Class Act

NEHA DHUPIA SHARES THE SECRET OF JUGGLING MOTHERHOOD AND CAREER WHILE STAYING RELEVANT WITH FARHANA FAROOK

-  FARHANA FAROOK

Her ability to reinvent herself has allowed Neha Dhupia to remain relevant. In a world where shelf-life is as shifting as sand, the actor has firmly established herself over the years. Straddling various mediums and formats, Neha is open to every experiment. From the international film Blue 52 with Adil Hussain OTT series Therapy Sherapy, where she plays a therapist to the popular celebrity podcast No Filter Neha, her portfolio is eclectic. What firmly reinforces her reputation is her role as mentor once again on the 20th season of the cult reality show MTV Roadies. She was dropped from projects after she got pregnant, trolled for postpartum weight, and then there was 'mom guilt' and the fear of 'missed opportunities' where her growing children were concerned. Now Neha has finally found calm amidst the chaos. Her advocacy for women's issues, including menstruation, breastfeeding, and fitness, has made her an icon in her own right, urging women to celebrate themselves. Excerpts from an interview with the feisty actor, who has a 'never-say-never' attitude.

You were dropped from some projects after you got pregnant and from others because of post-delivery weight. Did that disturb you?

When you’re asked to step down from a project the day you disclose your pregnancy, even though the project is set to begin months later, it does disturb you. You feel helpless. You feel let down. You talk it out with a few people, which is what I did. But I didn’t fight it. Whatever happens, happens for a reason and the reason is always a good one. Something better is waiting for you. I had to leave some projects because I was pregnant with my second child. Some have come back to me, and some haven’t. But if I were to focus on what I lost versus what I have, my babies then I have gained so much more.

How difficult was it to handle body shaming?