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Esha Deol Thaktani is looking forward to doing more action-oriented films and shows

The thriller series Hunter-Tootega Nahi Todega co-starring Suniel Shetty and Rahul Dev is streaming on Amazon miniTV

Ratnalekha Mazumdar Calcutta Published 23.03.23, 11:30 AM
Esha Deol strikes a pose

Esha Deol strikes a pose Instagram

Esha Deol Takhtani is clear about what she wants — a good script and a satisfying role — because at this point in her career, she is all for “quality over quantity”. After trying her hand in action in the thriller series Hunter on Amazon miniTV, the Dhoom actress has set her sights on action-oriented films or series, seeking the “adrenaline rush” at the end of the day. In a chat with The Telegraph Online, Esha talks about what drives her as an actor, her daughter’s reaction to her stunt scenes, her fitness journey and her actor father Dharmendra’s upcoming screen outing.

The Telegraph Online: What got you excited about Hunter? What was the energy on the sets like?

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Esha Deol Takhtani: The script, the portrayal and the journey of my character, Divya, are a great package. I found it very thrilling and exciting while I listened to it (script narration). I felt this is the role I should take up as there is simplicity and boldness to the character and also, there is action! The makers are good and Suniel Shetty is in it. The entire team is young and had a different take on how they wanted to shoot the series. It’s very mass-y at the same time. It was absolutely fantastic with a lot of fun and adventure… being on the sets, working and interacting with the other actors including Anna (Suniel Shetty) and Rahul Dev.

Looking at your workout videos on Instagram, many drop comments that you should be in an action film. So when is it happening?

Esha Deol Takhtani: (Smiles) Fitness is such an important part of our lives. Being fit, staying disciplined and healthy is something that I have been doing ever since I know. I have always been sporty and athletic. For me, being toned and hydrated is important. Well, in Hunter, people will see me do action. Through this, I am looking forward to doing more action-oriented roles. I think it comes to me naturally. My body language and everything fit into action very well and at the end of the day, the adrenaline rush I get is extremely satisfying as an actor. I look forward to doing more action.

How thrilled were your daughters Radhya (5) and Miraya (3) to see you in this action avatar?

Esha Deol Takhtani: Sometimes my daughters saw me post-pack-up and when I used to get ready in my home makeup studio, I showed them a few stills from the shoot. They loved their mumma holding a gun and kicking the bad guys. (Laughs) Their reaction was epic and treasured.

Just like you, your father Dharmendra, will also be seen soon in Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani (Alia Bhatt-Ranveer Singh starrer, directed by Karan Johar)…

Esha Deol Takhtani: Yes, papa is part of a couple of big films. It’s a wonderful feeling as a daughter. (Smiles) I get to see his excitement about going to the sets and when we meet, he shows us his look and narrates stuff that has happened on the sets. To see the excitement in him is so inspiring and extremely, extremely adorable. I am glad that papa is doing some great work.

Recently, when you posted pictures with your former co-actors Tusshar Kapoor, Fardeen Khan and Zayed Khan from your birthday party, it evoked nostalgia among many…

Esha Deol Takhtani: Tusshar, Fardeen and Zayed are guys who have been my buddies for years and we have known each other for many years. The beauty of our friendship is that we have stayed in touch, and we have always looked out for each other. So obviously when I will celebrate my birthday, they are going to be a part of it. (Smiles) They are always family to me. We are fond of each other, and we had a great time shooting for films together. I am glad they are also back to work. Zayed will be back in a film and Tusshar is producing his film. I am always rooting for them.

Oscar winners Michelle Yeoh and Jamie Lee Curtis stressed that women mustn’t let anyone tell them they are past their prime. In India also, we are watching actresses doing their best work later in their career. Do you think the wisdom earned through the years makes a difference?

Esha Deol Takhtani: Definitely, wisdom learned over the years will help any human being because we are wiser, smarter and more mature. There is a certain thehrav that comes to us. Earlier, we would be naive, reckless, restless and excited about everything and anything. Now we choose correctly and that shows on the screen. I can talk about myself that motherhood has transformed me in a big way, and it shows. I can see it in myself and it’s definitely the way ahead.

As an actor, what’s your driving force now?

Esha Deol Takhtani: My driving force is to feel satisfied with what I am doing and for that, I need to get a good script and a satisfying role. It’s definitely quality over quantity. I am working towards it, but I am glad to be back and working.

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