Bollywood actress Esha Deol recently shared her personal experiences of facing body shaming and constant comparisons with her mother, the legendary Hema Malini. Esha, who made her film debut in 2002 with Koi Mere Dil Se Poochhe, quickly became the talk of the town. However, the pressure that came with being the daughter of such a celebrated actress was overwhelming for her, especially when people began comparing her to Hema Malini.
Comparisons with Hema Malini
Esha revealed that after the release of her first film, audiences and critics alike started to compare her acting skills with her mother’s long and illustrious career. This was something she hadn’t anticipated. Hema Malini had already done over 200 films by that time, and the comparisons made Esha feel the weight of expectations. While Esha signed other films like Na Tum Jaano Na Hum and Dhoom, the constant pressure affected her confidence.
“I was very excited when I started my career, but after my first film, everything changed. The comparisons with my mother began, and it created a lot of pressure on me. I had baby fat on my face, and people commented on that too,” Esha shared during an interview with Zoom.
Dealing with Body Shaming
Esha spoke about how her chubby cheeks became a point of criticism. Although she felt her baby fat suited her character in her debut, people started making comments that hurt her. The body shaming added to the mental stress she was already facing due to the constant comparisons. However, Esha knew she had to find a way to deal with this negativity.
Hema Malini’s Supportive Advice
During this difficult time, Esha turned to her mother for guidance. Hema Malini gave her daughter some tough but loving advice. She asked Esha why she had chosen the film industry if she was letting such comments affect her mental peace. Hema advised Esha that comparisons would be inevitable due to their relationship and that she needed to learn to handle them if she wanted to continue in the industry.
Esha shared how this advice helped her shift her focus. “My mother told me that I should only be in the industry if I could take the comments and pressure,” Esha recalled. Hema Malini’s words became a turning point in Esha’s life, helping her develop a thicker skin and focus on her goals.
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Upcoming Projects
Despite the challenges she faced, Esha continued to carve out her own space in Bollywood with films like Dhoom, where her dance in the title track became iconic. Today, she is set to make her mark in the digital world with Sunil Shetty’s series Invisible Woman, which will be packed with action. The series, directed by Rajesh M. Selva, marks Sunil Shetty’s OTT debut, and Esha is excited to be part of the project.
Apart from this, Esha is also working on her upcoming film, showcasing her dedication to her craft and her determination to rise above the negativity. With the support of her family, especially her mother, Esha continues to shine in the entertainment industry, proving that she is much more than just a comparison to her famous mother.
