Neha Dhupia Opens Up About Her Bollywood Journey and Industry Friendships
In a candid conversation on SCREEN Spotlight, actress Neha Dhupia delves into her over two-decade-long career in the film industry, sharing insights on her highs, lows, and the evolving nature of her professional life. From her early days to recent OTT successes, Dhupia emphasizes the importance of authenticity and perseverance.
From Plan B to Plan A: Embracing the Film Industry
Neha Dhupia reveals that it took her more than 20 years to fully accept the film industry as her Plan A. She admits to feeling insecure about job uncertainty in her younger years, constantly questioning her next move. However, she now feels a sense of belonging, stating, "It’s taken me 20+ years to understand this is my Plan A. And we’re actually getting started." This shift in perspective came from diversifying her roles across mainstream cinema, arthouse films, OTT platforms, TV shows like Roadies, and hosting her podcast, No Filter Neha.
Breaking Through with Julie and Overcoming Stereotypes
Dhupia made her Hindi film debut with Qayamat: City Under Threat in 2003, but it was Julie in 2004 that marked her breakthrough—though not without challenges. She recalls being labeled a sex symbol due to marketing tactics, which made it difficult to secure diverse roles. "I was put in a box," she says, highlighting the struggle to break free from that image. Her journey involved taking smaller roles, like in Garam Masala and Chup Chup Ke, to reset her career and explore new opportunities.
OTT Success and Motherhood: A New Lease on Life
Recent years have seen Dhupia shine on OTT platforms with shows like Perfect Family and Single Papa. She credits this phase to proactive outreach after motherhood, noting that casting directors like Mukesh Chhabra and producers like Samar Khan offered her roles when she needed them most. "The love I’ve got for both made me feel again just when I thought it was over," she shares, emphasizing how streaming has revitalized her career.
Friendships in the Industry: No Exploitation, Just Genuine Bonds
A key theme in Dhupia's discussion is her approach to friendships in Bollywood. She proudly states that she doesn’t exploit relationships for work, which has led to great friendships with industry figures like Karan Johar. In a humorous anecdote, she reveals how Johar cast her in a voice role for Ae Dil Hai Mushkil after hearing her voice repeatedly on her podcast. "He heard my voice so many times that he got fed up and asked me to come do this voiceover," she laughs, adding that such opportunities arise naturally without daily calls for roles.
Balancing Career and Family: The Roadies Experience
Dhupia has been a part of Roadies for a decade, even returning as a gang leader after a hiatus. She discusses the challenges of filming right after having her first child, Meher, and how family support made it possible. "It was a leap of faith," she says, crediting her mother for helping during shoots. As a mother of two, she now brings a different kind of fight to her work, hoping her children will one day appreciate her diverse filmography, including Julie.
Personal Insights and Future Plans
Reflecting on her marriage to actor Angad Bedi, Dhupia notes their differences—from social habits to work styles—but admires his performances, especially in Inside Edge. While she has considered producing projects for them both, she acknowledges the industry's volatile market and plans to wait for the right time. "Producing is definitely still on the cards," she affirms, having previously produced No Filter Neha.
Neha Dhupia's journey underscores resilience and authenticity in an ever-changing entertainment landscape, proving that lasting success comes from passion and genuine connections.
