Divya Dutta served a legal notice by Ayesha Jhulka. Hurt, angry & defiant Divya speaks out once & for all to Subhash K Jha...

Divya hasn't been keeping too well. Her colleague and co-star Ayesha Jhulka isn't making her life easier.

"What's her problem in life?" Divya wants to know. She sounds terribly distressed. "The fact is, I've been having terrible migraines and black-outs. She can't even imagine what I go through. During shooting and dubbing I get to rest after a while. But how can I go on stage for two uninterrupted hours? My doctor has told me not to use my voice loudly at all.

Ayesha contradicts herself blissfully. She says I've been missing from the rehearsals. In the same breath she says I've sent her a letter informing her of my absence. How can I be missing if I've sent her a letter?

She says I ditched her at the eleventh hour. But the play is in May! I sent her three-months' notice, which is good enough. How can she tell me I ditched her? And who's she to monitor my health? She thinks I should lie down and look ill? Why should I do that? Am I answerable to her or anyone?"

Divya is also miffed about Ayesha Jhulka's repeated reference to J.P. Dutta's Umrao Jaan. "Why does she keep bringing JP Saab's unit in our conversations? JP Saab won't appreciate it. She should be more respectful of a filmmaker of his stature.

Umrao Jaan has a lot more going for itself than a stupid fight between two actresses. My decision to not to do her play Mujhe Rang De has nothing to do with our fight in Jaipur.

I'm in fact doing her a good turn by telling her of my bad health. What if I had gone to the US and then fallen ill? Actors being replaced in plays is routine. What is she creating a fuss about? "

Ayesha has sent Divya a legal notice. "In the notice she says my performance in Mujhe Rang De wasn't up to the mark. In that case why does she want me? She's threatening to take away my property to cover her damages.

I've never heard of such a thing. Amitji fell ill. Did the producers get nasty with him and take him to court? Obviously not. There're certain work ethics. And Ayesha needs to follow them...I'll reply to her legal notice. I've nothing to hide."