More than Pehla Nasha: Untold truths about Ayesha Jhulka

During the filming of Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar, Ayesha suffered a serious injury — a nail pierced her forehead during the climax stadium sequence. Despite needing stitches and being advised rest, she insisted on continuing the shoot. Her forehead was hidden under a red cap, which became iconic in the scene. It was a rare glimpse into her dedication, professionalism, and quiet resilience — all without a fuss.

Ayesha’s romantic life often overshadowed her work in gossip columns. She was linked with several high-profile actors — including Akshay Kumar, Nana Patekar, and Mithun Chakraborty. She was even engaged twice — first to actor Ravi Behl in 1991, then to Armaan Kohli in 1993 — both of which ended before marriage. Her alleged live-in relationship with Nana Patekar reportedly ended due to his temper, and her breakup with Armaan was said to have deeply affected her personally and professionally.

Unlike many of her contemporaries, Ayesha made a conscious, public choice to not have children. She has often stated that motherhood was never her aspiration and instead, she devoted herself to meaningful causes. She supports animal welfare, works with orphanages, and has even adopted villages to uplift marginalized communities — a rare path in an industry where motherhood is often romanticized.

While shooting Dalaal, Ayesha confronted the filmmakers for using a body double in intimate scenes without informing her. At a time when few actresses spoke up against such practices, she demanded accountability and control over her portrayal. It wasn’t just about image — it was about consent, ethics, and ownership in an era when actresses were often sidelined in decision-making.

In the mid-2000s, Ayesha developed a slip disc and was bedridden for weeks. This caused not only physical pain but visible weight gain, which in turn led to work drying up. But unlike many who would engineer a dramatic comeback, Ayesha chose a quiet return through selective roles like Genius (2018) and OTT appearances. She didn't chase stardom — she redefined it on her own terms.