Neha in neutral

"I'm not going to answer any questions related to Ritwik," clarifies Neha Dhupia before we even began the interview. Well, with that issue settled, Neha moved on to answering the rest of our questions. The actress, known for her roles in Ek Chalis Ki Last Local, Mithya, Dasvidaniya, Chup Chup Ke and her recent stint in Bollywood Hero, an international TV series, talks about her career choices and the relationships she holds close to her heart:


WHO: Neha Dhupia
WHAT: Speaks on experimenting
WHERE: Her residence

Pretty unconventional
I find it very funny when people ask me why I choose unconventional roles. If doing smart and sensible roles means being unconventional, then yes I choose to do things differently. I'm experimental; even now I don't know what I'm going to do next. I try and pick the most interesting projects that are offered to me.

Waltzing along
The journey from Qayamat to Raat Gayi Baat Gayi that releases on the New Year's Eve has been very interesting. There have been so many ups and downs, but I never gave up in my low phase and neither did I let the ups go to my head. Yes length-wise I've come a long way, but there's still a long way to go. I've discovered my true self. When I entered the industry, I used to ape othersu00a0-- their acting, dressing, behaviour, etc. I made some really wrong decisions, but the important thing is that I learnt from them and am completely comfortable in my skin now. I have no complaints whatsoever.

Fame in Times Square
The experience of working as Lalima Lakhani for Bollywood Hero, an international television mini series shot in America, was fantastic. Actually the first time it struck me that I'm famous was when I saw myself on the hoardings at Times Square this August. I take extreme pride in the great reviews I received in the New York Times. Sometimes even I'm amazed at what I do!

Strong ties
I like to be around people I know and I'm not just talking about one relationship. Those who know me for long, my family and friends, are my best critics. They are honest about my strengths and weaknesses and tell me what I should be doing and what I shouldn't. I'm selfish in that senseu00a0-- I don't want or need more people in my life. The existing ones nourish and complete me. It's a great give-and-take relationship.