Esha Deol reflects on being compared to her mom Hema Malini and recalls facing body-shaming after her first film; ‘Comments hurtful about my baby fat’
Recall the moment when Esha Deol captivated the audience with her energetic dance performance in the popular track Dhoom Machale from the 2004 film Dhoom by Yash Raj Films. Her performance in the song is still remembered fondly. Recently, Esha talked about being compared to her mother, actress Hema Malini, after her debut film Koi Mere Dil Se Poochhe in 2002. She also revealed that she faced body shaming for her “baby fat” post the film’s release.
In a new interview with Zoom, Esha Deol shared how her perspective on working in the entertainment industry changed after her first movie. Esha, who had also signed Na Tum Jaano Na Hum alongside her debut film, expressed her initial excitement to work in films. The actress mentioned feeling a pressure to live up to her parents’ legacy after the audience response to Koi Mere Dil Se Poochhe.
“Then I was like, they are comparing me in my first film to my mother who has done 200 films. And they would say a lot about my baby fat. ‘Oh she has so much baby fat’,” Esha revealed. She admitted to having chubby cheeks at the age of 18, defending that she looked “cute” in the roles she portrayed.
Esha Deol recalled a conversation with her mother, Hema Malini, after feeling overwhelmed by the feedback. Hema advised Esha to reassess her choice of staying in the acting profession or develop a thick skin to survive in the industry.
The Dhoom actress reflected on discussing with her mother about the impact of reviews on her. Hema Malini questioned Esha about her reason for being in the film industry. The veteran star cautioned her daughter that if she allows it to affect her mental peace, then she might be in the “wrong profession”.
Hema Malini encouraged Esha to focus on her goals and be prepared for such comparisons always existing. She also mentioned that if Esha can handle such criticisms, then she should continue working in Bollywood.
Esha Deol has Suniel Shetty’s series, Invisible Woman, and an upcoming film, Main, in the pipeline.
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