Eesha, the sidekick

Woman power

Meet the first Indian female Taekwondo black belt. Here's introducing Eesha Koppikhar. She might look super girly and harmless, but she knows how to kill with something as small as a pen. Most people who hear that she's a Taekwondo black belt, immediately go 'Wo ho, poor Timmy (the boyfriend).' But she's quick to clarify that she hasn't practised the art on anyone yet. We spoke to her about her passion for Taekwondo and her reason for learning it:



Action kid
As a kid I was always fascinated by action films, Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee, who is my all-time hero. I loved those flashy kicks. I've grown up with boys playing lagori, marbles, football everything. As a kid, I could never sit at home. I was introduced to Taekwondo by a friend about eight years ago, which is when I took it up.

Below the belt
I should have got my black belt much earlier, but I was busy with films. It was my Masterji Mohammed Sardar who pushed me to follow this up. That's when I decided to take a sabbatical from my acting and started focusing on Taekwondo. I gave my exam in July and I'm proud to be a black belt. I would love to do a John Woo type of film. I can't wait to showcase my martial art stunts in my films.

More than an art
It is very essential for women to learn some form of self-defence because we are the weaker sex. Unlike any other sport, martial art makes you exercise both sides of your body and brain. You become a very balanced person. That's why you'll never find a depressed martial artiste.

Fist of fury
I'm also learning a new art called Hapkido. In this form of martial art, you use your hands predominantly and use the strength of your opponent against him. I recently showed a few stunts to the press and one guy smugly challenged me saying, 'Your fight looks choreographed.' All I said was 'So, come,' and he hurt his hand.

Kick out of Taekwondo
I would love to do a John Woo type of film. I'm not sure if Hollywood has any black belt actresses. I remember watching a Cameron Diaz interview during the shooting of Charlie's Angels. She said that the Angels just couldn't kick. They had to place the cameras really low so that the kicked seemed higher. I can't wait to showcase my martial art stunts in my films.