Divya Dutta is finally getting the screen partnership she had been waiting for. The actor has revealed that despite working with Manoj Bajpayee in several films over the years, they had never actually shared meaningful screen space until Last Man in Tower. For Dutta, finally getting to perform opposite Bajpayee was a long-awaited opportunity and one she says was absolutely worth the wait.
1. Divya Dutta and Manoj Bajpayee finally share the frame
Dutta and Bajpayee have previously been part of films including LOC: Kargil, Veer-Zaara, Special 26 and Traffic. But despite appearing in the same projects, the two actors had barely had scenes together.Last Man in Tower finally changes that, giving them substantial material to perform together.
2. Working with Manoj was on her bucket list
Dutta admitted that sharing screen space with Bajpayee had been on her bucket list.She described the actor as an intelligent, effortless and giving co-star, adding that having someone with such rich life experience opposite her elevated their scenes.
3. Sangeeta Puri is far from one-dimensional
In the film, Dutta plays Sangeeta Puri, a neighbour who finds herself on the opposite side of the central conflict involving Bajpayee’s character.What attracted Dutta was the complexity of the role. Sangeeta isn’t simply presented as a good or bad character her choices are shaped by circumstances, relationships and what she wants for her family.
4. The film revolves around a redevelopment conflict
Last Man in Tower follows Yogesh “Masterji” Mishra, played by Bajpayee, a retired schoolteacher who refuses to accept a lucrative redevelopment offer that other residents of his housing society are willing to consider.Dutta’s Sangeeta becomes one of the residents whose choices bring her into conflict with Masterji.
5. Divya says the character has many hidden layers
Dutta explained that Sangeeta’s circumstances play a major role in understanding her behaviour.Her family situation, strained communication with her husband and personal responsibilities all contribute to the decisions she makes. For Dutta, those layers made the character particularly exciting to play.
6. The actors found common ground in their performances
Dutta has described Bajpayee as someone who listens, absorbs and reacts naturally during a scene.That chemistry became particularly valuable because Last Man in Tower isn’t built around straightforward heroes and villains. Instead, the characters have competing perspectives, with each person believing they have valid reasons for their choices.
7. Last Man in Tower arrives in theatres this week
Directed by Ben Rekhi, Last Man in Tower is adapted from Aravind Adiga’s 2011 novel. The screenplay has been written by Sooni Taraporevala, while Juhi Chaturvedi has penned the Hindi dialogues.The film also stars Boman Irani and Sukant Goel and is scheduled to release in Indian theatres on September 11, 2026.
KnowBuddys Take
Imagine working in the same movies for YEARS and never actually getting your big scene together.
Divya Dutta and Manoj Bajpayee have crossed paths multiple times — LOC: Kargil, Veer-Zaara, Special 26, Traffic but Last Man in Tower is finally giving them the screen time we’ve been waiting for.
And Dutta calling working with Manoj “on my bucket list” makes it even sweeter.
Two powerhouse actors. One morally messy conflict. And hopefully, some seriously good scenes.
The wait might just have been worth it.
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