The sensual and curvaceous Neha Dhupia arrived on the scene when she was crowned Miss India 2002 and the very next year she made an impact on Bollywood with her two-piece bikini act in her debut flick, Qayamat.
She earned the title of a sex symbol with her bold dare-bare roles in Julie and Sheesha and even in her comic hits — Kya Kool Hain Hum and Garam Masala — it is her glamorous image which is exploited to the hilt.
Dhupia is a constant image on the fashion scene; launch parties, stage performances and live shows as her sexy image is always the centre of attraction.
Enjoying the image
How great is the pressure to carry the tag of a sex symbol all the time?
“Well, I can’t deny the fact that I enjoy my sexy image as this is the image that has helped me reach wherever I am today.
"People expect me to look glamorous all the time and at times when I am not looking my best I need to cover my face with large goggles to avoid being photographed.
"But I ensure to keep a small make-up kit with me for emergencies,” says Dhupia.
It is just not to look glamorous in front of the media that Dhupia has to prepare herself for but she needs to keep her body fit.
“I work out in the gym regularly. I do yoga that mentally relaxes and makes my body fit. I also drink a lot of water, which ensures that my skin looks fresh,” reveals Dhupia.
Exploring acting skills
Not content with being identified solely by her sexy image, Dhupia has tried to explore her acting skills by doing serious films such as Delhii Heights, Shootout At Lokhandwala and Ek Chalis Ki Last Local.
Dhupia is in love with her career and has learnt the art of keeping herself fit and being in the limelight.
But Dhupia also has hobbies which ensure she is detached from the glitz and glamorous life.
“Whenever I have some free time I unwind by watching some entertaining films and it doesn’t matter whether it is Bollywood or Hollywood,” says Dhupia.
Dhupia seems to have slowly but surely learnt the balancing acts of maintaining her sexy image, facing criticism, doing serious cinema and catching up with her favourite flicks in her leisure time.
