I WAS NOT GETTING WHAT I WANTED TO DO: AYESHA JHULKA

The actor talks about returning to films after being away for eight years

Actor Ayesha Jhulka is best remembered for films such as Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar (1992), Khiladi (1992), and Waqt Hamara Hai (1993). However, after she got married in 2003, she was seen in fewer films, mostly in supporting roles.

Last seen in the 2010 film ADA... A Way of Life, the actor is returning to the big screen with the upcoming film Genius.

Asked why she took this long a break from films, Ayesha says, “Honestly, I was not getting what I wanted to do. After a certain age, you want to do meaningful roles, and not [do something] just for the heck of it, like I did when I was younger. I used to do all kinds of work and films [back] then.”

The actor is quick to clarify that it wasn’t as if there was a dearth of offers.

“I did do a lot of theatre, but I was constantly looking for something touching. I got a lot of offers on television as well, but somehow, things didn’t connect. These eight years, things kept coming. There are various reasons you have to take up projects sometimes — [to maintain] relationships, for old times’ sake, but I didn’t do that,” says Ayesha.

All set for her upcoming release being directed by Anil Sharma, who helmed Gadar: Ek Prem Katha (2001) and The Hero: Love Story of a Spy (2003), Ayesha says she accepted this project solely because it was being directed by him.

“I respect Anil ji, and had this not been his film, I wouldn’t have done it. He wanted me for a special appearance [in the film], in which he is launching his son (Utkarsh Sharma), and I felt good that I could contribute in any way,” the actor shares.

About Utkarsh’s understanding of the craft, Ayesha says, “He’s fantastic, and I’d rather not comment at all than lie. He’s genuinely good. We weren’t as smart [as today’s actors] and would just work with the flow when we were younger.”

After a certain age, you want to do meaningful roles, and not [do something] just for the heck of it. AYESHA JHULKA ACTOR

Ayesha Jhulka is best known for her role in Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar