Esha Gupta is not your average Bollywood film actor. Popular in India and Pakistan because of her beauty, fitness regime and her conscious decision to take on challenging roles, Esha has evolved from being another Mahesh Bhatt discovery into a powerful performer in quick time.
Esha Gupta is not your average Bollywood film actor. Popular in India and Pakistan because of her beauty, fitness regime and her conscious decision to take on challenging roles, Esha has evolved from being another Mahesh Bhatt discovery into a powerful performer in quick time.
This Eid, she will appear as Sanjana in Milan Luthria’s Baadshaho alongside Ajay Devgn, Emraan Hashmi and Ileana D’Cruz. To that end, the actor from New Delhi spoke to Instep about future films, staying healthy and why she loves Pakistan.
Instep: Let’s start with Baadshaho, your upcoming heist movie where you play one of the six thieves. How was the experience of working with Ajay Devgn, Emraan Hashmi and director Milan Luthria?
Esha Gupta: The reason why I chose to do Baadshaho was due to its story – it’s a heist film set during the Emergency of 1975 and six of us get to rob a truck loaded with gold. In fact, it’s inspired from the missing ‘Gold of Gayatri Devi’ event that actually took place. My character, Sanjana, is a rough and tough girl who is neither good nor bad; she joins the guys (played by Ajay and Emraan) on the heist and gets to deliver action-packed dialogues. The real hero of the film is the writer-director duo of Rajat Sir (Arora) and Milan Sir (Luthria) who have given each character a back-story, dialogues and emotional baggage, which is a hard thing to do in a film with an ensemble cast.
Instep: Your choice of roles has been different than your contemporaries. Is that a conscious decision?
Esha Gupta: When you are an outsider like I am, especially in Bollywood, the only thing that can make you stand out is being different. I like to challenge the actor within me and that’s why I accept films that have a story over those that don’t. Yes, I have rejected many films during the last few years but look at the ones I have chosen – the different roles made you question my choice, didn’t it.
Instep: You maintain a healthy lifestyle? How do you manage to do it in today’s fast moving world?
Esha Gupta: A healthy lifestyle is the only lifestyle I know. My friends call me a freak on finding out that I worked out during my vacations but trust me it’s the best way to live. There is no life without diet and in this fast-paced world, if we don’t stay fit and healthy, we might not live long enough like the generation before us.
Instep: Several leading actors in Bollywood have been a part of item songs but you haven’t been part of the conventional item number. Any particular reason?
Esha Gupta: I have done a couple of promotional videos and a dance number (in Gori Tere Pyaar Main) but yes, that wasn’t the conventional item number. I get offers for item songs but they are either not up to the mark or not challenging enough. Agar achay honge, then why not.
Instep: You are set to become a part of two Bollywood franchises – Aankhein and Hera Pheri. Are you nervous since both films will be making a sort of comeback?
Esha Gupta: It’s great to be a part of such films that did well when released. Both the films will approach the story and the plot like any modern film.
Instep: Many artists from Pakistan have performed in Bollywood. What are your views on the subject?
Esha Gupta: After Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, every girl in India fell in love with Fawad Khan, including my friends, my mother and myself. I love the way people from Pakistan speak; your language has the royal touch that only Saif Ali Khan has in India. Even singers from your country are loved in India and it is through entertainment that we can bridge the gaps and move forward.
Instep: Any message for fans in Pakistan ahead of the release of your next flick?
Esha Gupta: I would like to say that this Eid, please eat siwayyan first but later on go to the cinema and eat popcorn while watching Baadshaho. It’s the kind of film people will enjoy thoroughly on the festive occasion. Eid Mubarak!
– Omair Alavi is a freelance journalist who can be contacted at omair78@gmail.com
