‘A sharp and fearless cop’—now that’s the role Tinaa looks to explore!4

Tinaa Dattaa has always been a force to reckon with in the entertainment industry. From captivating audiences as Ichcha in Uttaran to reinventing herself with bold and unconventional roles, she has consistently defied expectations. Known for her versatility, she has seamlessly transitioned between television, reality shows and now, the ever-evolving digital space. With every project, she proves that she is not just here to play safe but to challenge the status quo and explore characters that push her boundaries.
Now, with Personal Trainer, the actress takes on one of the most intriguing roles of her career. Premiered on January 28, 2025, on Hungama OTT, this crime thriller plunges into the dark side of Mumbai’s elite gym culture, unraveling a gripping tale of love, betrayal, and secrets. Dattaa plays Neha Dharamrajan, a married woman whose life takes unexpected turns, pulling her into a world of suspense and emotional turmoil.
Talking about her character and the series, the Bigg Boss fame describes Personal Trainer as an intense and unpredictable thriller. “It’s a gripping crime drama filled with suspense, passion and unexpected twists. My character is complex—she is a married woman caught in a web of emotions and secrets. The show keeps you guessing till the very end, and every episode unfolds a new layer of the story. It’s intense, intriguing and something I’ve never done before, which makes it even more special for me.”
For her, this project is more than just another role—it’s a reinvention. Over the years, she has proven her ability to mold herself into vastly different characters, from innocent and vulnerable to fierce and rebellious. With Personal Trainer, she steps into a grey-shaded role that defies the conventional boundaries of a protagonist. “This is a character I haven’t done before. There’s love, betrayal and a lot of suspense surrounding her. She’s married, but there’s so much more to her than what meets the eye. The story keeps you guessing about why she does what she does and what ultimately happens.”
This role also marks a significant shift in her on-screen persona. Sporting a new bob cut and a bold saree look, the Fear Factor star embraces a striking transformation that fans have loved. “Everyone has been telling me that this bold new look suits me well! It’s a very different avatar for me—especially with the bob cut and saree combination, something I’ve never done before,” she says. But it wasn’t just the look that challenged her; Personal Trainer also featured her first-ever intimate scene on screen. “I honestly thought I wouldn’t be able to do it—I kept blushing and laughing and funnily enough, Gulshan was even shyer than me!” she reveals, adding that the director handled it with utmost professionalism, making her feel comfortable.
Her dedication to stepping out of her comfort zone is evident, not just in her choice of roles but also in her approach to fitness. As someone who strongly believes in discipline, she ensures that fitness remains a core part of her lifestyle. “I actually tell my fitness trainer to be strict with me—I might be the first client ever to say that!” she laughs. “I don’t like to over-exhaust myself, but I’ve noticed that if you start skipping workouts, it becomes a habit. That’s why I prefer a trainer who keeps me consistent. Thankfully, my kickboxing trainer does exactly that, and it helps me stay on track.”
While her journey has been marked by diverse roles, she sees Personal Trainer as a stepping stone to even more unconventional projects. She admires performances that showcase strength and depth, particularly roles like Kangana Ranaut’s in Fashion. “I’d love to play a strong, feisty, independent woman. Maybe even a sharp and fearless cop—someone who knows exactly what she’s doing. That kind of role would be very exciting for me.”
Her journey so far has been a testament to her relentless pursuit of artistic growth and with the digital space offering newer, bolder opportunities, she is ready to take them head-on. “OTT platforms give actors the opportunity to explore without being typecast or judged for a role. As an actor, this is my bread and butter—I am always hungry for good characters, whether it’s in a series, OTT, or any other format.”
On a personal note, Tinaa also reflects on what she values most in life, including relationships. “Respect and good communication are the biggest green flags for me. A guy should be well-spoken—bad tonality is a huge turn-off. Honesty and loyalty matter a lot, too. I believe in going the extra mile to keep my partner happy, but at the same time, it’s important to understand each other’s perspectives and be vocal. When you discuss things openly, a relationship only grows stronger.” With Personal Trainer, Tinaa Dattaa has once again proven that she is an actress who refuses to be boxed into a single image. Whether it’s on television, OTT, or any other platform, her willingness to experiment and evolve makes her one of the most exciting performers to watch.