Esha Deol has won millions of hearts with her films and performances over the years. After taking her time out to enjoy the bliss of being a full-time wife and a mother of two adorable kids, the actress jumped back to work with full gusto. Today, on the occasion of Women’s Day, ETimes caught up with the actress for a candid chat where she spilled the beans on female-driven content, the person she looks up to and her journey so far. Excerpts…
How do you look back at your journey so far as a woman in the once male-dominated industry?
The journey has been really wonderful. I have done various roles in various movies. I have also done films like, ‘Ankahee’ and ‘Darling’ which had strong female-centric roles. It was at the time when they were just warming up to the concept of those kinds of films. Today, it is a different ball game altogether. I have received immense respect from my male co-stars over the years and I have been treated well.
The industry, however, has changed since the time you started. There are new and exciting scopes for female characters. How do you look at this change as an actor?
The industry has definitely changed since the time I started acting in films. Today, the audiences are open to and enjoy all kinds of films. The one reason why I felt like I wanted to come back to work is because of the kind of work that was coming my way. I produced and acted in ‘Ek Duaa’ which is a complete female-centric film. It was very well received. Besides, my role in ‘Rudra…’ is also of a strong female who is married to a cop. She is strong and makes her own decisions in life.
Even my next project which I am shooting for, ‘The Invisible Woman’ is again a wonderful role for me as a female lead. I am looking forward to some more good work like these. The content that is coming up on OTT or otherwise is indeed giving a lot of importance to female characters which I feel is definitely a good change.
If you could change one assumption made by men on the women in the industry, what would it be?
I feel all the assumptions have been put to rest. The way the industry is functioning today is the answer to this question. Everything is well received today.
Name one strong female character in films or series that really impressed you recently?
I have really enjoyed the films of Julia Roberts. Her films have always inspired us back in the day. Today, there are many actors who are doing some brilliant works but my all time favourite would be Julia Roberts' ‘Erin Brockovich’.
Who is that one woman that you look up to in your life?
The one woman I look up with immense respect and admiration is my mother Hema Malini. She is also one of the most powerful women in our country. Many young women look up to and take cues from her. The way in which she conducts herself, no matter what profession she takes up, is just so dignified, graceful and strong at the same time.
