Esha Deol is a lot like Basanti (of Sholay) -- a talkative, outspoken girl, smart enough to take care of herself when the situation demands.

Try to probe too deep into her personal life and she'll snub you promptly. Rather reminiscent of the way her mother Hema Malini, as Basanti, handled her father Dharmendra, as Veeru, in the 1975 blockbuster.

At a small press gathering for the Vinay Shukla-directed Koi Mere Dil Se Pooche [the film releases January 11], a journalist happened to ask her why she keeps calling her mother. "Stick to questions about KMDSP please," was the quick rejoinder.

Anusha Samir Gill talks to the film industry's bold and beautiful new entrant:

You live life to the fullest. You laugh heartily, irrespective of whether you are on the sets or not. You tell people what you think about them. Not exactly considered the done thing in the industry...

Why not? I am a youngster. I'm having my share of fun.

If someone makes a mistake on the sets, it is natural to laugh, isn't it? What would you have do otherwise? Sit in a corner and sulk?

I like to move around with my group of friends. In the film industry, I don't have any friends except for Kareena [Kapoor]. You know, I was in Hyderabad, shooting for Kya Dil Ne Kahaa. I went to see Mujhe Kucch Kehna Hai at one of the theatres there only because Kareena was starring in it.

You first started appearing in public with your dance performances. It took a while for you to enter films...

Yes, because I wanted the perfect debut. I just didn't want to take up whatever came my way.

You know, I was offered Yash Chopra's Mohabbatein. I didn't want to be one of the six girls. No way! I was also offered Kamal Haasan's Hey! Ram. In fact, my mother [Hema Malini] was acting in the film. We both realised the role wasn't appealing enough for a launch.

Those roles weren't what I was looking for.

How did you get into dancing?

Actually, at one time, people would meet mom and me together and ask her whether I would get into dancing, too.

Mom had no answer for them. She then told me, "See, everyone is asking me whether you dance or not. I have to tell them 'No' always. You better start dancing."

I did and I have since started loving it. Dancing is so relaxing and rejuvenating. It eases your body, mind and soul. You feel better as a person, too.

Do you think you will continue with dance?

Yes, of course. It is an integral part of my life. My mother has been doing it for so long. Why can't I?

When did you decide to take the plunge into acting?

I wanted to be an actress even as child. It has always been at the back of my mind but I was into many things. Did you know that I was to represent Maharashtra at the National Women's Football Tournament in Punjab a few years ago?

That's when my father decided to get into the act. He told me to take a decision on what I wanted to do in life.

There was no way I could have been a top footballer -- women's football does not figure anywhere in India or the international map. Good sense prevailed. And I said I wanted to act.

How is life as an actress?

Frankly, I don't know much yet. I am so new to this field. I still have a lot to learn. I know I'll give my best.

I try to love every minute of what I am doing. I did manage to do a bit of work before I faced the camera though. I took lessons in Hindi diction from Veena Mehta. I enrolled at Kishore Namit Kapoor's Acting Academy for three months.

At the end of that, I felt more confident about myself.

Are you happy with your role in Koi Mere Dil Se Pooche?

Very much. It is a good launch.

It is a very complex story. It is about this girl who can't reciprocate the feelings a man has for her because of her past, which haunts her. Only her mother and someone else knows about the past.

What did you learn from your director Vinay Shukla?

He is very good. He made Godmother [starring Shabana Azmi] -- he knows what he wants from his stars.

I just followed his instructions.

What was it like when you faced the camera the first time?

I was shooting with Hrithik Roshan for Na Tum Jaano Na Hum [Pantaloon Pictures], at Filmistan Studios, Mumbai.

I was to shoot for a small song sequence. A huge posse of people was waiting to watch me. I was very nervous. I gave my first shot with Hrithik -- it was okayed on the first take. Everyone clapped loudly and I felt a lot better.

How does your mother react to your being in films?

She is quite cool and happy about me in films. She has stood by me -- I can always turn to her for advice.

My father was not keen initially but he has stood by me and supported my decision. My parents are a great source of help and support for me. They have experienced a lot in this industry and can guide me easily.

Now that you are acting yourself, what role does your mother play in your career?

Frankly, my mother plays the most important role in my acting career. She was responsible for my getting into acting and for what I am today.

I do not have a secretary. My mother does everything for me. She handles the dates, speaks to the producers, even goes for story sittings if I am not in town or unable to make it for the story sittings.

Who are your favourite stars?

I like Sylvester Stallone -- he is so good! Madonna is terrific, too, among musicians and actresses. She has a great personality.

I like Julia Roberts too. I like Shah Rukh Khan among Indian stars.

What next?

I'm working on Arjun Sablok's Na Tum Jaano Na Hum opposite Hrithik Roshan. I also have Padmalaya's Kya Dil Ne Kahaa opposite Tusshar Kapoor, apart from a few others which are being negotiated.

India News Features Service

You might also want to read:
Esha: 'A long time for stardom'
Vinay Shukla on directing Esha
Koi Mere Dil Se Pooche: A slide show
Koi Mere Dil Se Pooche: On the sets
Koi Mere Dil Se Pooche: Music review
Shilarna Vaze on her best friend Esha
On the sets of Na Tum Jaano Na Hum
Dream daughter: A slide show