Here’s why Divya Dutta missed out on ‘Dil Se’ even after Shah Rukh Khan’s recommendation

Ever since she started her acting journey in 1994 we have seen Divya Dutta winning appreciations playing a wide range of roles. However, the versatile actress got the chance to share the screen with her forever ‘crush’ Shah Rukh Khan only once and it’s the critically acclaimed ‘Veer Zaara’ in which she played the role of Zaara’s (Preity Zinta) friend Shabbo. However, not many people know that Shah Rukh had did recommend Divya’s name to Mani Ratnam for his 1998 classic film ‘Dil Se’.
While speaking to a media outlet recently, Divya recalled her meeting with Shah Rukh in Delhi’s Connaught Place. At that time the Bollywood superstar was shooting for ‘Dil Se’. Shah Rukh was sitting inside a Jeep and people were literally going crazy outside to catch a glimpse of him.

Divya Dutta revealed that the celebrated actor first offered her a cup of tea and then asked why I was there. When he heard that Divya wanted to be a part of ‘Dil Se’ he promised her to convey the message to director Mani Ratnam. Interestingly, after Shah Rukh Khan’s recommendation, Mani Ratnam did message Divya. However, the acclaimed filmmaker informed that he can’t cast Divya in the film since she looks ‘similar’ to ‘Dil Se’s female lead Manisha Koirala. Mani Ratnam didn’t want two similar actresses in one film and that’s why the role eventually went to Preity Zinta. Recalling the incident the actress admitted that even if she couldn’t do ‘Dil Se’ she will always be thankful to Shah Rukh Khan.
Meanwhile, on the work front, Divya Dutta was last seen in Kangana Ranaut starrer ‘Dhaakad’. She will next be seen in Suneil Shetty's 'File No. 323'.