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Dream Girl Hema Malini’s daughter Esha is ready to step into
the spotlight. Pretty, confident and charismatic, she’s undoubtedly
going to be one of the most exciting faces of the new year. So here’s
cueing into the new heart-breaker.
Were
you always a movie buff?
I am an avid fan of Hollywood films. I make it a point to watch
every new release. But my Hindi film viewing is limited only to
my mother’s films.
Are
you influenced by your mother’s acting?
(Smiles) I can’t help being my mother’s daughter, can
I? Some small nuance will definitely show through. However, I have
tried very hard not to sound too much like her. Only time would
tell whether I have succeeded or not.
A star-daughter always finds it tough to grow out of her parent’s
shadow...
(Interrupting) Yes, initially that did bother me but you learn to
live with it (Shrugs).
You’ve
learnt Odissi and not Bharatnatyam, your mother’s forte, right?
I’ve learnt Odissi. I used to go to Bharatnatyam classes as
well but all I used to do there was play mischief. I had seen my
mother dance Bharatnatyam so often, it felt unreal doing the same
stuff. Then I was ashamed of not learning classical dance despite
being the daughter of such a renowned dancer, and started concentrating
on Odissi. I’m glad I did because though Odissi is a far cry
from the latkas and jhatkas of film dance, my classical training
has enhanced my sense of rhythm and I’ve learnt to flow with
the music because of the discipline that dance has imposed.
Which of your mother’s roles do you like?
I liked her best in the films she acted in with my father. My favourites
are Seeta Aur Geeta, Sholay and Lal Patthar
What was your family’s reaction to your sudden decision to
join films?
My father was reluctant at first. He is very protective of all of
us but my mother supported me and brought him around. My sister
Ahana was for my joining films all along. She’s encouraged
me at every turn.
What
preparations have gone through to spruce-up your acting skills?
Before joining films I completed a course in acting conducted by
Kishore Namit Kapoor. I also have my mother to guide me.
You have led a very sheltered existence. How did you adjust to the
sudden media glare?
My mother prepared me for that. She had warned me that the moment
I decided to join films, I wouldn’t have a life of my own.
All my moves would be scrutinised and discussed. I had to learn
not to let all this effect me. So far I have managed to stay out
of controversial situations and would like to steer clear of the
pitfalls in future as well.
You have managed to bag coveted roles with Hrithik, Aftaab, and
Tusshar. How much of your mother’s and father’s goodwill
in the industry is instrumental for you getting such good breaks?
I think my parents’ influence had helped open a few doors,
that’s all. Proper screen tests were taken and only then was
I selected. If I wasn’t good I don’t think Boney Kapoorji
or Sanjay Chhelji or the other producers and directors would have
taken me just to please my parents.
 Which
of your current co-stars is your favourite?
I share a different relationship with all of them. For example,
even after working with Hrithik for so many months, I’m still
in awe of him. With Aftaab I can relax, chat incessantly and goof
around. He is a great pal to hang around with. Tusshar I can boss
around and play pranks on. He is such a gentleman and never complains.
What is your criteria for selecting roles?
I always go for good subjects. I feel if the story is good then
the actor’s job is made easy. I was offered Shamita’s
role in Mohabbatein but I turned it down because I felt it was too
short. Yes, it was a big banner project and the film also went on
to complete a golden jubliee run but I still feel that for an artiste
the role and not the banner should be the lure. I’m open to
all kinds of roles. People say I have very good eyes. My mother
has advised me that an actress should make the best use of her eyes.
So I’m looking for roles with intense emotions, where I have
to do a lot of crying or laughing so I can use my eyes.
Tell us something about your forthcoming films?
I have a serious, intense role in my first film, Koi Mere Dil Se
Pooche. In Na Tum Jaano Na Hum with Hrithik I’m playing a bubbly
teenager and in Kya Dil Ne Kaha with Tusshar I’m playing a
normal, straight-forward girl.
Once your career takes off will you continue giving stage performances?
Why not? Even my mother never stopped her dance recitals after joining
films. I like to performing solo as much as I like dancing with
my mother and sister. It is something I want to continue doing all
my life.
—Devesh
Sharma
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