Isha Koppikar does her own stunts in Keshava

Isha Koppikar has put an end to her sabbatical with the upcoming action thriller Telugu movie, Keshava. The actress, who is a black belt in Taekwondo, has done all the action sequences in the movie herself, without any help from body doubles.

“There are some major portions of action scenes in Keshava. I’ve done all of them  myself and haven’t used a body double. I’ve been doing martial arts for the last 15 years. Being a black belt in Taekwondo, it was easier for my director to shoot with me,” says Isha.

Her role in Keshava will see Isha demonstrate Hapkido, a form of self-defense, which is a highly eclectic style of Korean martial arts. The actress, who has worked in quite a few films in the South, says she has a special connect with Hyderabad.

“I have always loved Hyderabad,” she says. “I feel a very strong connection with the city, and it feels good to be back.” About Keshava, Isha adds, “It’s a comeback movie for me, and I’m working in a Telugu movie after a long time. It’s a wonderful role; she’s not the heroine, she’s the hero of the film — a super cop. The character is of a crime investigating officer, who is very strong. I’ve always wanted to do something like that.”

Isha says that her daughter, Riaana, was with her throughout the shooting. “I was working when I was seven months pregnant, and I started again when Riaana was three months old. It’s not been difficult; I love my work and I take care of my responsibilities well. She travels with me when I have long schedules. I have a very supportive family,” she says.

Directed by Sudheer Varma, Keshava also stars Nikhil Siddhartha.