Esha Deol Takhtani started her journey in Bollywood 20 years ago, and did a variety of movies – from romantic and comedy to action (she was one of Dhoom gals in the first of the series), but then, when she thought it was the right time, she took a pause. Stepping back from the limelight, she tied the knot and had two lovely babies. Now, she is back, featuring in interesting parts in web shows. She shares with us what has been the most adventurous phase in her life and what lies ahead.

While some are averse to terms like comeback and sabbatical, Esha has no qualms about them. She shares, “This is my second innings and I don’t have a problem saying so. It’s just a term and I don’t take it too seriously. These are minor things for me to spend too much time contemplating. I am here to work yaar. For me, it was very important to have babies at the right time. If you constantly worry and doubt your decisions, you won’t enjoy what you are doing. It’s equally important to maintain yourself, look good and stay disciplined.”

The actress who was recently appreciated for her roles in shows like Rudra - The Edge Of Darkness and Hunter Tootega Nahi Todega says, “I am glad to be a part of the industry during this time. The new-age content being made today has eliminated the element of insecurity amongst female artistes in my age group. There is good work for everyone. We are doing it better because we are wiser now. When a woman settles down and becomes a mother toh ek thehraav aa jaata hai hai”

In my 20s, I was restless and reckless. Today, I am grounded and lead an anchored life. I did pretty much everything that a 20-year-old girl would do. That was one of the most adventurous and fun phases of my life.

Esha says that now she wants to move on from the kind of roles that she played at the beginning of her career. “I can’t take up roles that do not align with my mindset and personality. I have played my fair share of teeny-bopper roles. Some girls are still doing those roles because it suits them and they enjoy doing it. However, I can’t do that now. I have evolved in terms of my sensibilities. So, I prefer taking up roles that resonate with me today and impart a strong message. As a strong woman, I gravitate towards characters that reflect my personality,” she explains.

From the start of her career, Esha has faced comparisons with her mom, the OG Dream Girl, Hema Malini, but that didn’t deter her from her goals. “Soon after the release of my debut film, Koi Mere Dil Se Poochhe (2002), I was compared to my mother, who has done more than 200 films. At that time, the discussion around nepotism was not as prevalent. Eventually, I realized that if I allowed these comparisons to affect me, it would be better not to be in this profession. It took me a while to come to terms with it and accept that there was no escaping it. Acting is a profession that really toughens you up. Most of us have become tough nuts, and you won’t be able to crack us (laughs!).”