Esha Deol enters horror-comedy with 'GHUNGHAT', her first genre blend
Synopsis
Esha Deol is stepping into horror-comedy territory for the first time with 'GHUNGHAT' — a film set in a cursed village, backed by a Bengaluru production house, and carrying a social message beneath its spooky premise. For an actress who has been away from the mainstream spotlight since the early 2010s, this genre-blending project signals a deliberate and distinct screen comeback.
Key Takeaways
Esha Deol will make her horror-comedy debut with the film 'GHUNGHAT' .
The film is directed by Rajiv S Ruia and produced by Devesh Kumar under Native Cinemas , based in Bengaluru .
The story is set in the village of Jangipura and centres on the spirit of Bhuri , whose tragic past becomes a curse.
Esha has previously appeared in horror films Darling and Kucch To Hai , but GHUNGHAT is her first horror-comedy combination.
Esha made her Bollywood debut in 2002 and is the daughter of Dharmendra and Hema Malini .
Bollywood actress Esha Deol is set to make her horror-comedy debut with the upcoming film 'GHUNGHAT', marking a distinct creative turn for the actress who has previously worked in both genres separately. The film, directed by Rajiv S Ruia and produced by Bengaluru-based producer Devesh Kumar under the banner Native Cinemas, promises a blend of supernatural thrills, humour, romance, fantasy, and social messaging.
What Esha Deol Said About the Film
'GHUNGHAT is a completely new genre for me to explore. I have always enjoyed being part of comedies and have done horror earlier, but this is a mix of both. What I loved about the script is that along with the fun and spooky elements, it also carries a meaningful message. It’s emotional, entertaining, and something very different for me as an actor,' Esha said.
While the actress has featured in horror projects such as Darling and Kucch To Hai, GHUNGHAT is her first film to weave both horror and comedy into a single narrative.
Story and Setting
Set in the mysterious village of Jangipura, the film revolves around the haunting spirit of Bhuri, whose tragic past transforms into a terrifying curse for the villagers. The story is expected to combine supernatural suspense with humour, romance, and emotional drama, while also carrying a social message at its core.
Esha Deol: Career and Context
The daughter of Bollywood legends Dharmendra and Hema Malini, Esha made her film debut with 'Koi Mere Dil Se Poochhe' in 2002. She went on to appear in films including 'Na Tum Jaano Na Hum', 'Dhoom', 'Yuva', 'Dus', 'No Entry', 'Cash', and 'Tell Me O Kkhuda'. Her dance number in Dhoom became a notable chartbuster of its era.
After a period of active mainstream work, Esha gradually stepped back from the spotlight to focus on her personal life. She married businessman Bharat Takhtani in 2012, and the couple have two daughters. In 2024, Esha and Bharat announced their separation after over a decade of marriage.
What to Watch For
GHUNGHAT represents a fresh chapter for Esha Deol, both as a creative challenge and as a return to the screen in a prominent role. With a Bengaluru production house backing the project and a village-set supernatural premise, the film will be closely watched as a test of whether regional producers can crack the pan-India horror-comedy format that has seen growing audience appetite in recent years.
Point of View
Village-set supernatural film can find national distribution and marketing muscle. The social messaging angle is a smart hedge: it gives critics and audiences a reason to engage beyond the scares. But the real test will be execution — horror-comedy is one of the hardest tonal balances in Indian cinema to sustain across a full runtime.
NationPress
25 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the film 'GHUNGHAT' about?
'GHUNGHAT' is a horror-comedy set in the mysterious village of Jangipura, centred on the haunting spirit of Bhuri, whose tragic past becomes a curse for the villagers. The film blends supernatural suspense with humour, romance, fantasy, and a social message.
Who is directing and producing GHUNGHAT?
The film is directed by Rajiv S Ruia and produced by Bengaluru-based producer Devesh Kumar under the banner Native Cinemas.
Why is GHUNGHAT significant for Esha Deol?
GHUNGHAT marks Esha Deol's first horror-comedy, combining two genres she has worked in separately — horror (Darling, Kucch To Hai) and comedy. It also represents a notable return to a prominent screen role after she stepped back from mainstream Bollywood in the early 2010s.
What is Esha Deol's background in Bollywood?
Esha Deol debuted in 2002 with 'Koi Mere Dil Se Poochhe' and appeared in films including Dhoom, Yuva, Dus, and No Entry. She is the daughter of veteran actors Dharmendra and Hema Malini.
What is Esha Deol's personal life situation?
Esha Deol married businessman Bharat Takhtani in 2012, and the couple have two daughters. In 2024, the two announced their separation after more than a decade of marriage.
