‘I’m a small player in front of Karan Johar’
After turning judge for Roadies, Neha Dhupia will once again take a spot behind the podium for the kids reality show, Chote Miya. This show will see Neha judging kids between the age group of four to 14. But the actress reveals that she is just as comfortable with kids, and cannot wait to reveal this side to audiences.
Neha, you seem to have taken a fancy to reality shows. You are currently juggling two — Roadies and Chote Miya...
Reality shows let me be the person I am. It gives me a sense of responsibility. Since I am doing Roadies, I am probably the face for adventure — I am a woman who stands for competition, adventure, adrenaline rush and fair play. But I have a tender side too. I am comfortable with kids, otherwise they wouldn’t have cast me in a talent reality show for kids.
You and Sohail Khan share a great camaraderie off the sets. Was it relieving to having him as a co-judge on Chote Miya?
I know his wife Seema Khan pretty well. We have met each other socially and have the same circle of friends. He is a great guy. I say whatever I want but Sohail will think before speaking. It’s a good thing to be around someone like him because it’s like sitting with Buddha. He’s calm and I am not.
Your audio show No Filter Neha seems to be giving Koffee with Karan a run for its money. You seem to be getting the actors to confess almost anything. They open up so easily on your show without showing slightest hesitation…
I just came up with the idea and went ahead with it. I wasn’t thinking about numbers at that point. I never wanted to compare myself to Koffee with Karan because it is a very big show. I am a small player in front of Karan Johar. I think there is a sense of comfort in audio, so people aren’t that guarded.
How challenging was it for you to get actors onboard for No Filter Neha?
It would have been impossible without these 12 celebs. They came and every one of them has spoken better than the other on the show. I didn’t have to ask anything to Karan Johar — he went on and on. When I finished my episode with Ranbir Kapoor, he was like ‘Talk more na’. I had nothing more to ask. There has been so much love and respect that the same people who didn’t want to participate are now approaching me. I guess they opened up because I asked questions that were well-researched.
Neha, your films have never made it to the `200 crore club. Do you think success has been evasive in your case?
I never had a `400 crore or `500 crore film so I don’t know what it feels like to be a part of such a film. But if that it what defines my success, then I am a definite failure. But if my success is defined by the things I do and how relevant I can be, then I am a success.