Neha says staying relevant is quite challenging

From films, a podcast show, and a reality TV programme to running a marathon, actor Neha Dhupia is doing it all. She says that entering the film industry was an adventurous step, which she took around 20 years ago, and staying relevant during all these years has been a task.

The former beauty queen made her screen debut with a Malayalam movie in 1994, and forayed into Bollywood with Qayamat: City Under Threat (2003). She later acted in films such as Julie (2004), Chup Chup Ke (2006), Singh is Kinng (2008), and Hindi Medium (2017), among others.

The actor, who has been doing non-fictional shows, has also been a judge on an adventure reality show and she feels she earned that because of her “body of work”.

As for adventures in her own life, she says, “Staying relevant for 20 years is challenging. And I think the most adventurous thing that I have done in my life is to become part of the Indian cinema, being a complete outsider. So, whatever offers come my way are purely a by-product of my credible work in the industry.”

Neha adds that she is thankful for everything. “I have a lot of gratitude for what I have got,” she says. Asked if she would be keen to explore the fiction space on TV, Neha says, “No, I won’t be able to commit myself to a fictional show. That is a huge timeconsuming commitment.”

Neha, who was last seen in Tumhari Sulu, talking about her upcoming movie, says, “I have signed Pradeep Sarkar’s next film, titled Eela, where I am sharing screen space with Kajol. Also, I have acted in a short film directed by Karan Johar. It is part of the anthology film Bombay Talkies 2.”

PHOTO: RAAJESSH KASHYAP/HT Neha Dhupia isn’t interested in doing fictional shows on TV as it is ‘a huge timeconsuming commitment’