then I did a film Lekar Hum Deewana Dil as a parallel lead. I played the character of Rose in the movie. Then I picked up Dream Girl. 

So, do you regret doing the film?

No yaar, it was an experience. In a way, it’s good that I have a stamp of a film. But it’s bad that it was a flop film. It’s the way you take it. 

What made you choose TV over films?

Initially, I used to get very irritated that I have to work for 12 hours, no holiday.  But once you see the results, you start liking it. It’s all about loving your job. Somewhere I wanted to pursue acting. I believe if you doing TV also, then do good work. 

How has it been working with Namik Paul?

It’s been just two weeks but so far it’s been good.  I have a problem with his height. I used to feel that my height will never be an issue as I have decent height. After seeing Namik, I thought I was too.

(Haha… even we feel complex in front of Namik…sigh!) 

As you have done hosting, so you wish to do anchoring in the future? 

I would love to. It’s something very close to me. I am open to host any show. 

Who is your favourite host? 

 I love the way Shah Rukh Khan host awards. He's the one person that I look up to. 

As you come from a defense family and the people in the army are very disciplined, are you also the same? 

I am very punctual about time, eating and work. Acting has eased me down. Earlier, I was very stiff and rigid. I have become better now. Initially, I used to lose my temper and start getting irritated. Now, I have become calm and patient. Acting has calmed me down. 

What is your passion? 

My passion is to work out all the time. The day I am not doing anything, I work out twice a day. If I don’t work out before a shoot I can’t concentrate. I love the tag of fitness freak. I monitor myself in the dieting as well. 

I am into fitness too.

Great, we can bond well. 

Lastly, any fitness tips you want to share for your fans and me too? 

I would tell to move and don’t be lazy. I hate people who don’t move and keep cribbing about not losing weight so the important thing is to get up and workout. And stop eating anything, control yourself and see the magic. 

All the best, Nikita, for your new project! Wish you more and more success. 

Thank you so much.

I felt amazing meeting the girl, and knowing about her life. Of course, hugged her before signing off.