Dhupia made her screen debut in 1994 Malyalam film Minnaram. She won the Miss India pageant in 2002, and a year later, she ventured into Hindi cinema with Qayamat: City Under Threat (2003).
My father assumed I would return from Mumbai in 3 months, says Neha Dhupia
Shillong - 17 Mar 2018 20:00 IST
IANS
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 wants to do more.
Dhupia made her screen debut in 1994 Malyalam film Minnaram. She won the Miss India pageant in 2002, and a year later, she ventured into Hindi cinema with Qayamat: City Under Threat (2003).
On her stint in the industry, Dhupia told IANS, a news agency, "I am just happy that I have a career. I remember when I was 20 years old and came to Bombay to make a life... My father booked a ticket and he was like 'I [am] assuming you would be back in three months. You want to be an IAS officer'."
She said she still has that ticket, "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 (2004), Ek Chalis Ki Last Local (2007), Mithya (2008), Singh Is Kinng (2008) and Dasvidaniya (2008), apart from more recent performances in projects like Hindi Medium (2017) and Tumhari Sulu (2017).
Any regrets?
"Stupid choices for the sake of work could be a regret, but apart from that nothing," she said.
