Classical dance training helped me in Bollywood: Esha Deol

Aug 15, 2008 IANS

Dubai, Aug 15 (IANS) Her training in Indian classical dance helped her in the Bollywood film industry rather than hamper her career, says actor Esha Deol.

"It is not a question of maintaining a balance (between classical and Hindi film dances). I think my training in classical dances has actually helped me in all the filmi jhatkas and matkas," the star of such films as "Dus", "No Entry", "Dhoom" and "Kaal" said in the course of a media interaction here Thursday.

Esha is here, along with her mother Hema Malini and sister Ahana Deol, at the invitation of the Indian Business and Professional Council (IBPC), Dubai, for a classical dance recital to mark the India's independence day Friday.

Talking about her foray into classical dance, Esha, an Odissi artiste, said that it was her mother who got her into the art.

"When I was young, I was always interested in football and stuff like that. But mother always wanted me to learn classical dance," she said.

But her initial attempts to learn Bharatanatyam, the dance form for which her mother Hema Malini is renowned, nearly put her off from classical dances.

"When I initially tried Bharatanatyam, I found it very tough. The movements... it was just very tough for me. It was later when I saw Odissi performances by Protima Bedi on TV that I thought that it was more like it for me," Esha said.

Asked whether she felt any pressure when performing along with an acclaimed artiste like her mother, she replied: "Not really. Actually sharing the stage with mother can be very comforting."