Not so long ago, Neha Dhupia was known as a sex
symbol. Of late the former Miss India has been exploring new ground
with smaller, independent films like Delhi Heights, Ek Chalis Ki
Last Local and Rajat Kapoor’s soon-to-be-released Mithya
to connect with young, hip city audiences. Shilpi Madan chats up with
the actress who is making some unusual career moves
Neha
Dhupia’s Bollywood trajectory shows interesting variation. She made
her debut as the clichéd heroine in the action drama, Qayamat:
City Under Threat. She earned the sex-symbol tag for her bare-all act
in Julie, followed by slapstick comedies like Kyaa Kool Hai
Hum and Garam Masala. But the former Miss India got noticed
for her performance in Ek Chalis Ki Last Local. Verve
talks to the model-turned-actress about her choice of roles.
Do you think Bollywood is finally opening its arms to the multiplex film
culture?
It’s a phenomenon that has just come in now. Let’s face it. Without
taking any names, I want to point out that this year some of the biggest
banners have produced mega starrers that have been complete duds and
then there are small-budget films like Bheja Fry and Khosla
Ka Ghosla that have done great business. Of course, there is an
undeniably huge audience that is receptive to these films as well. So
it is a converse relationship. The movies fare well at the box office
and also win rave reviews. This drives the directors and producers to
make more such films that have interesting scripts.
So is there a scope for cinema that explores offbeat scripts?
Certainly. There is appreciation for scripts that are both offbeat and upbeat. People appreciate content that is packaged well.
Where do you see yourself in the scheme of things – from special appearances
and dancing to racy film numbers to more meaningful roles?
I am always experimenting in my roles. My aim is to involve myself in several genres. I try to do films that are entertaining as well as those that appeal to people with different sensibilities.
The audience that comes in to see films aimed at multiplexes isn’t the kind with leanings towards the tear jerker sitcoms that fill up the 7 to 10 pm slot on the idiot box.
They aren’t super rich either. These are people who appreciate a good film and want to spend a couple of hours watching something worth their while on screen, before heading for a drink and dinner.
What has been your most satisfying role so far?
It would have to be Ek Chalis ki Last Local. It was a comic thriller
about two people whose lives change after they miss the last local train
at 1.40 am.
What are your forthcoming projects?
I am working in Rajat Kapoor’s Mithya with Naseeruddin Shah and Ranvir Shorey. This is another film mainly aimed at muliplexes. Then there are movies like Kuch Love Kuch Drama, I am 24 and Dus Kahaniyan. I honestly believe multiplex films are the place to be in right now. Their success ratio is very high, whether you take Baroda, Bhatinda or Bombay.
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