Neha Dhupia

Starting her career at the age of 19 in a TV serial titled Rajdhani, followed by her anchoring a travel show Musaafir Hoon Yaaron besides featuring in some episodes of Sshhhh…Koi Hai, little did we know that one day she will take Bollywood by storm. Neha Dhupia who is currently seen as the judge in Nautanki – The Comedy Theatre speaks to GR8! about her turn-ons on Television and lots more…

What do you like watching when free?
If at all I do get time to watch TV, I watch sports or some show on Travel and Living.

Your favourite show as a kid has been…
Malgudi days as it takes me to a new world altogether. Since I was born in Kerala, the show would remind me of my hometown.

If given a chance to do something on TV, what would that be?
I would want to host a show on Television. I would also like to judge some talent hunt show because I feel I am in a position to do that.

Best host on TV…
Mr. Amitabh Bachchan… He’s inimitable!

What would u prefer: soaps, reality shows or a quick nap?
I would prefer taking a quick nap because of late I have been running short on sleeps. But if I had to choose from reality shows or soaps, it will have to be reality shows.

One thing that you would want to change on TV is…
Too much of advertising.

Do you think TV actors can do well in films?
I do believe that TV people have done pretty well in movies. They have the required skills, talent and discipline all needed to succeed on the silver screen.

Do you believe Indian television has progressed over the years?
Most definitely. It has gone notches up compared to what it used to be in the past. There’s more variety now with regards to both channel and content.

Which Bollywood actor/actress do you feel is the best or has done his best on Indian TV?
It has to be Shah Rukh Khan. He started his career from television then created ripples in Bollywood and when he came back on television as a host, he was fab at it as well!

What lessons do you think Indian TV should take from the ones abroad?
I feel sitcoms abroad are of a superior quality. Huge amount of money is incurred on the designing and the creative aspect. The actors there are at par with any of the Hollywood actors and the situation in our industry does not even come close to it.

In one line Indian TV is…
Indian TV is much much better now, and will definitely keep on improving.


- Dharmistha Dagia