Diana Penty opens up about her definition of love, working with Amitabh Bachchan, upcoming projects, and more

If you’ve gone through Diana Penty’s Instagram page (yes, the one with 4.6 million followers!), you know that she is a confident and easy-going girl. More than anything, you will notice just how much the camera agrees with Penty. And the same energising vibe defined the Brides Today cover shoot. With years of modelling expirence under her belt, it was utterly unsurprising that she posed with almost fluid-like movements.  

Ever since her acting debut in 2012 with Cocktail, Penty has moulded herself into a versatile actor by picking roles that present a challenge. From playing a rebellious runaway bride in Happy Bhag Jayegi and a security expert in the spy thriller Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran, to her upcoming courtroom drama Section 84 with Amitabh Bachchan, Penty’s repertoire of movies is as multi-faceted as it can get. 

Talking about her experience working with Bachchan she said, “Working with Mr Bachchan in Section 84 was an incredible experience. I would describe it as a masterclass. His professionalism, talent, and humility left a lasting impression on me. And as an actor, just observing him in the same scene helped me pick up so many subtle nuances about the craft. It was an experience I’ll never forget.” 

From walking down international runways to working in movies across genres, Penty’s journey has been momentous. In an exclusive chat with Brides Today, she opens up about her beauty rituals, goals for the year, and lots more! 

Brides Today (BT): What is your definition of love? 

Diana Penty (DP): There is a quote I read a long time ago that said, “Love is when the other person’s happiness is more important than your own”. To me, this sums up the definition of love perfectly. 

BT: What are some of the bridal trends that you are loving right now? 

DP: I think the current trends are all about minimalism, and it makes me very happy. Minimal bridal looks that focus on natural beauty and timeless elegance should be the way forward. Not to mention, this is also a more fashion-conscious choice since you can easily rehash the look later. The more classic and timeless the outfit, the easier it is to style and wear again.

BT: Talk to us about your beauty routine, how do you manage to keep your skin and hair healthy despite using make-up daily? 

DP: My beauty regimes have always been simple and easy to follow; I can’t stick to complicated or fussy routines. I cleanse my face with a gentle facewash in the morning and before bed. During the day, I apply a light, water-based moisturiser and a slightly heavier moisturiser at night. Keeping my skin hydrated is a key part of my routine. I believe that the right kind of moisturisation makes the skin look healthy and plump. I’ve also recently started using aloe vera gel at night. It acts like an overnight mask and I wake up with smooth, supple skin. 

BT: What is your personal style like? What are some pieces of clothing that you consider to be wardrobe staples?  

DP: I would say that my personal style is minimal, easy-going, and comfortable chic. Staples for me include denim in different styles and washes, a few crisp white shirts, and well-fitted crop tops or tank tops in neutral colours. These versatile pieces can easily be styled up or down. 

BT: You have a following of 4.5M on Instagram, what are some things social media has taught you?  

DP: I have learnt a lot from social media. When these platforms were new, they made me uncomfortable. it took me some time to get used to them. But now, I’ve grown to have fun with them. It taught me the importance of authenticity and staying true to myself amid the noise. Over the years, I built some meaningful relationships because of social media, but most importantly, it has taught me the power of resilience, how to handle criticism in a healthy way, and how to take feedback in a way that helps me grow personally and professionally.    

BT: Out of all the characters you’ve played, which one do you relate to the most and why?

DP: I was definitely closest to Meera from Cocktail when we were shooting the movie. But I’ve evolved and have come into my own since then. I’m definitely a more confident person today, and this is why I’m very excited to play my next character for a web series on Amazon, Daring Partners. I can’t tell you too much about her right now, but I can say that she’s very similar to the woman I am today.  

BT: How have the roles you look for and pick evolved over the years?

DP: Initially, I used to look for characters that were similar to me in real life. Back then, it was easier for me to draw inspiration from my own life because it felt comfortable and safe. But the tables have turned now. I find myself seeking more diverse and challenging characters to play. I want roles that allow me to explore different aspects of human emotions and experiences. The greater the challenge, the more exciting it is for me now.  

BT: If not an actor and model, what career path would you have chosen? 

DP: I was a model before I became an actor. Prior to that, I was a Bachelor in Mass Media (BMM) student specialising in advertising. I was always drawn to marketing and strategising and had plans to pursue a Masters in Global Marketing Communications and Advertising. But before I knew it, modelling happened and the rest is history.  

BT: What are some of the most rewarding parts of being an actor and what are some of its downsides?   

DP: The most rewarding part of being an actor is the ability to successfully inspire the audience through storytelling. The best compliment for an actor is when the audience enjoys a film and can resonate with the characters. But with success and fame comes a complete lack of anonymity and privacy that can sometimes be very hard to deal with. 

BT: What goals do you hope to achieve in 2024?

DP: I hope to do some wholesome, quality work in 2024. I want to take on projects that will challenge me and keep me on my toes. 

Also read: Actor Sobhita Dhulipala gets candid about her career graph, her ideal wedding, her upcoming Hollywood debut, and more