Meet Divija Mohan Natarajan | Screenwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Divija Mohan Natarajan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Divija, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
I once watched this documentary about James Baldwin on MUBI, and I recall him saying something like, “The world is held together by the love and passion of a very few people.” It is hard not to feel that way in this current political and economic climate. It has always been difficult to be an artist. I come from a country that has produced many artists, but you would be hard-pressed to see anyone advocate for their children to be writers, artists or actors. You have to have a great deal of hope and optimism to survive in the entertainment industry. It has changed in many ways, and newcomers are more lost than ever on how to”break in.” I often think about that quote because I realise it is very true. So many people are afraid of life and freedom. So many people are afraid of their own power and agency. They want to be told what to do, what or who to believe in. As writers, we spend so much time being discomfited by life and the role we have in shaping culture. It is an uncomfortable and vulnerable process to be fully present in life. I spend all my time observing people, understanding their motivations, and being confused by their actions. It is what draws us to morally grey and complicated characters in media. I often remind myself that very few people are given the chance to bring love and passion to our work. Very few of us are not cogs in a machine but just ordinary people striving to put more water in a desert. The truth is that if you’re an eternal optimist, you’re in the minority. It is why I adore being in a community with other creatives because they are a breath of fresh air in hard times.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As any post-COVID screenwriter would tell you, it’s an endless hustle and grind to get out there. I have been really proud of the projects I worked on this year, because they are projects that have been in development for a couple of years now and I finally have the ability to go as wild as I want. It’s truly freeing to be able to write about things I actually care about.

I have derived a lot of joy and meaning from my association with BAFTA, via their numerous mentorship programs. This year, I am mentoring some students in LA in screenwriting and it’s been so exciting to work with young people and hear their ideas. I honestly think that it’s a bigger priority than ever to get people to passionate about reading and writing again.

As for how did I get here, that was kind of by accident! I enrolled as an animal science major, and was going to be a vet! I guess the appeal of writing for TV never went away and somewhere/somehow I wound up being a writer instead! I have an inordinate amount of self-belief (or as some people would call it “delulu” ) and I’m very adaptable to change. I am very uncomfortable being too comfortable, and very comfortable being uncomfortable. I like variety, and I know that something is off when I am not writing. I think journaling has been the single greatest asset in my life this year in acknowledging how far I’ve come and I will continue evangelising everyone I meet about its merits.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am a die-hard foodie, so my recommendations will be very food specific! I love Korean food, and so my go-to for tteokbokki is Yup Dduk. I have dreams about that stringy mozzarella cheese every night. I also love Hae Jang Chon for BBQ in large groups (although it can be a wait!) or any jjigae at Chunju Han-Il Kwan. I am also partial to BCD Tofu followed by a Bingsu at Oakobing! Daikokuya in Little Tokyo, Fugetsu-Do Bakery Shop, and Hama Sushi for Japanese food, and L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele for sublime pappardelle genovese and pizzas! Honestly, food in LA is just so good, you’re spoiled for choice. I am not a drinker, so can’t recommend much there, but you can’t go wrong with a nice bike ride by the ocean or Angels Tijuana tacos in DTLA! I spent a lot of time going to Runyon on hikes, running by Griffith, and dancing at Flaming Saddles (RIP). If you’re visiting for a week, it also makes sense to check out all the museums around the area, I particularly loved the The Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I think this year has been marked by so many positive transitions in my life and so I would like to thank the wonderful team at Nostos Screenwriting Retreats, especially Nora Jaenicke. I was thrilled to be able to develop a project I feel so strongly about, and was mentored in the process by amazing writers who helped me get to the next level with my story idea. I came with a little fledgling idea that is now a whole script, and I am so grateful to the people there for guiding and nurturing me through the process.

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