"I am used to skin-show! Earlier, I didn't like it, but still I had to do it. Now even my parents are cool with it" - Esha Deol

Courtesy: IndiaFM

Tuesday, April 18, 2006

It must be very hard to live up to expectations when you have parents like Dharmendra and Hema Malini to match up to. But in spite of having such legends for parents, Esha Deol has managed to create an identity of her own. She is slowly but surely getting there. Her latest offering is the role of an obsessed lover in Vikram Bhatt's Ankahee.

Ankahee is being promoted as a story close to Vikram Bhatt's heart. Apparently it is based on his relationship with Sushmita Sen. How true is that?
I don't know because I didn't ask him. I didn't think it would be right for me to ask him. As far as I am concerned, I was narrated a script and told about a character called Kavya. She is Miss World and falls in love with an ordinary doctor called Shekhar. She is going through a bad phase in her personal life. But on the outside, she is signing endorsements and basically leading a very glamorous life. At this point, she meets this ordinary guy who is married with a kid. But it does not make her a difference, if he is married or not. She does not care what the world thinks of her. She is just obsessed with him and wants him.

This is the first time we will see you in the role of an obsessive lover. How hard was it?

It was not very difficult. (Laughs)

Why? Could you identify with it?
Well, I am a Scorpion and am very obsessive about things. As of now, I am obsessed with my career. In the film, I am obsessed with love. So it's just a matter of bringing the obsession out!

How did you get into the skin of the character?
Mentally, you just have to know what to do. And I had a good director like Vikram Bhatt who makes complete use of his artists. He takes care of all the actors. You finally get good results. I am very happy with the outcome of my work in Ankahee.

Your look is very glamorous in the film. Tell us who all were behind it.
My producer Rongita did help a lot. She is a good friend of mine. At the same time, I have my make up man Atul and my hair dresser Jaya who used to get me ready everyday! There was Pooja, who did my clothes. It was a nice look that they decided on.

What is Vikram's style of working? Is he a task master or just the opposite?
He is the right mix of both. I am the type who will ask a hundred questions. He was so supportive and equally interested in my character. We worked together beautifully.

And what about your rapport with the co-stars?
Well, I did my first film with Aftab. We are doing this film after 5 years. It was nice working with him after long.

Must've been nostalgic...
Not really nostalgic. I don't relate anything of myself today, to my past. I don't remember what I did yesterday! So I can't remember how it was 5 years ago! I am a rather brutal kind of a human being. He's a good actor. And after very long, he has got a very good role to do. When you are playing a tough role, you need a good actor opposite you, who will help you. And that's what Aftab did.

What about Amisha? Well, I didn't have any scenes with her!

With the kind of films being made today, it is very difficult to do without skin show. How comfortable are you with exposure now?
Now, I am used to it! Earlier, I didn't like it, but still I had to do it.

What do your parents have to say about it?
Well, they are cool with it. They have been a part of the industry and know how it works. I don't I think I can ever look cheap.

Are there bold scenes in Ankahee?
Well they got a U certificate. It's not going to be so embarrassing for the kids! At the same time, guys and girls can start making out in the theatre! Know what I mean?

What is that one thing that sets this film apart?
I would say that is the simplicity and honestly of each character.

What are your expectations from this film?
I don't expect anything from anybody in life. But I hope people appreciate what I have done.

As a parting thought, what would you do if you fell in love with a married man in real life?
I would not fall for a married man. I would think twice. Love is blind and it is very easy to fall in love. If I did fall for someone who is married, I would choose not to do anything about it. I have my dignity.