Neha Dhupia tries to shed sexy image

Former Miss India Neha Dhupia may be known as one of Bollywood's sexiest actresses, but it's a tag she'd rather lose.
The curvaceous starlet who first captured the spotlight in Qayamat where she appeared in a bikini that left little to imagination, is anxious to shed her sex kitten image.

Dhupia has recently attempted more meaningful roles in films such as Delhi Heights, Shootout At Lokhandwala and Mithya in the hope she will be taken more seriously.

Dhupia was in Dubai last week to perform at a private event and spoke to tabloid! about earning her acting stripes and her involvement in a new US music video.

Has your conscious attempt to take on serious films paid off so far?

Well I started to make such an attempt with Siskiyaan where I played a de-glamourised character but unfortunately the film went unnoticed. Thankfully I earned positive feedback for my simple role in Chup Chup Ke.

In recent times I have completed films like Delhi Heights and Shootout At Lokhandwala which were different. I was very happy with response I received for my performance in Mithya this year. It justified my decision to experiment with my roles and I hope I'll earn the recognition I am seeking.

Do you ever regret doing all those dare-bare roles early in your career?

I don't think I have anything to regret about these roles as whatever I am today is because of these roles. When I did these bold scenes I accepted them as part of the overall script and so I was aware of what I was doing.

In fact, after the release of Julie, people recognise me as Julie rather than Neha Dhupia. It's awkward at times but I am fine with it. I don't think the 'Julie connection' will ever leave me.

Is it true that you have rechristened your character as Julie in the forthcoming film Singh Is Kinng to cash in on your Julie image?

Yes I am playing Julie once again in Singh is Kinng but the role is entirely different. I am not sure what name they had for the character originally, maybe Rosy, but once I came onboard my character was named Julie in the film.

Don't you feel doing miniscule roles and cameos in your next releases, De Taali and Singh Is Kinng, will hamper your career?

I think it is not necessary to always have a full length role in a film as even a few well-written scenes can make a difference. I am doing this small funny part in De Taali that I thoroughly enjoyed doing and I think the audience also will enjoy my cameo.

As far as Singh Is Kinng is concerned, I was slightly apprehensive initially because I wasn't playing the romantic interest as Katrina Kaif is the heroine.

But I was assured by Vipul Shah [producer] and Anees Bazmee [director] that being the girl of the Punjabi gang in the film; I'd have a plum part. Moreover I am Sardarni [female Sikh] in real life so I was able to identify with a similar character in the film.

What are your other projects that will showcase your talent?

I have Raat Gayi Baat Gayi with Rajat Kapoor that deals with a one-night stand and I play the very interesting character of Sophia in the film. I have a comedy called I Am 24 which co-stars Rajat Kapoor and Ranvir Shorey. There is another comedy called Paying Guest for Subhash Ghai's Mukta Arts.

I think one of my other eagerly awaited films is Maharathi which has a terrific line up of actors comprising of Naseeruddin Shah, Paresh Rawal, Om Puri and Boman Irani. It is a great learning experience to act with these talented actors in this film.

You recently shot for an international music video of the famous American R&B artist Ginuwine. Could you share your experience of doing this video?

I was very excited when I got the offer of doing this video with Ginuwine as it is not every day a Bollywood actress gets an opportunity to feature in high-profile American music video.

Ginuwine was looking for an urban Indian face in his video and I was lucky to be short listed and selected to appear in his video. It was a great experience shooting this song with Ginuwine and the track is called Baby. I can't wait for the video to be out as I am sure that it's gonna be well-received.

Do you have any dream project in Bollywood?

I would love to act with Shah Rukh Khan in a film or for that matter do a Yashraj or Karan Johar film. Though I have come a long way I still need more experience before I am in a position to seriously think of acting in such prestigious projects.

Finally how do you find Dubai?

Dubai is a remarkable place and it is unbelievable that such a world-class city with its amazing infrastructure has emerged in the desert. I love visiting Dubai and can't miss out on shopping at the malls here.