It was 1991. The film was Kurbaan. What’s more, the rookie, Ayesha Jhulka, paired opposite actor Salman Khan prevailed upon everyone with her young lady appeal. Accordingly, started her ascent to fame, with hits, for example, 1992 movies Khiladi and Jo Jeeta Wahi Sikandar establishing her position in Bollywood.
Be that as it may, from 1999 onwards, she began eliminating the number of movies, and the last undeniable film she did was Ada… A Way of Life in 2010. Where did she go?
“I’ve been busy with a lot of things. I formed my foundation for animal welfare. I’ve worked for stray animals and used to be behind the scenes doing my bit. I also joined my husband’s business. I traveled a lot, which I couldn’t do as an actor. I’d only travel with the film unit and be back for professional commitments. I remember once going to the US five times in four months, it was too hectic. It was completely going haywire, I wasn’t even getting time with my parents,” she said.
She recalls “I’m from Delhi, and joined films at a very young age. Children of our age never used to think about what is going to happen in the future. I loved watching films, dancing. We were in Delhi, and never thought there could be an opportunity, but it just happened by fluke.”
The actress adds that there used to be no readiness like actors go through today when being launched. “Now they’re always with managers around, have people guiding them. More than you, others are shaping your career. We never had all this. When I did my first film, I didn’t even know if I’d get any more (work). It was like, ‘Ek film mein shauk Pura Kar lo’. Then one after the other came, I don’t remember planning anything. I was 16,” she tells us.
Jhulka says she misses the arc lights. “I may not miss being in the limelight as much, but I miss working in 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.
