Mumbai: Actress Esha Deol has voiced strong support for South Indian accents in Hindi cinema, amidst ongoing discussions and trolling faced by actors for their diction.
She emphasized that such linguistic nuances contribute to an artist’s unique identity rather than detracting from their performance.
Deol, daughter of veteran stars Hema Malini and Dharmendra, shared that her own Hindi dialogue delivery often mirrors her mother’s South Indian-influenced speech. She believes an actor’s distinct way of speaking is integral to their persona. “I sound a lot like my mother when I am saying my dialogue, especially in Hindi. But that’s me, and the person who’s taken me on board to play a particular character knows that. So I think it sounds really sweet and cute. I enjoy hearing people with a little accent,” Esha stated.
She highlighted iconic actresses like the late Sridevi, her mother Hema Malini, and Urmila Matondkar as examples whose accents became a cherished part of their on-screen identities. Esha affectionately recalled Sridevi’s unique way of speaking and expressed her admiration for Urmila Matondkar’s appealing accent. “Like Sri aunty used to have her little accent, my mother, and even Urmila. I am a huge fan of Urmila, and I loved her little accent that would come. But that’s what makes them stand out. That’s the uniqueness, I think, every actor,” she added.
These comments come at a time when South Indian actors, including Rashmika Mandanna, have faced online criticism for their Hindi diction. Esha Deol’s remarks underscore the importance of celebrating linguistic diversity in Indian cinema, rather than expecting a uniform speaking style from every performer. Esha Deol is set to return to Hindi films with the action-crime drama ‘Pratap’.