Bollywood’s Angelina Jolie

She is called the Angelina Jolie of Bollywood what with her stark resemblance to the Holly-wood beauty. She has kissed Emraan Hashmi, bagged big roles, earned early success and managed to be part of a Prakash Jha film, Chakravyuh, at such an early juncture in her career. The film was part of the official ‘Thrill Gala’ selection of the London Film Festival. Esha Gupta is quite over the moon and in a free-wheeling chat, reveals some interesting details about this film and its stars.

How are you enjoying your new-found success?

Success is good. I think the critiques have criticised me enough [over lack of acting prowess] to keep me grounded! They have trashed me in every way morally possible, but thankfully, I have a lovely agency. They are really nice people who keep telling me: push yourself a little harder and you’ll get somewhere.

Many were against you taking up Chakravyuh. Did this play on your mind while saying yes to Prakash Jha?

It definitely played on my mind. The thing is they all said this after I had signed on the dotted line. And with all these negative opinions, I started contemplating whether I had gone wrong in my decision. But somewhere in my mind, I always knew that I had not made a mistake taking up this film. I was sure about this movie. The reason behind these people having a problem with my decision was because of my role. I was playing an IPS officer in the film and she would have to be 35-plus to reach that stage in her career. In addition to that, she was also a wife. This role was something that people didn’t think I should do at such an early stage of my life.

Who among the three do you find hot: Arjun Rampal, Abhay Deol or Manoj Bajpai?

Prakash sir is the hottest! I love men who are well polished, cultured and chivalrous…Someone who has a good sense of humour and has that straight-face comedian look. All three boys are like that. But Prakash sir has that salt and pepper thing going on for him, which makes him more appealing.

What kind of method do Arjun and Abhay use while approaching a role?

Arjun and I had many scenes together so we used to rehearse as we wanted to come out perfectly. I guess that’s his style. As for Abhay, what I love about him is that he taught me never to act but always react when there is another person. So it’s like there’s no camera and it’s like a real situation. Personally, both these guys are brilliant actors.

Do you think competition between the older actresses is different from what it is amongst the younger ones?

Everyone knows where we stand and we respect that. I don’t know about the others or the senior actresses. For me, I was scared shooting with Anjali Patil in Chakravyuh. She has done so much in theatre while I have studied law and am still learning about acting. I watched her doing her scenes so I could learn. I wasn’t jealous but intimidated. I believe you should rather learn than crib.

Who do you consider your competition in this industry?

I am not yet established to say much. I am not yet there to consider anyone competition. However, I would say Anushka Sharma is someone I admire. She is my senior and a fabulous actress. She is also a very good looking lady. BM