Esha Deol is a Bollywood actress known for her acting lineage, classical training, and a debut that won her immediate recognition
Daughter of Dharmendra and Hema Malini, she rose to fame in the early 2000s with a string of films that showed her range from romance to action.
Over time she stepped back from full-time films, explored theatre and digital work, and built a life focused on family while continuing to pick selective projects.
Her career has had clear peaks a prize-winning debut, memorable supporting roles in high-profile films, and box-office hits and quieter stretches when she focused on family and other creative pursuits.
In recent years she has returned to acting in films and web series, and she remains a recognizable presence in Indian entertainment.
This article is a complete biography, covering her early life, rise, notable films, awards, personal life, recent developments, a quick stats table and a helpful FAQs.
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Table of Contents
Esha Deol’s Biography
Early life and background
Esha Deol was born on 2 November 1981 in Mumbai, Maharashtra. She grew up in a household steeped in film and classical arts.
Her mother, Hema Malini, is a celebrated classical dancer and actress. Her father, Dharmendra, is one of Bollywood’s most enduring stars. Esha attended Jamnabai Narsee School and later studied at Mithibai College in Mumbai.
She trained in classical dance from a young age, which has often been noted as a core strength in her performances.
She is fluent in English, Hindi, and Tamil, the latter owing to her mother’s South Indian background. 1
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Film debut and early success
Esha made her much-publicized film debut in 2002. Her first releases included Koi Mere Dil Se Poochhe and Na Tum Jaano Na Hum.
For her debut year she won the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut, a major industry recognition that placed her among the promising new actresses of the time.
The early 2000s saw Esha act in a number of films across genres romantic dramas, thrillers, and family entertainers. While not every film succeeded commercially, a few titles stood out and helped define her early career. 2
Notable Films and Performances
Esha’s career features a mix of commercial films and roles that tapped her dramatic skills.
Some of her most notable works:
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Koi Mere Dil Se Poochhe (2002) — Debut that brought immediate attention and the Filmfare Best Female Debut award.
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Dhoom (2004) — A major commercial action film where Esha played a supporting but visible role. Dhoom became one of the biggest entertainers of 2004.
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Aayutha Ezhuthu / Yuva (2004) — A political drama with strong ensemble acting. The film was directed by Mani Ratnam in Tamil and remade/shot in Hindi as Yuva. Esha’s participation in such a critically discussed film added range to her profile.
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No Entry (2005) — A massive comedy hit where Esha was part of a big ensemble cast. The film performed strongly at the box office and remains one of the better-known comedies of that period.
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Dus (2005) and Kaal (2005) — Both films reinforced her presence in mainstream Hindi cinema with roles in big-budget, star-driven projects. 3
Across these movies Esha showed the ability to step into varied roles, from lighter comic parts to more serious dramatic scenes.
Box-office outcomes were mixed, but she established herself as a recognizable face and an actor willing to experiment across genres.
Mid-career, Hiatus and Shifts
After a busy period through the mid-2000s Esha’s on-screen appearances became less frequent. She took time off from full-time film work and focused on personal life and other interests.
In 2011, she starred in Tell Me O Kkhuda, a film directed and produced by her mother Hema Malini. Later she explored short films and produced a short called Ek Duaa, which was released on streaming platforms.
This phase reflected a common pattern among many actors moving away from mainstream pressure to choose selective projects that align with family and personal priorities.
Return to Acting
Esha returned to acting more visibly in the streaming era. She appeared in the web series Rudra: The Edge of Darkness (2022), which marked a notable comeback in a widely seen digital series.
In 2023 she featured in Hunter Tootega Nahi Todega, another streaming project. Working in web series allowed her to engage with contemporary formats and reach new audiences beyond traditional cinema.
This transition aligns with many established actors who find nuanced roles and creative freedom on streaming platforms.
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Personal Life
Marriage, Children and Separation
Esha married businessman Bharat Takhtani on 29 June 2012. The wedding was covered widely due to Esha’s celebrity background and was reported as a private temple ceremony with family in attendance.
The couple welcomed two daughters: Radhya (born October 2017) and Miraya (born June 2019).
In February 2024, Esha Deol and Bharat Takhtani announced their separation, stating it was mutual and requesting privacy while prioritizing their children’s welfare.
Media coverage since then has noted the couple seems to be co-parenting and maintaining a cordial public relationship. Recent reports show they have appeared together at family events after the separation.
Awards and Recognition
Esha’s most notable award is the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut (2003) for her early work. She has other nominations and a handful of industry recognitions.
