Esha Gupta Reflects On 13 Years In Bollywood: 'Therapy Helped Me Move Forward'

Esha Gupta, who made a memorable debut opposite Emraan Hashmi in Jannat 2 thirteen years ago, is celebrating more than a decade in the Hindi film industry with gratitude, introspection, and newfound wisdom.

Over the years, the actress has evolved from a striking newcomer to one of Bollywood’s most versatile performers, balancing mainstream entertainers with roles that challenge her as an artist.

In a recent conversation with Bombay Times, Esha described her cinematic journey as “a rollercoaster filled with growth, learning, and new experiences.” Reflecting on how her choices and priorities have evolved, she explained, “Times have changed, and so has my approach. Earlier, it was about what the script was doing for me. Now, it’s only about the character and the director’s vision. A simple story can turn into a masterpiece with the right filmmaker. Even if my role is just two minutes long, I make sure to give my best because the writer created it with me in mind.”

Esha’s honesty about her growth mirrors her openness when it comes to another important aspect of her life — mental health. Over the past few years, she has become one of the few Bollywood actors to speak candidly about therapy and emotional well-being. “There was no deep thought behind it,” she said. “In our country, therapy is often looked down upon, but actually, only a healthy mind would choose therapy. Most of us are in therapy because of people who really need it but don’t go. For me, therapy has helped me move forward. I always say money should only buy you good health — both mental and physical. Without that, nothing else matters.”

Her perspective comes at a time when conversations about mental health in the film industry are gaining momentum, with actors increasingly acknowledging the pressure, isolation, and constant scrutiny that come with fame. Esha’s candor and self-awareness have made her an advocate for destigmatizing mental health care, encouraging her fans to seek help without shame.

On the professional front, Esha is now gearing up for Dhamaal 4, the next installment of the popular comedy franchise starring Ajay Devgn. The actress recently wrapped shooting for the film, which promises high-octane entertainment and is slated for an Eid 2026 release.

From a debutante who captured hearts with her glamour and screen presence to an actress who continues to push her creative boundaries, Esha Gupta’s journey is one of resilience and reinvention. Thirteen years later, she stands as a reminder that success in Bollywood is not just about stardom — it’s about staying grounded, growing with each role, and nurturing both the mind and soul along the way.