I Feel Like I've Come Back With More Strength: Diana Penty

After Cocktail, it seemed like Diana Penty, who played the charming but shy Meera, would be everywhere. But Diana, as we found out, has her own way of doing things. She talks to Akhila Vijaykumar about her new movie Happy Bhaag Jayegi, finding herself while travelling and falling in love with the big fat Indian wedding.

- Akhila Vijaykumar

For the cover of Femina’s wedding issue, Diana Penty wore the hell out of one gorgeous outfit after another. And yet, when asked if she’s ever dreamed about her own wedding, she says disarmingly, “I’ve been to so many white weddings with gowns that now, every time I’m at an Indian wedding, I’m all ‘oh, it’s so beautiful’ and dream of wearing lehengas and walking around the fire.” Born to a Parsi father and a Catholic mother in Mumbai, Diana grew up respecting all faiths. “It opens you up; you’re more broadminded and accepting. My parents had a court wedding. My father was very cool about my religious upbringing; I was even baptised. I believe in a higher power or energy.”

Diana is not your typical actor chasing stardom and hobnobbing with film industry insiders to get a foothold in the industry. In fact, she is very reserved and is only close to a small set of people, including family and partner Harsh Sagar.

ON SUDDEN SUCCESS

After Cocktail’s blockbuster release, she didn’t let herself get pushed into roles she didn’t want to do. In fact, she admits she had a little trouble acclimatising to success. “I didn’t know what to expect after