It’s been years since Neha Dhupia coined the instantly iconic phrase “only sex or Shah Rukh Khan sells,” but she’s still as refreshingly candid and forthright as ever. She’s been open about her struggles with embracing her body as it is, about the tokenism that still exists in Bollywood and why she thinks it’s important for her kids to know that she is a working mother. Talk to any senior journalists and you’ll hear them bemoan the fact that celebrities are just not unguarded anymore. The PR machinery has been in full swing for years and interviews these days read like press statements, semicolons and all. In that way, Neha Dhupia is an interesting person to interview because she literally has no filter.
It’s no wonder then that in 2016 when Dhupia chose to conceptualise and host a one-of-its-kind podcast on Bollywood, she named it #NoFilterNeha. Back then, the show amassed a loyal fanbase of over 2.3 million listeners and Neha and her guests ensured that the media always had some juicy titbit to write about.
The actress completed two decades at the movies this year. In the course of these 20 odd years, Neha has faced success and failure in equal measure. What’s more, like any other woman, she’s had to accept changes in her body. This former pageant Queen has had to carve a path of acceptance among the rows and rows of online trolls who comment – almost daily – on her body. It couldn’t have been easy; the film business is known to be ruthless about what’s in and what’s out but she’s trudged on.
Women Fitness Gets her on board for a #NOFILTER chat as she graces our August issue!
Namita Nayyar:
Neha being in the industry for 2 decades almost, how has the journey been for you?
Neha Dhupia
The journey has been great full of ups and downs. The beauty of it is measured by the downs itself, two decades is a very long time I have spent half of my life here in this industry and there is something obviously strong enough that has held me here for so long.
FULL INTERVIEW ON THE NEXT PAGE!
This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar, President of womenfitness.org, and should not be reproduced, copied, or hosted in part or full anywhere without express permission.
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Namita Nayyar:
Pageants, Movies, Hosting and judging what has been the most enchanting and endearing experience for you?
Neha Dhupia
I feel movies! Pageants is from where it all started my journey. Hosting and Judging bring out diversity in my work and you get to explore more creativity and be yourself. But the most favorite part has been acting and it would always be my true calling.
Namita Nayyar:
Women Fitness India talks about celebrity diets and fitness regime, do you follow any special diet? What according to you is the worst diet fad?
Neha Dhupia
I believe the worst diet fad would be crash dieting, drastic weight loss in very little time is something that really doesn’t work. What I currently follow is that I don’t have any junk, gluten and sugar, besides that I have my dinner’s very early in the evening. I have a very balanced diet more protein, carbohydrates and fats in moderation. For me it has been a yo-yo situation since I had both my children in quick succession. Also quite surreal that I am giving this interview while being on the treadmill as well! *Laughs*
Namita Nayyar:
What comprises of your fitness regime? How do you manage it with your work schedules?
Neha Dhupia:
I try to do 7-8 sessions of workout which includes yoga, cardio-vascular routine. Earlier I didn’t give much importance to weight training but I have come to realise that it is equally very important and aids the rest. I have two wonderful trainers with whom I work out, and amazing yoga coach Rohit Singh, and I believe with time I am getting better at it.
I tend to manage it with my work schedules by giving it an hour before I head to work so like I tend to begin my day early by 5-6 am generally, sometimes when I have late call time I tend to push it a little late but one thing that I have learnt overtime is to give it priority and it’s very important.
Namita Nayyar:
Being a mom of two how do you manage upbringing children and being a working mum, your take on motherhood
Neha Dhupia:
I think being a mom is all about finding the right balance, sometimes you work becomes your priority and sometimes it’s about your family and kids, it’s all about keeping a balance between both, but one major thing I have learnt is that if you are discipline and patient things do work your way. I tend to learn a lot about motherhood from my kids than they get learn from me.
Also being in the business for two decades I have understood how to manage things with a backing of a wonderful team, I won’t lie that the way the industry works has changed with time but if you know how manage your mind space and your work you tend to bounce back!
Namita Nayyar:
Your upcoming projects and things you are looking forward to second half of the year?
Neha Dhupia:
I am currently going through some amazing scripts on the OTT level, besides that I have a tentatively named film coming soon which would be headed by Vicky hopefully next year.
I plan to bring out something good and creative content wise by the end of this year.
Namita Nayyar:
Lastly being on our cover what message you would like to share for our readers on Women – Fitness!
Neha Dhupia:
You all are beautiful and look great the way you are, don’t compare your looks, physical measurements by looking at others. Fitness is more about feeling good inside and that’s what is important. Workout, eat good food and be in a happy mind space and you are good to go!
Fitness is a journey that should never be ending, Pro Tip: Workout a little more than you can, eat a little less than you can and you would be cruising!
Thank you for having me on the cover! Love Neha
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This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar, President of Women Fitness