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I FELT MY TALENT WAS NOT EXPLORED FULLY
The year was 1991. The film was Kurbaan. And the newcomer paired opposite Salman Khan won everyone with her girl-next-door charm. Thus, began Ayesha Jhulka’s rise to stardom, with hits such as Khiladi and Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar (both 1992) cementing her position in Bollywood. However, 1999 onwards, the number of films she did started to dwindle. And the last full-fledged project she starred in was Ada... A Way of Life in 2010. Where did she go?
“I’ve been busy with a lot of things. I worked for animal welfare, and was behind the scenes, doing my bit. I joined my husband’s (construction tycoon Sameer Vashi) business. I travelled a lot, something I couldn’t do as an actor. I’d only travel with the film unit. I wasn’t even getting time with my parents,” Jhulka tells us.
A student of fashion design at
National Institute of Fashion Technology, Jhulka’s foray into acting was purely coincidental. “I just loved watching films and the song and dance sequences. We were in Delhi, and never thought there could be an opportunity like this, but it just happened by fluke,” recalls the 49-year-old, and adds, “When I did my first film, I didn’t know if I’d get any more (work). Then films came one after the other, I don’t remember planning anything. I was 16.”
Over the next few years, with as many as five releases in a single year, things got hectic for Jhulka. She calls the busiest phase of her career a “different high”. But admits doing three-four shifts in a day took a toll on her. “We were working so hard, there was no time to even enjoy what you were doing,” she rues.
The actor asserts that she consciously chose to cut down on work after realising she couldn’t do
THEN
the “typical stuff” anymore. “When you’re at that age, you get similar roles — running around trees and love angles. Tab milte nahin the performance-oriented roles; only the senior artistes would get the mature roles,” notes Jhulka.
Content with her call to step away from the spotlight, she shares, “I felt my talent as an actor was not explored fully. I consciously cut down on films after my biggest hit, Dalaal (1993). I’m glad I did, otherwise I’d have been doing the same stuff.”
Does she miss being in the limelight? Jhulka replies she misses the arc lights instead. “I may not miss being in the limelight as much, but I definitely miss working on films, because that has always been my first love. I’ve always loved being in front of the camera, on set. I’m passionate about doing good work. Luckily, now a lot of good projects are coming my way, I’m considering web shows. I’m an ardent fan,” she signs off.
NOW
AEven though it’s a national holiday today, you will continue to work from home, just to impress your boss. You may acquire a new property for investment purposes. LOVE FOCUS: Don’t worry if your relationship is passing through a trying phase; you’ll emerge stronger. LUCKY NUMBER: 2 LUCKY COLOUR: Green
TBoss is likely to entrust you with something important. It’s time to make the tough decision of sending a reluctant child to hostel. No need to overstep budget to buy a new car, to keep up with the Joneses. LOVE FOCUS: You share a special bond with someone, may take it further. LUCKY NUMBER: 6 LUCKY COLOUR: Cream
GYou are likely to achieve much at work by working in sync with other related departments. Availability of cheap off-season air tickets can prompt you to go for a short vacation. LOVE FOCUS: Respect begets respect, especially in a relationship.
LUCKY NUMBER: 22 LUCKY COLOUR: Sky Blue
CA rumourmonger may cast aspersions on a family member regarding his or her character. You may be sent to negotiate a deal in another country.
LOVE FOCUS: Fond memories of a lover will remain foremost on your mind, even though you are unable to contact him/her.
LUCKY NUMBER: 4 LUCKY COLOUR: Pink