She spoke candidly about her upcoming films, being perceived as a sex symbol, how she is uncomfortable with it and how she wants a change in image.
Read on: this is Neha unplugged, exclusively for rediff.com readers:
Neha Dhupia : Hello, This is Neha Dhupia here. rani :
Neha Dhupia : My next release is a film called 'Siskiyaan' and I am working on two comedies called 'Ek Chaalis ki last local' and another untitled film from Priyadarshan.
vinodkarkera : hi neha which is u r dream role
Neha Dhupia : Well I do have a long way to go, but as far as my dream role is concerned I would love to do a period film and go back into a different era. I guess its the inclination towards Bollywood and also being a history student.
Ankit : Hi Neha, I have heard rumors that you will be coming to the U.S. Soon. Is this true? If so, is there a way to have you come speak at U.C. Berkeley about life in Bollywood to a group of students?
Neha Dhupia : Well I was in the US last winter but ever since then haven't had the time or should I say opportunity to go back, but will keep you posted whenever I do.
rani : Who's your fave costar?
Neha Dhupia : Each one that I have worked with and all the ones that I will have an opportunity to work with.In short I love my work.
leon : i don't get to see much indian movies here, but whateva i gotta see of u on the web, pretty cool!!!
Neha Dhupia : Thank you Leon..!!
Ankit : Neha - I am a Film Studies Student. Im coming to bombay in December. I have always wanted to go to the shooting of a movie inside Film City. I was wondering if you could tell me what the best way to do this is.
Neha Dhupia : The best way to do so is to get to Bombay and get in touch with us.
dIaH : watz ur secret of being beautiful?! juz wanna share hOw u get sO sO gergeOus...
Neha Dhupia : Thank you very much for the compliment.
vinodkarkera : can u give u r email id i am a movei critic i liked u r work n jullei i want give something specail about u to my reader is there any hw do feel acting as jullei
Neha Dhupia : It was a great experience working in the film. Enjoyed every bit of it.
Ankit : Who do you mean by "us"? DO you mean managers to stars like you or who?
Neha Dhupia : By getting in touch with "us" I mean my manager, my friends and everyone in Rediff chat...hahahaha..:))
leon : which movie of yours u like the most, maybe i can order from india and watch it here in taiwan
Neha Dhupia : Qayamat, Kya Kool Hai Hum, Julie, Siskiyaan and many more which are yet to come.
Neha Dhupia : Thats for me to know, and you to tell me.
sharma : Neha, What would you be 10 years from now..?? a home maker, an industrialist or a restaurant owner..??
Neha Dhupia : 10 years from now, I would definitely be a home maker and also explore all the other professional options that life offers to me.
nehakadeewana : hi neha...when do we get to see you in a serious movie like say parineeta
Neha Dhupia : My next film is called 'Siskiyaan' which is a serious psychological thriller and thats something you should look forward to.
shareef : so do u want to change ur image as from sex bomb
Neha Dhupia : Yes, of course. Just need to move to the cooler side.
pradeep : I can see u hav all the assets of being a superstar...whats ur say NEHA ?
Neha Dhupia : Thank you very much. Feels great to have well-wishers like you around.
Babu : Hey Neha, whats ur Date of Birth?? Have you found ur Mr. Right?
Neha Dhupia : 27th August. There is nothing like Mr. Right.
narain : Hi Neha, when u had visited Faridabad, I was there. When r ur next visit to Faridabad?
Neha Dhupia : Dont know about Faridabad, but I will be coming to Delhi shortly.
Sumit : Hi neha I like u alot. Right now I am living in Hyderabad which is your native place also. I am working in a software co. So just tell me when you are planning to get married.
Neha Dhupia : Well my native place is not Hyderabad. And I am getting married in a couple of years, can't put a digit to the couple though.
Narayan : What do you think is your sex-appeal, Neha? (I guess it is your eyes)
Neha Dhupia : Well you said it and I would take that as a compliment.
FarhanaS : Hi..How do u feel bout being Miss India?
Neha Dhupia : Its a great feeling and a little difficult to describe in words.
Tatha : What is your nightmare
Neha Dhupia : Dogs.
eyecandy : Are you comfortable doing hot scenes in front of the entire crew? Better if you can explain your yes or No.
Neha Dhupia : No, I am not comfortable anymore and thats why I am breaking away from it.
rishikesh : Hi i think u r busy right now
Neha Dhupia : Not at all. My time is all yours. Talk to me.
Neha Dhupia : There is a lot I need to thank God for, everyday. But I think I am blessed because I have a very loving, understanding and supporting family.
kevin : so u enjoyin the kind of rolls u doin
Neha Dhupia : Yes very much and it gets better each day.
dk : DID YOU GOTO BURJ-AL-ARAB.. IF YOU DIDNT GO THERE. IT WAS A WASTE GOING TO DUBAI..
Neha Dhupia : I have been to Burj-Al-Arab. And I visit Dubai quite often, I really like the place.
Venkat Kiran : Hi Neha, You look great ... Can i know where you are from ???
Neha Dhupia : I am from Delhi and life brings me to Bombay because I work here.
punk : hello neha i heard you are debuting in lollywood with an item number? how did it happen?
Neha Dhupia : Yes I am. Its a situation song I am doing and I am looking forward to it.
Rm_is_Back : Neha, what is the life beyond movies for you?
Neha Dhupia : Life beyond movies is a lot to me. My family, my friends, fitness, my music, books -- just a combination of things I am very passionate about.
leon : i remember i watched one car show on TV, u still scared of driving?
Neha Dhupia : No I am not scared of driving. But yes, the traffic conditions in our country keep me away from the wheel.
Ash : What is more important in industry to survive. Glamour or talent?
Neha Dhupia : It has to be a combination of both. Glamour with talent or talent with glamour will leave you spiceless.
gaggu : nehe tell me only one thing.. have u ever faced the problem of casting couches ?
Neha Dhupia : I have never faced this problem. Its got a very simple solution -- that nothing can really happen to you if you don't let it.
Don't Miss the second part of the chat with Neha Dhupia tommorow!
Photographs: Jewella C Miranda