Actor, doting mother, fitness buff, proud daughter – Esha Deol dons many hats and she does it with panache. The actress, who returned to the silver screen with Tumko Meri Kasam, did so after 14 long years.
She is currently soaking in the appreciation she’s received for the film while balancing motherhood with work. In a freewheeling conversation with us, the artiste gets talking about films, being a mother, her take on nepotism and more…
- You’re back on the silver screen after 14 years. How does it feel?
It was a wonderful feeling. It felt like a homecoming because I’ve always done films for the big screen. This was a great opportunity. Initially, I didn’t know if it would be an OTT or theatrical release. The film got positive reviews and my performance was well appreciated. So it feels like a warm welcome back. It was wonderful working with director Vikram Bhatt and Anupam Kher, Adah Sharma and Ishwak Singh. - Are you looking at taking on more work?
I’m working but being selective with my projects. I’m choosing what resonates with my personality. I’m not looking for a candy floss role. In Tumko Meri Kasam, I played a lawyer with a strong screen presence. The character had substance. - What do you look for when choosing a script?
In today’s times, it’s important to look for who’s making the film because they need to have the capability to follow through and release the product. Also, my role matters. It needs to have some substance; a strong message and people need to connect with it. - How have mainstream roles for women evolved since the time you made your debut?
Things are getting better with time. We have various platforms with OTT and strong female roles being portrayed. There’s more variety and more work compared to earlier as there are different mediums to explore. - Do you think it’s harder for starkids in today’s times because of the social media trolling and criticism?
I was compared to my mother when I made my debut. Now with social media, people voice their opinions which are both good and bad. You’ve got to take it with a pinch of salt and you need to not let it affect you so much. You need to have a clear vision of what you’re doing. I don’t think these people should have such a big impact on your life or mind. Don’t give them so much importance. - How do you like to spend your time when not working?
I’m a mother of two girls – Radhya and Miraya. I enjoy spending time with them. I become a child when I’m with them. I feel like I’m reliving my childhood with them. It’s a great way to unwind when I’m not working. The last film I watched is Snow White. I go to the theatres with them and watch what they want to watch. Parenting and motherhood is beautiful. It’s a blessing. - Do you have any parenting mantra?
My parenting mantra would be – be a kid when you’re with your kid. Of course, it’s important to instill discipline in them. Our Indian culture is vast so I try to imbibe qualities like respect and culture in them. - Tell us about your bond with your mother Hema Malini ji who has been a veteran in the industry for so many years.
She’s everything to me. She’s a warrior. She has such a strong personality and has had such a big impact on me and my upbringing – we share a beautiful bond. We are friends today and talk about various topics, not just films – that’s the beauty of having a mother like her. She’s a very intelligent woman. We argue, we have fun – she’s my best friend. I love her. - What’s the best thing about your Mom?
She’s so young at heart and there’s so much enthusiasm when she’s doing something. She’s achieved so much and one needs to learn from her as to how to be excited about and look forward to things – both my Mom and Dad are like that. - Are you still a fitness buff?
Absolutely! It’s part of my personality. It keeps me grounded and happy. I feel incomplete without fitness. It’s part of my daily routine. I like to mix it up and I’ve been doing kickboxing and calisthenics. I also workout according to the weather. Once monsoon comes, I go indoors into the gym. Right now, I workout outdoors. I have different coaches who I go to from time to time. - Would you be open to doing South Indian films?
Definitely. I’d love to do South Indian films. Tamil is my mother tongue and I’m a South Indian at heart! - What are the upcoming projects you’re working on?
I’m doing a Telugu pan India film called SYG (Sambarala Yeti Gattu). I will be paired with Sanjay Dutt in this film. I’ll start shooting for it soon. I’m also reading a few interesting scripts and will be announcing more projects soon.