With Singh is Kinng looking destined to be the biggest hit we’ve seen in ages, it’s good news for the strong supporting cast which includes Neha Dhupia as bad girl Julie. How did she find the action scenes? “It’s no big deal, really. People thought they were breathtaking stunts, but I just took a deep breath and did them,” she says, “I had to be on a yacht, sailing and beating up bad boys, and then I had to step out of a limousine and shoot them down. All this was easy, except that I had to do it wearing a gown!” Neha is an action girl in real-life and lists bike-riding, sailing, bungee-jumping and skiing amongst her hobbies.
And what of her charismatic co-star Akshay? “I have been with many sardars, but the way a paggadi (turban) suits Akshay Kumar, it doesn’t suit anyone else. I have not seen anyone else looking so good. He looks very powerful and very, very handsome,” she replies.
And how did she get on with the beautiful Kat? “I was truly comfortable working with Katrina. She is a great co-star and we had a great time working for Singh Is Kinng.”
On screen, Neha is killer-babe, but off screen she likes to wipe away her make-up and dress down a little. “Off screen, I’m more a jeans and T-shirt person who wouldn’t mind stepping out in bathroom slippers. Come on, it’s good to under dress sometimes,” she remarks.
Former Miss India, Neha Dhupia’s career finally appears to be on the upswing. Though she certainly caught our eye in the daring Julie, she’s had a bit of a rocky ride so far – but with eight releases lined up, things are looking good. “There is Maharathi which is originally a play written by Paresh Rawal. The movie stars Rawal himself and Naseeruddin Shah. Incidentally, I play Naser’s wife. It is a thriller and I am happy I took it up. The film is due to release by the end of August,” says Neha. She will also be seen in Paying Guest, Raftaar opposite Emraan Hashmi, Dasvidanya with Vinay Pathak, Raat Gayi Baat Gayi and I Am 24.
Neha also stars in Ginuwine’s new R&B music video due for release in a couple of weeks. Is she in full-on killer-babe mode in the video? “You bet. I am not being pompous, but seriously I look amazing in it. You will see for yourself as the video will release in India by mid-August The video looks so cool that I myself cannot believe that it’s me. They were looking for an urban-looking Indian woman who will look equally sensuous in a sari and one who exhibits inner strength,” she explains.
Can’t wait to see that!
