Esha Deol Opens Up on Post-Marriage Expectations and Co-Parenting Commitment

Esha Deol and Bharat Takhtani, who ended their 12-year marriage in 2024, have recently drawn attention due to Takhtani’s public announcement of a new relationship with entrepreneur Meghna Lakhani on Instagram. The couple, who wed in 2012, issued a joint statement to Delhi Times confirming their amicable separation, emphasizing that the well-being of their daughters, Radhya and Miraya, remains their top priority. They requested privacy during this transition.

In a resurfaced Filmfare interview from shortly after their marriage, Esha shared insights into their household dynamics. She likened her role as the first daughter-in-law in the Takhtani family, which included Bharat’s six cousins, to Hema Malini’s character in Satte Pe Satta. Esha revealed that Bharat preferred she maintain her physique post-marriage, stating, “Bharat doesn’t want me to put on weight. We’ll soon be joining ashtanga yoga classes.” Bharat, in the same interview, praised Esha’s adaptability, describing her as “gharelu” (homely) despite her self-perception as a tomboy. He noted her efforts to cater to his preferences, such as preparing his favorite dishes, including Khow Suey, despite initially not knowing how to make tea.

Esha’s book Amma Mia (2020) offered further glimpses into her life with the Takhtani family, describing the women as skilled cooks who prepared meals for their husbands. However, she noted her mother-in-law’s progressive stance, never pressuring her to conform to traditional expectations. In a recent interview with The Quint, Esha emphasized the importance of maintaining a united front with Bharat for their daughters’ sake, stating, “For your kids, you have to be a unit. That unit can’t break.” She underscored their commitment to co-parenting, ensuring their children’s well-being remains unaffected by their separation.

The Takhtanis’ focus on their daughters and their cordial post-divorce dynamic continues to resonate, as evidenced by their joint public appearances, including a Father’s Day post by Esha featuring Bharat and her father, Dharmendra.