Esha Deol, daughter of Bollywood icons Dharmendra and Hema Malini, recently opened up about her journey into the film industry, revealing that it wasn’t an easy ride. Despite her deep-rooted desire to follow in the footsteps of her famous parents, her father, Dharmendra, who holds a legendary status in Indian cinema, was initially opposed to the idea. His protective and traditional outlook as a Punjabi father made it a challenge for Esha to break into the world of films. In an interview with Hauterrfly, the actress spoke candidly about the hurdles she faced in convincing Dharmendra to allow her to pursue an acting career.
Dharmendra, who comes from a conservative Punjabi background, had different expectations for his daughters. Esha explained, “He didn’t want that I should enter the movies. He is a bit orthodox, rightfully so… He is a Punjabi father, and he wanted that we should get married, settle down at 18. That is his conditioning, he is coming from a place where all the women in his house were brought up that way.” This upbringing, rooted in traditional values, made Dharmendra hesitant about his daughter stepping into the public and glamorous world of cinema. He envisioned a more traditional life for his daughters, where settling down early and embracing domestic roles were the norm.
However, Esha’s upbringing under the strong influence of her mother, Hema Malini, was different. Having been exposed to the world of cinema through her mother’s successful acting career, Esha had developed a strong passion for acting. She was determined to carve her own path in the film industry and make a name for herself. Despite her father’s reservations, her desire to be a part of films was unwavering. She recalls that convincing Dharmendra was not an overnight task and that it took time and persistence. “It was not easy, but today is a different story,” she shared, reflecting on how things eventually turned in her favor.
By the time Esha made her film debut in 2002 with Koi Mere Dil Se Poochhe, Dharmendra’s sons from his first marriage, Sunny and Bobby Deol, had already established themselves as prominent actors in the industry. Even with a successful film lineage, Esha had to prove her mettle, navigating both her father’s apprehensions and the pressure of living up to the family legacy.
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Esha also delved into the disciplined upbringing she received from her maternal grandmother. The actress humorously shared that there were certain restrictions placed on her as a young girl, including not being allowed to wear spaghetti-strap tops, short skirts, or stay out late at night. “Too many late nights were also not allowed,” she added. Nevertheless, like many teenagers, Esha found ways to rebel and have fun. She admitted, “There was a phase where I would lie to go out on late nights. I have done all of that. It’s not like I haven’t done that, and it used to be fun too.” This period of rebellion is something she looks back on fondly, acknowledging that it was part of growing up.
Now, having had a successful career in films, Esha Deol’s journey stands as an example of persistence and determination. Despite coming from a family steeped in tradition, she was able to carve out her own identity in the Bollywood industry. Her father’s initial opposition may have been a roadblock, but her love for acting and the support from her mother helped her overcome the challenges. Today, she balances her professional and personal life, while maintaining a close relationship with her family.
Esha Deol’s story is a reminder that even for those born into fame, the path to success is often paved with challenges, and navigating familial expectations requires both resilience and understanding.
