Esha Deol, daughter of actors Dharmendra and Hema Malini, says her mum wouldn’t mind her being in a live-in relationship before marriage and adds that her man should be like her dad.
“I believe in love marriage and am looking for a guy who has some qualities of my father,” said Esha, who will be seen next with Shiney Ahuja in Hijack.
“I think every girl wants her life partner to have some qualities her father has — even I want the same.
“My father has been the man closest to me till now and I’m used to his qualities. I would, therefore, want my man to be like him,” Esha said.
Although her parents are looking for a suitable match for her, the 25-year-old actress is not game for arranged marriage.
Better safe than sorry
“My mum is a modern woman and would not mind even if I went in for a live-in relationship with someone. I think I would like to live with him for at least two years and then think of getting married.
“It’s always better to know what a person is like before marriage than getting a divorce later,” she quipped.
According to Esha, she and her mother share many interests.
“Both of us like dancing and acting. Therefore, we have a lot in common. Besides, she has been a constant support in my life.”
She said her mother Hema is now trying to revive her home banner HM Creations, which made the Shah Rukh Khan starrer Dil Aashna Hai in 1992.
“My mum is very keen on reviving HM Creations. She thinks this is the best time to start a project as the market has really grown in the past couple of years. Also, we believe in making hay when the sun shines.”
Though they have decided to make a film, the script is not yet finalised.
Esha debuted with Koi Mere Dil Se Poochhe in 2002 and has acted in many films. Though success has been elusive so far, she has been part of hit films such as Dhoom, Yuva and No Entry, all of them multistarrers.
After doing glamorous roles in run-of-the-mill films, Esha now wants to be part of some meaningful cinema.
“Though I am happy with my sexy image, I want to do meaningful cinema. There is nothing wrong in being sexy — actresses do feel proud if they are termed ‘sexy and hot’. So do I. But, at the same time, I want to do some films that showcase my talent,” she said.
She is hopeful and positive about Hijack and says it has tapped her acting potential the right way.
“The role I am playing in Hijack is something I have never tried before.
“For the first time, I will not be romancing the hero and neither will I be seen running around trees — not even in a dream sequence,” said Esha, who plays an air hostess in the film.
Different beat
“The character I play in the film is an experienced woman who believes in herself and helps the protagonist, played by Shiney Ahuja, in rescuing the passengers.”
She rubbished reports that she didn’t get along with Shiney on the sets of Hijack.
“It is not true at all. Shiney and I get along well and I think the media reports of my strained relations with him are just publicity gimmicks. In fact, I look forward to working with him again.”
Asked about what working with debutant director Kunal Shivdasani was like, Esha said: “Kunal is an experienced ad filmmaker and he has used his experience in making this film. The film has been shot aesthetically and in a very realistic way.”
Hijack also stars K.K. Raina and debutante Kaveri Jha in important roles and has been released in Dubai on Thursday.
