Neha Dhupia on typecasting, trolling, and body positivity has become a significant talking point as she opens up about her journey in Bollywood. Speaking with Abhay Deol and comedian Sumukhi on The Durex Podcast, she reflected on how her earliest film choices contributed to being typecast in the industry. Despite appearing in only a few roles that garnered such perception, Dhupia found herself facing consistent judgment from the public, which continued even in the absence of social media in her early years.
She recounted,
Without social media also I was also kind of judged for those kind of films I did early in my career, even when I did only one or two of them. I had to change paths, and that hard part was to make people believe in me. Just because I did a movie like Julie back in the day, doesn’t mean I can’t do a mainstream comedy film. I felt like I was walking on eggshells later. It’s been eight years since the ‘It’s her choice’ thing happened, and even now, if I go wrong anywhere, trolls flood the comments with the same thing. Nobody understood the context of what I was trying to say.
—Neha Dhupia, Actor
Dhupia emphasized that her controversial comment on MTV Roadies, which led to widespread trolling, was misunderstood. Through her statement, she aimed to advocate for a woman’s right to make her own decisions, which she views as the core of personal freedom.
Navigating Trolling and Shifting Public Perception
The controversy around her “It’s her choice” remark continues to follow Dhupia years after the initial incident. Despite clarifying her intentions, comments and criticism resurface whenever she attracts attention, overshadowing her other professional efforts. She noted the challenges in reshaping public opinion and moving beyond typecasting attached to her because of early career roles such as “Julie.” This persistent scrutiny contributed to a sense of always being under observation, especially during pivotal moments in her life and career.
Personal Growth, Body Image, and Family Support
After becoming a mother, Neha experienced significant changes, especially as she gained 25 kilograms post-pregnancy. She has openly discussed her challenges with self-image and how public scrutiny and trolling affected her confidence. However, Dhupia credits her husband, Angad Bedi, for helping her embrace her body and rebuild her self-worth. She shared,
As an actor, when I gave birth, I gained 25 kgs, but my husband made me feel beautiful. He constantly complimented me. In my mind, I felt like I was jobless, I’d get trolled every time I stepped out, and my clothes didn’t fit. Coming from a beauty pageant background, those things mattered to me, I’m not going to lie. But now, finally in my 40s, I realize those things don’t matter, and I feel like the best version of myself. Today, I feel my sexiest.
—Neha Dhupia, Actor
Neha’s marriage to Angad Bedi was an intimate event, held at a gurudwara and surprising many with its privacy. Together, they welcomed their daughter, Mehr Dhupia Bedi, in November 2018, and later their son, Guriq Singh Dhupia Bedi, in 2021. The support from her family helped Neha to focus on her well-being and grow more comfortable and confident in her own skin during her 40s.
Continuing Her Journey on Roadies and Beyond
Currently, Neha Dhupia serves as a gang leader on the reality show Roadies XX, working alongside fellow leaders like Prince Narula, Elvish Yadav, Rhea Chakraborty, and Gautam Gulati, while Rannvijay Singha hosts the season. The show is set to conclude on June 1, highlighting Dhupia’s continued relevance in India’s entertainment landscape. Her personal experiences and determination to move past both typecasting and negative public commentary illustrate the dynamic interplay of self-growth with societal perception.
As Neha Dhupia keeps evolving in her professional and personal life, her candid perspective on empowerment, body positivity, and resilience offers insight and inspiration for many facing similar battles in the public eye.
