When she left Delhi to pursue a movie career in Mumbai around 17 years ago, Neha Dhupia’s father thought she would be back in no time. However, she feels grateful about having a long career.
Dhupia made her film debut in 1994 Malayalam film Minnaram. She won the Miss India pageant in 2002, and a year later ventured into Bollywood with Qayamat: City Under Threat.
“I am just happy that I have a career. I remember when I was 20 years old and come to Bombay to make a life... My father booked a ticket and he was like ‘I’m assuming you would be back in three months. You want to be an IAS [Indian Administrative Service] officer’”.
She said she still has that ticket, adding “I have been here for 17 years.”
The actress, 37, added: “I am happy with the choices I have made. I am happy that I have choices and that I made a life in a city that I never visited [before]. I am happy that I’ve not been a ‘has been’ yet. Am I satisfied? No. I always want to do more. So, that’s the difference. Happiness is not defined by box office, net worth or image... Because you are striving to do better every day.”
Dhupia has worked in films such as Julie, Ek Chalis Ki Last Local, Hindi Medium and Tumhari Sulu.
Asked if she has any regrets, she said: “Stupid choices for the sake of work could be a regret, but apart from that nothing.”
Dhupia is currently seen as a gang leader in reality television show Roadies Xtreme, which airs on MTV.
Asked if she is extreme as a person, Dhupia said: “I have extreme emotions, choices, likes and dislikes, which also means that I am very clear in my head. How extreme am I? I have done things that are adventurous, I have done things that may or may not be always be the right choices for me.”
