Divyenndu Returns as a Ticking Time Bomb in Netflix's Boxing Drama 'Glory'

Key facts

• Divyenndu Sharma plays Dev, a character described as a 'ticking time bomb', in Netflix series 'Glory'.
• 'Glory' is set in the world of Indian boxing and blends family drama, rivalry, revenge, and murder mystery.
• The series is created by Karan Anshuman and Karmanya Ahuja, streaming on Netflix from May 1, 2026.
• Cast includes Pulkit Samrat, Suvinder Vicky, Jannat Zubair, Ashutosh Rana, Sikandar Kher, Sayani Gupta, Yashpal Sharma, Kashmira Pardeshi, and Kunal Thakur.
• Divyenndu's breakout role as Munna Bhaiya in 'Mirzapur' brought him widespread recognition and opened doors to diverse opportunities.
• He previously gained fame for playing Liquid in 'Pyaar Ka Punchnama', an image that lasted for years until Munna Bhaiya broke it.
• Divyenndu compares his popular roles to 'comfort food', valuing audience connection while eager to experiment with new characters.

A Return to the Ring: Divyenndu's Latest Role in 'Glory'

Divyenndu Sharma, one of Indian cinema's most versatile actors, is set to captivate audiences once again with his portrayal of Dev in Netflix's upcoming series 'Glory'. The show, which premieres on May 1, 2026, is set against the backdrop of Indian boxing, weaving together elements of family drama, rivalry, revenge, and a murder mystery. Created by Karan Anshuman and Karmanya Ahuja, 'Glory' boasts an ensemble cast including Pulkit Samrat, Suvinder Vicky, Jannat Zubair, Ashutosh Rana, Sikandar Kher, Sayani Gupta, Yashpal Sharma, Kashmira Pardeshi, and Kunal Thakur. In an exclusive interview, Divyenndu described his character Dev as a 'ticking time bomb', a man whose tough exterior masks deep-seated pain and darkness. 'I had to camouflage all his pain and feelings behind this really tough exterior,' he said, explaining the challenge of making such a character relatable. 'The whole purpose was to make him believable.'

Reuniting with Karan Anshuman: A Creative Collaboration

Divyenndu's collaboration with director Karan Anshuman on 'Glory' marks a reunion after their previous work together. The actor praised Anshuman's innovative approach, stating, 'Karan is somebody who is always trying to make something new and exciting. He is not going to come up with something which is run of the mill.' He noted that the series is 'meticulously designed and consciously done', with twists and turns that keep audiences engaged. The actor highlighted the importance of Anshuman's understanding of the character, saying, 'He also has a deep understanding of the character but still tries to understand where I am coming from with this character and try to understand my character language of it.' This collaborative dynamic allowed Divyenndu to navigate the complexities of Dev, a man whose past is filled with 'pain, pain and darkness'.

From Munna Bhaiya to Dev: Navigating Iconic Roles

Divyenndu's career has been defined by memorable characters, most notably Munna Bhaiya from the crime thriller 'Mirzapur'. That role, he said, 'is very special for me, and it opened many doors for me to play different types of characters and opportunities.' However, he acknowledged the double-edged nature of such fame: 'There are both advantages and disadvantages when one thing becomes very famous. Now, in Agra, you'll hear about the Taj Mahal first. Rest, there are other things also.' Before 'Mirzapur', Divyenndu was widely recognized for his role as Liquid in 'Pyaar Ka Punchnama', an image that stuck with him for years. 'That image broke with Munna,' he noted. He compared his popular roles to 'comfort food', something audiences cherish and don't want to give up. 'I want that comfort food to be there with them. But I want them to try my new cuisines I am making,' he said, emphasizing his desire to experiment while respecting audience connections.

The Challenges of Portraying a Man on the Edge

Divyenndu delved into the intricacies of playing Dev, a character whose internal turmoil manifests physically. 'You see the allergy break out on his skin the moment he comes back into his town, you know how much he hates this place and how much he dislikes being here,' he explained. This visceral reaction underscores the character's deep-seated trauma, which the actor had to convey without explicit backstory. He reflected on the difficulty of portraying a person in an extraordinary situation, noting that viewers only get a glimpse of his daily life. 'I often wonder what Dev would be like in a regular day to day life,' he mused. The actor credited Anshuman for helping him understand the character's motivations, ensuring that Dev remained relatable despite his volatility.

Maintaining Creative Balance Amidst Adulation

With the immense love and adoration for his work, Divyenndu is mindful of not getting overwhelmed. 'When you get so much love and adoration for your work, then you can get a little lost,' he said. 'So, I consciously move away from that thing.' This self-awareness allows him to maintain a creative balance, focusing on bringing something new to each role. The actor emphasized that his efforts remain consistent, regardless of the character's popularity. 'My efforts will remain the same,' he stated, underscoring his commitment to his craft. As 'Glory' prepares to stream on Netflix, audiences can expect a performance that builds on his past successes while charting new territory.

What Lies Ahead: 'Glory' and Beyond

'Glory' is poised to be a significant addition to Netflix's Indian content lineup, combining the high-stakes world of boxing with intricate personal dramas. The series promises to explore themes of ambition, betrayal, and redemption, anchored by a strong ensemble cast. For Divyenndu, it represents another step in a career defined by reinvention. As the release date approaches, anticipation builds around how the actor will bring Dev to life. With his track record of creating indelible characters, Divyenndu is likely to add another memorable figure to his repertoire. 'Glory' streams on Netflix from May 1, 2026.

The bottom line

• Divyenndu Sharma stars as Dev, a 'ticking time bomb' in Netflix's 'Glory', a series set in the Indian boxing world with elements of family drama, rivalry, and murder mystery.
• The series reunites Divyenndu with director Karan Anshuman, known for innovative storytelling, and features an ensemble cast including Pulkit Samrat and Jannat Zubair.
• Divyenndu's iconic role as Munna Bhaiya in 'Mirzapur' remains a career highlight, but he actively seeks to break away from that image with diverse roles.
• The actor compares his popular characters to 'comfort food', valuing audience attachment while encouraging viewers to embrace his new projects.
• Divyenndu consciously avoids getting overwhelmed by adulation, focusing on creative balance and consistent effort in his performances.
• 'Glory' streams on Netflix from May 1, 2026, marking a major release in the platform's Indian slate.