Deepti Naval, the celebrated actress known for her contributions to Indian cinema, recently shared insights into her career and personal life, revealing her initial frustration with being typecast, which she now views with fondness. In a recent interview, Naval reflected on the early stages of her career, particularly after the success of films like "Chashme Buddoor," and how she initially grappled with the industry's perception of her.

"I used to be pissed about it initially, but that was the cute part," Naval stated, referring to the image that quickly formed around her. After "Chashme Buddoor," she found herself doing four to five films, but soon, she struggled with the roles she was being offered. Naval revealed she rejected many films because she didn't want to continue doing small roles. She wanted to do work that would leave an impact.

Naval, who is also an accomplished writer and poet, has always been interested in creative writing. She published her first book of poems, "Namha Namha," in 1981, followed by "Black Wind and other Poems," and a collection of short stories titled "The Mad Tibetan: Stories From Then and Now". She didn't want to write about how she got certain films, and wanted to produce a literary piece of work.

Naval's career is marked by her willingness to explore complex characters and subjects. She has openly discussed her own experiences with mental health, including her battle with depression in the 90s, and has incorporated these themes into her work. Her collection of poems, "Black Wind and Other Poems," includes a section on women in Indian mental asylums, reflecting her deep concern for mental health issues.

In addition to her artistic pursuits, Naval leads a simple, disciplined life. She is an early riser, waking up around 5:00 AM to write for a couple of hours before going for a walk. She values her independence and enjoys her own space.

Looking back, Naval recognizes the significance of her early roles in shaping her career, even though she initially felt confined by them. She has come to appreciate the "cute part" of being identified with a certain image, understanding that it was a stepping stone to the diverse and meaningful work she has done since.