Esha Deol Defends South Indian Accents, Says They Add To Actors’ Identity

MUMBAI-Actress Esha Deol has defended South Indian accents in Hindi cinema, saying distinctive speech patterns add to an actor’s individuality rather than detract from a performance. Her comments come amid renewed debate over online trolling of actors for their Hindi diction.

Deol, daughter of veteran actors Hema Malini and Dharmendra, said she also retains traces of her mother’s South Indian accent when delivering dialogue in Hindi.

“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,” she said.

She cited her mother, the late actress Sridevi and actress Urmila Matondkar as performers whose distinctive accents became part of their screen identities.

“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,” Deol said.

Sridevi, who built a successful career across South Indian cinema and Bollywood, became one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated stars. Hema Malini’s distinctive Hindi diction also became a recognizable part of her screen persona, illustrating how an actor’s speech patterns can become part of their identity.

The discussion around accents has resurfaced following actress Rashmika Mandanna’s comments about facing online trolling and criticism over her Hindi diction. Mandanna, who has worked in South Indian cinema as well as Bollywood, has spoken about embracing her South Indian identity. Lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar and actress Madhoo have also expressed support for her. (IANS)