IMDb lists several wins and nominations across award shows. While she did not accumulate a long list of mainstream acting trophies compared with some contemporaries, her debut award and roles in major films remain a key part of her legacy. 4
Recent Developments (2024–2025)
After the 2024 separation announcement Esha returned to more public-facing work.
She has taken on selective screen projects and appeared at events with family. Press reports in 2024–2025 confirmed her separation from Bharat Takhtani and coverage of her work on streaming series and short-form content increased.
Media outlets also covered public sightings with her ex-husband at family gatherings and reported that both parents are focused on their daughters’ wellbeing.
These items reflect an evolving phase in Esha’s public life, one that combines selective professional choices with family priorities.
Stats table
| Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | Esha Deol |
| Birth date | 2 November 1981. |
| Birth place | Mumbai (Bombay), Maharashtra, India. |
| Parents | Dharmendra (father), Hema Malini (mother). |
| Siblings | Ahana Deol (younger sister); half-siblings Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol. |
| Education | Jamnabai Narsee School; Mithibai College (Mumbai). |
| Acting debut | 2002 — Koi Mere Dil Se Poochhe (Filmfare Best Female Debut). |
| Notable films | Dhoom (2004), Aayutha Ezhuthu / Yuva (2004), No Entry (2005), Dus (2005), Kaal (2005). |
| Awards | Filmfare Award — Best Female Debut (2003) and other nominations. |
| Spouse | Bharat Takhtani (m. 29 June 2012; separated 2024). |
| Children | Two daughters — Radhya (born Oct 2017) and Miraya (born Jun 2019). |
| Years active | 2002–present (selective projects). |
| Estimated net worth | Various media estimates place her net worth in a wide range. Independent outlets and celebrity finance sites have estimated figures between several crores INR up to higher family-asset–influenced estimations. Treat these as estimates, not verified financial disclosures. |
Career Timeline
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1981: Born in Mumbai to Hema Malini and Dharmendra.
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2002: Film debut; wins Filmfare Best Female Debut.
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2004–2005: Appears in major films including Dhoom, Yuva/Aayutha Ezhuthu, No Entry, Dus, and Kaal.
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2011: Stars in Tell Me O Kkhuda (directed/produced by Hema Malini).
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2012: Marries Bharat Takhtani (29 June 2012).
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2017 & 2019: Births of daughters Radhya and Miraya.
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2022–2023: Returns via streaming projects Rudra: The Edge of Darkness (2022) and Hunter Tootega Nahi Todega (2023).
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2024: Announces separation from Bharat Takhtani (February 2024).
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FAQ’s
Q: When was Esha Deol born?
A: Esha Deol was born on 2 November 1981 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
Q: Who are Esha Deol’s parents?
A: Her parents are veteran actors Dharmendra (father) and Hema Malini (mother).
Q: Which film was Esha Deol’s debut and did she win any award for it?
A: Her debut came in 2002 with films such as Koi Mere Dil Se Poochhe and Na Tum Jaano Na Hum. She won the Filmfare Best Female Debut for her early work.
Q: How many children does Esha Deol have?
A: She has two daughters: Radhya (born October 2017) and Miraya (born June 2019).
Q: Is Esha Deol still active in films?
A: Yes. While selective about projects, she returned to acting with web series and short films since 2022, including Rudra: The Edge of Darkness (2022).
Q: What awards has she won?
A: Her most prominent award is the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut (for work released in 2002/2003). IMDb and other outlets list additional nominations and smaller awards.
Q: What is known about her personal life and marriage?
A: Esha married businessman Bharat Takhtani on 29 June 2012. The couple has two daughters.
They announced their separation in February 2024 and have emphasized an amicable approach focused on the children’s welfare. Recent media reports indicate cordial interactions and co-parenting.
Q: What are some reliable places to find her filmography and credits?
A: Trusted public sources include IMDb, Box Office India, Film databases like Letterboxd, BookMyShow, and mainstream media coverage. For awards and nominations, Filmfare and major entertainment outlets maintain lists.
Conclusion
The article includes dates and personal events that were reported by multiple mainstream outlets. Family matters are sensitive and evolving.
The separation in February 2024 was reported as mutual and amicable; follow-up coverage shows the family focusing on co-parenting. For any legal or financial details, rely on official statements or court records rather than speculative tabloid coverage.
Public net worth figures vary widely and are rarely verified. Different outlets use different methods. I included a conservative summary and flagged estimates as unverified. For authoritative financial information, one must consult official filings or verified disclosures.
Film lists and box-office verdicts come from databases that track releases and earnings. Some older box-office numbers may be presented differently across sources. For precise revenue figures consult archived trade reports or Box Office India entries.
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