ENTERTAINMENT

The actor says she prefers nonfiction to fiction; talks about judging reality shows on the small screen

“It makes a big difference to be on a successful TV show,” says Neha Dhupia.

Neha Dhupia is a busy woman. Currently, the actor is juggling between two TV shows — she is judging a kids’ talent show and a youth-based reality show. But Neha says she doesn’t find judging easy. She says, “I think judging is always hard as people have a lot of expectations from you. With kids, it’s even harder. One needs to be careful and handle them in a sensitive manner. You have to be in control of the way you express yourself, as you don’t want to hurt any child. I don’t want to be the one to break anyone’s heart.” Neha claims to be a pro when it comes to handling children. The actor says, “I am good [with kids] or rather I hope I am. I don’t get much time with my niece, who is three-and-ahalf years old.” While judging a television show has added a new arc in her career, Neha also feels that “not every TV show is right [for one’s career]”. She says, “Being part of a show on the small screen that makes a difference is interesting. There have been film stars who have been phenomenally successful on TV, including Salman Khan and Karan Johar. While they were huge successes in films, television took their popularity to another level. They are an inspiration for me. It makes a big difference to be on a successful show on a TV channel.”

So, will she ever consider acting on the small screen? “No,” says the Phas Gaye Re Obama (2010) actor, adding, “I will not do that. I don’t have the patience to act on a TV show. I am not ready for it right now. I definitely prefer non-fiction to fiction. I love watching reality shows, and I am also involved with them. I have just turned producer with my podcast No Filter Neha.”

Talking about how people behave in an overfamiliar manner when they meet a celebrity, Neha adds, “It happens all the time, especially when people see you at airports and in airplanes. However, mostly people have wonderful things to say, so I definitely can’t complain. But it can be dodgy when they get overfamiliar.”

There have been film stars who have been phenomenally successful on TV, including Salman Khan and Karan Johar. NEHA DHUPIA, ACTOR