What’s your role in Ek Chalis Ki Last Local?
I play Madhu, a simple Mumbai girl living in Vikroli. She misses the last local home and meets the hero, played by Abhay Deol. The film has comedy and thrills in equal measure. The only problem is that since the film is based on one night, the chances of looking monotonous are higher. Otherwise, a heroine has at least 15 – 20 costume changes through the film. So I’ve tried to change my look as much as possible, and have tried different mannerisms. I’ve done comedies earlier, and thrillers as well, but this will be my first comic thriller.
You recently shot a promotional song ‘Laari Chootein’ for the film…
Yes, it’s a beautiful song. Of all the films I’ve done, this is one of the best songs I’ve performed on. The lyrics go… ‘Akhri local to miss ho hi gayi, par zindagi patri par aa gayi’. I get goose bumps just talking about it. A Pakistani band Call has written and sung it. We are shooting it in a typical masala style and it will be chakkas! It will definitely add more steam in the film, which is otherwise song less.
Your focus seems to have changed to films with performance oriented roles…
I get very pleased when people ask me about this. It encourages me. The thing is — I don’t want a glamorous image, neither do I want the image of a sati-savitri. My image should be of an actress who can act glamorous, do the role of the girl-next door, and can also play a dentist. So if someone is looking for an actress who can do action as well as romance, they should day – ‘chalo Neha Dhupia ko phone lagate hain’ (Let’s call Neha Dhupia). I am here to become an actress – not to become a glamour doll or put up an image of someone who hasn’t committed any sin in life.
You regret doing any of the earlier films that were considered bold/sexy?
No, because then I wouldn’t be here. I gave them a 100 per cent, and I’m giving my 100 per cent to my current projects. I don’t care about tags. I just need to worry about my connection with the audience and concentrate on whether my film opens to a full house on a Friday or not. I want to work towards building an image of a good and versatile actress.
But that image will build up eventually, depending on your films, performances, and the roles you pick …
Exactly, and the image is changing, slowly and steadily. But my biggest grudge is that when I give a good performance, everyone’s taken by surprise. I am always complimented, but my point is, why is everyone taken by surprise? Why isn’t it a given that Neha Dhupia can sing, act, dance, do everything? Is it because I don’t have a lineage in the film industry?
So you feel lineage makes a difference?
To a great extent! I’ve not faced any problems. But I just feel that we need to work harder. But today, I am more satisfied. I go to bed a happier person. Because whatever I‘ve achieved, I know the feeling of achieving it, as opposed to people who have it easier. I am not denying that I am against people who have star parents. Their entry is way easier and they’re given many more chances than us. I don’t have faith in anybody who says – ‘I’ll grow up and manage my dad’s business.’ I love that about myself. It’s so close to happening. When I arrive a 100 per cent, I would have really arrived. Because I’ve done it on my own. There’s not a single person I want to stand up and thank. I’ve worked hard. I’ve done it all on my own. No one’s helped me out. No one’s even helped me park my car!
But your Miss India title must’ve helped?
Yes, but I worked for it. I worked hard those four months. People say that Miss India is the stepping-stone to films. But tell me, how can girls become Miss India? It’s not easy; a lot of work goes into looking like a beauty queen, and I am proud that I was one.
So did you always want to get into films?Honestly, no. I was thinking of sitting for my IAS papers. After winning the title, I said let me give films a shot. I saw the colour of Bollywood, and it was way too bright to let go.
Which are the other films that you’re busy with?
Ek Chalis Ki Last Local had kept me busy so far. Now I‘m busy with Shootout at Lokhandwala and Dus Kahaniyan. There are a few other films in the pipeline.
So who’s starring opposite you in Dus Kahaniyan?
I don’t know exactly. From what I had heard it was Sanjay, but I’m not sure now. Also, the film has multiple stories, so I’d like to remain non-committal. I might say something, and realize I’m part of a different story.
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