Time to celebrate: Neha Dhupia completes a decade in Bollywood

As Neha Dhupia completes a decade in the film industry,she recalls the films and co-stars who made a difference.

It was on July 11,2003 that her first film Qayamat released. Her first scene on celluloid had Neha Dhupia emerging out of the water in a pink bikini. At that point I was flashing the water around in slow motion and I thought that I was just another water baby. I was having fun and thinking of ways of making a living. I never thought I would be around in the film industry for so long. People may say its been 10 years,but I say it has just been 10 years, quips Dhupia.

The actress has had her shares of ups and downs,but she has remained grounded in times of success and secure in times of adversity because of a strong support system her family and set of close friends. Her biggest achievement she says is not a hit movie,but to be working every day. Whether it is preparing for a role,doing an endorsement or launching a brand,work has kept me busy. Opportunities have always come my way despite not being from the industry. I have always had this belief in the script way back when I signed Julie or Ek Chalis Ki Last Local or Mithiya. But today,different cinema is the rule rather than an exception and I know there will always be something for me to do, says the actress.

Dhupia has worked in over 36 films in the last decade,which includes special appearances and item numbers. Every film,she says,has taught her something. If a film does well it changes me,because I am more grateful and if it doesnt,then it makes me work harder. But it doesnt upset me or the way I look at life. The day Singh Is Kingg released everybody was like Wow. I remember people in Rajasthan watched Julie sitting on the floor,and when Mithiya released,people said I had redefined acting. But all that didnt mean anything to me. One of the events that changed me was when I went to the Line Of Control (LOC) last year to shoot for a documentary for a channel. I was touched how soldiers from both sides of the border travelled to see Neha Dhupia the actress. I was happy that my profession gave me an opportunity to give joy to our soldiers.

Story continues below this ad

When it comes to people from the industry,Dhupia makes a mention of Harry Baweja,who gave her her first film Qayamat, her co-star Suniel Shetty,who gave her tips on delivering her lines,and the fact that hero Ajay Devgn gladly accepted her as his heroine. After that it was more films,and then some more. When I was working with Akshay Kumar in Garam Masala and Singh Is Kingg,he would speak to me in Punjabi and give me tips without making it apparent he was teaching me. He also taught me to keep fit despite having a busy schedule. And of course,my gang Saurabh Shukla,Rajat Kapoor and Vinay Pathak. There have been others too like Kareena Kapoor and Priyan sir (Priyadarshan) with whom I worked in Garam Masala and De Dhana Dhan.

Currently she has completed work on two films Santa Aur Banta and Ungli. The best part of shooting for Santa Aur Banta was working with Boman Irani because he taught me so much personally and professionally. Working in Karan Johars Ungli was a fabulous experience as his banner,Dharma Productions pampers actors to no end. Everyone should work with Dharma, says the actress who is going through some scripts and has singled out two for her

this year,as she feels doing more than two films a year is enough!

geety.sahgal@expressindia.com

Click here to follow Screen Digital on YouTube and stay updated with the latest from the world of cinema.

Canada, UK and Australia formally recognise a Palestinian state

World4 hr ago

The UK, Canada, and Australia have recognized Palestine as a state, going against the US and Israel's opposition. British PM Starmer aims to revive peace without Hamas and hostage release. Canada and Australia also recognize Palestine, condemning terrorism. Over 145 UN members recognize Palestine, with France likely to join soon.

View all shorts

More Entertainment

Entertainment First Miss Kerala became KG George's first heroine; turned down star director's marriage proposal; lost her life in plane crash at 27