Actress Diana Penty, who made a memorable Bollywood debut in 2012 with the hit film Cocktail, recently opened up about being typecast in the industry and her desire to break away from the “good girl” image she’s often associated with. The actress, who impressed audiences with her subtle charm and poise as Meera in Cocktail, said that while she cherishes her debut role, it has also shaped how filmmakers perceive her — something she hopes to change in the coming years.
In a recent interview, Diana candidly admitted that she hasn’t yet had the chance to explore diverse characters on screen. “I think after Cocktail, a lot of people started seeing me as the ‘simple, sweet, good girl’. And while I’m proud of that film and what it did for my career, I also feel like I haven’t really been given the opportunity to show other sides of myself as an actor,” she said.
She further added, “I’ve always believed that actors should not be confined to one image or stereotype. I know I can do a lot more, but sometimes it just depends on what kind of roles are being offered to you. The truth is, I haven’t gotten that opportunity to do varied kinds of roles yet — the kind that challenge me, surprise the audience, and push me creatively.”
Diana, who has since appeared in films like Happy Bhag Jayegi, Lucknow Central, Shiddat, and Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran, shared that while she’s grateful for her journey so far, she is now looking for scripts that allow her to explore darker, more complex, or unconventional characters. “There’s so much more I want to do — maybe a grey character, something intense or action-driven, or even a completely quirky comedy role. I want to keep evolving and experimenting,” she expressed.
The actress also spoke about the strong buzz surrounding Cocktail 2, the much-discussed sequel to the original film that starred Deepika Padukone, Saif Ali Khan, and herself. While Diana didn’t confirm whether she will be a part of the sequel, she revealed that the idea of revisiting the world of Cocktail excites her. “Cocktail was a very special film for me — not just because it was my debut, but because it connected with audiences in such a big way. If there’s ever a sequel being made and I get to be part of it, it would feel like coming full circle,” she said with a smile.
When asked if she would like to see her character Meera evolve in the sequel, Diana replied thoughtfully, “It would be interesting to see where Meera is today, more than a decade later. Maybe she’s not the same shy, reserved person anymore. Maybe life has changed her in ways that would surprise people. That kind of character progression would be beautiful to explore.”
Diana also reflected on her early struggles in Bollywood and how being selective about scripts sometimes slowed her career pace. “I’ve always been someone who wants to choose quality over quantity. That’s why I take time between projects. But yes, there have been moments where I’ve wondered if that’s made people forget me or typecast me. It’s a balance I’m still learning to manage,” she shared honestly.
Despite the challenges, Diana remains optimistic about the future and believes that the industry is changing, giving actors more scope to experiment. “Today, audiences are more open to seeing actors in new avatars. They want stories that feel real and layered. That gives me hope — that maybe I’ll finally get that one role that breaks all the perceptions people have about me,” she concluded.
As fans eagerly await official updates on Cocktail 2, Diana Penty’s openness about her journey and her desire to break free from the ‘good girl’ image offers a refreshing glimpse into the evolving mindset of one of Bollywood’s most graceful yet underrated talents.
