March 17, 2017
When she left Delhi to pursue a career in the city of dreams, Mumbai --
Bombay back then -- some 17 years ago, Neha Dhupia's father thought she would be
back in no time. However, she feels grateful about having a long career, but she
wants to do more.
Neha made her screen debut in 1994 Malyalam film
"Minnaram". She won the Miss India pageant in 2002, and a year later, she
ventured into Bollywood with "Qayamat: City Under Threat".
On her stint
in showbiz, Neha told IANS: "I am just happy that I have a career. I remember
when I was 20 years old and come to Bombay to make a life... My father booked a
ticket and he was like 'I assuming you would be back in three months. You want
to be an IAS officer'".
She said she still has that ticket, adding "I
have been here (in Mumbai) for 17 years."
The actress, 37, says she is
happy that there is relevance around her and that today she is far more
self-assured as a person.
"I am happy with the choices I have made. I am
happy that I have choices and that I made a life in a city that I never visited.
I am happy that I've not been a 'has been' yet. Am I satisfied? No. I always
want to do more. So, that's the difference. Happiness is not defined by box
office, net worth or image... Because you are striving to do better every day,"
she added.
The actress, who has worked in films like "Julie", "Ek Chalis
Ki Last Local", "Mithya", "Singh Is Kinng" and "Dasvidaniya", apart from more
recent performances in projects like "Hindi Medium" and "Tumhari Sulu".
Any regrets?
"Stupid choices for the sake of work could be a regret, but
apart from that nothing," she said.
Neha is currently seen as a gang
leader in action adventure reality television show "Roadies Xtreme", which airs
on MTV.
Asked if she is 'extreme' as a person in any way, Neha said: "I
have extreme emotions, choices, likes and dislikes, which also means that I am
very clear in my head. How extreme am I? I have done things that are
adventurous, I have done things that may or may not be always be the right
choices for me."
She says she is an "extreme" person. "I have always been
different for sure. I have been extreme in my choices -- whether it is the
movies or doing other stuff," she said.