Ileana D’Cruz CLARIFIES taking hiatus was NOT a conscious choice: “Everything got pushed”

Ileana D’Cruz discussed her break from acting and her experience balancing motherhood with her career.

Actress Ileana D'Cruz is back on the silver screen after a brief break. Her latest film, Do Aur Do Pyaar, has garnered positive reviews. In an exclusive interview with India Today, Ileana discussed her hiatus, the challenges she faced during that time, and her experience working on Do Aur Do Pyaar.

Ileana D’Cruz CLARIFIES taking hiatus was NOT a conscious choice: “Everything got pushed”

Fans were curious about Ileana's absence from films. She clarified that it wasn't a conscious decision to take a long break. The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent delay of projects like Do Aur Do Pyaar (filmed in 2021) contributed to the gap. Additionally, in 2022, she shot a web series and later welcomed her child in 2023.

Ileana BREAKS silence on hiatus rumours

Ileana asserted, “I have always been selective - that's true, but I think it's never been a conscious choice to have such a long gap, and not be seen for that long on screen. Obviously, you want to do as much work as possible, but you want to do good work. I think what happened was in 2020, my film Tera Kya Hoga Lovely was released and Covid hit. Even Do Aur Do Pyaar was shot in 2021, but it was released now. So, everything got pushed.”

She further explained, “I also shot a web series in 2022. Last year, 2023, I was pregnant through most of it and then I had my baby. So, it's never been a conscious choice to say that ‘Okay, you know what, I'm not going to stay away from home.’ I think the only conscious choice I'm making right now is to be with my baby. But, before that, there was never any decision to take a break and not work. Now, I'm glad that people are finally appreciating the work that's coming out.”

Ileana speaks about shifting beauty standards

The interview also touched on the evolving portrayal of female leads in Indian cinema. Ileana expressed her delight at the changing landscape, where actresses are no longer confined to stereotypical body types. Interestingly, Ileana revealed she was apprehensive about taking on the role of Nora in Do Aur Do Pyaar due to her emotional state and physical changes at the time. However, the film's director, Shirsha Guha Thakurta, assured her that her well-being and authentic portrayal were the top priorities.

Also Read: Do Aur Do Pyaar: Vidya Balan, Sendhil Ramamurthy, Pratik Gandhi and Ileana D’Cruz showcase love without boundaries in new song ‘Jazbaati Hai Dil’, watch