Exclusive - Divya Agarwal opens up on weight loss for new project, married life with Apurva Padgaonkar and her wish to embrace motherhood through adoption

Bigg Boss OTT Season 1 winner and talented actress Divya Agarwal, known for her dynamic roles in shows like Cartel and Tatlubaaz, makes a powerful comeback post her marriage to Apurva Padgaonkar with her latest project, Badass Begum. The actress joined Times of India TV, for an exclusive chat where she spoke about how she bagged the role, life post marriage and losing weight for the show. She also opened up about her decision to embrace motherhood through adoption, how she remains unbothered by online trolling, and why losing fame doesn't scare her. (Photo: Instagram)

I'm really excited to return with this role. After a long time, I feel like I’ve done something that truly connects with my heart. The show’s concept is about a bold girl from Mumbai who dreams of becoming a heroine. To follow her dream, she starts exploring the film industry but feels disappointed because people there seem fake and not honest. Then she looks at the world of gangsters and feels they are actually more loyal and have stronger values. She’s very ambitious—she wants to earn a lot of money, own a bungalow by the sea, and even have her own plane. She has big dreams and is ready to do whatever it takes to achieve them. (Photo: Instagram)

I remember telling myself, "I'm married now, I’ll relax for a year." But during that relaxed phase, this project came my way about four months ago. Back then, my body looked very different from how it does now. When I was offered the role, I wasn’t really prepared—it completely caught me off guard. They told me, “You have to do this,” and even though I wasn’t ready, I thought, why not? Let’s go for it. I didn’t hesitate, and I gave priority to my passion for acting. Slowly, everything started falling into place. For the audition, they invited me for a meeting, and I think what stood out most was my confidence. I got this role because of my confidence. (Photo: Instagram)

I’ve been working in this industry for 17 years, and not once did I take a break, not even when I lost my father. I kept going. But now I realise that this break was really important for me. For the first time, I found some calm in my life. I learned to be patient, stayed away from work for a year, and spent real, quality time with my family. It changed me, I've become more grounded, more confident, and more at peace with myself. Looking back, I feel it was the right thing to do. Sometimes, we all need to pause, breathe, and take a step back from the hustle. I truly believe everyone should take a break at some point in their lives. (Photo: Instagram)

I believe that when someone moves forward with honesty and stays true to themselves, they stop being afraid of losing anything. You start thinking, if I’m doing something, I want to do it with all my heart. I have that trust in myself that whatever happens, I’ll handle it. And if things don’t work out? That’s okay too. I’ll stay home, maybe teach dance to a few kids, and still live my life and earn money. I am not scared of losing fame. Not at all. Fame is just a byproduct of my profession, it’s not my whole life. There are so many great actors out there who don’t even have a huge following on Instagram, but everyone still knows them. Why? Because of their talent and good work. That’s what I care about being known for what I do well, not just for being famous. (Photo: Instagram)

They don’t need to understand everything, and I don’t blame them. I’ve made choices that may have hurt some people along the way, and that’s a part of life. But I just want everyone to believe one thing, the Divya they once loved is still the same at heart. When I’m truly happy from within, only then can I give my best to projects like Badass Begum, Cartel, or Tattlubaaz. My happiness reflects in my work. As long as I’m at peace, I can spread that joy to others. But if I’m unhappy, I won’t be able to connect the same way with my audience. Yes, some life decisions are difficult and not everyone will agree with them. People may even turn against you. But I’m not afraid of that, because I know I’m doing what’s right for me and that’s what matters. (Photo: Instagram)

No, I don't see anything unless I open Instagram, and honestly, I’m perfectly happy in my own circle, surrounded by friends and family who love and respect me. I don’t rely on others for validation. To be honest, it doesn’t really affect me. No matter what you do, people will always have something to say. Whether you do something or not, they'll still find a reason to criticize. So I believe in living life on my own terms. And you know what? I have no problem turning haters into supporters. I’ve done that so many times. I’m not afraid of it, and I don’t back away from it either. (Photo: Instagram)

No, thankfully my family is different from others, and my family has never pressured me into anything be it marriage or anything else. The only people talking about it are people on the internet, and I’m not paying attention to that. I'm perfectly fine. Right now, I want to focus on my work. Maybe 5 or 10 years down the line, I might adopt a child and give them a good life. (Photo: Instagram)

No, thankfully my family is different from others, and my family has never pressured me into anything be it marriage or anything else. The only people talking about it are people on the internet, and I’m not paying attention to that. I'm perfectly fine. Right now, I want to focus on my work. Maybe 5 or 10 years down the line, I might adopt a child and give them a good life. (Photo: Instagram)

Not really. Of course, many women dream of becoming mothers, and I respect that deeply. But personally, I don’t think I’m ready for the level of sacrifice that our mothers made. I admire them for it. At the same time, I strongly believe that choosing not to become a mother doesn’t make someone any less of a woman. My nurturing side is very much alive and I express it with my family, my team. I have no issues giving love to kids who don't have anyone else. If the time comes and I feel it in my heart, I’d be more than happy to share that love with someone who truly needs it by adopting a kid. (Photo: Instagram)