Deepakk Dutta on the highs and lows of his career, says, ‘If you are healthy, keep working’

For Deepakk Dutta, who has been part of television shows such as Na Umr Ki Seema Ho, Shubh Laabh, Gupta Brothers, and Meri Aashiqui Tum Se Hi, the journey to success was anything but easy. He has also appeared in acclaimed OTT series like Dr. Arora (Sony LIV) and Crash Course (Prime Video), while his film credits include Daadi Ki Shaadi, M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story, Haasil, Dil Kabaddi, Bhagat Singh, and several others. However, the years following his first major film, Police Force, tested his patience and perseverance. With the film delayed for nearly nine years before its release, Deepakk had to continue searching for opportunities across television and films while working hard to build a stable career.

“Since Police Force was stuck for so many years, I started getting offers for small films and television. Survival was important. Television had just started growing, and because serials were weekly then, I could manage both TV and films,” he said.

One of his earliest television projects gave him much-needed financial stability. “Sony TV had just launched, and I worked in a serial called Faasle. It became one of my prominent television projects, and I finally started earning enough to survive. Films were uncertain, but television kept me going,” he shared.

At the same time, he continued accepting smaller film roles. “I worked in many films where the roles were small. Sometimes scenes got edited out, so audiences never really saw that work, but every project taught me something,” he said.

Among those films was Tigmanshu Dhulia’s critically acclaimed Haasil. “Tigmanshu was a friend, so I did a small role in Haasil. I played the heroine Hrishitaa Bhatt’s brother. The film starred Jimmy Shergill, Hrishitaa Bhatt and Irrfan Khan. It became a landmark film and gave Irrfan Khan one of his biggest breakthroughs,” he recalled.

Another memorable project came during the wave of Bhagat Singh films. “Around 2002, many films on Bhagat Singh were being made. Ramanand Sagar cast me as the lead in his version. Unfortunately, because several Bhagat Singh films were released around the same time, ours couldn’t make it to theatres. It was released on DVD and later telecast on Doordarshan in multiple episodes,” he said.

Years later, he appeared in M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story, a film that brought him recognition despite some of his scenes being trimmed. “I played Dilip in M.S. Dhoni. Although a few scenes were edited, many people still recognise me from that role. It was a significant film for me, even if I didn’t get the kind of roles I had hoped would follow,” he said.

Looking back on nearly three decades in the industry, Deepakk says he has no complaints. “There have been highs and lows, but no regrets. After almost 28 years, I’m still working as an actor, and I’m proud of that. Acting is a long journey. You don’t have to rush. As long as you’re physically and mentally healthy, keep working,” Deepakk ended.