I am not a feminist: Neha Dhupia

Neha Dhupia who is currently playing as one of the gang leaders in Roadies Rising; talks about the turning point in her career, gender obstacles and more...

What was the turning point in your career?
I feel getting your first break is always the turning point of your career. Doing films like ‘Qayamat: City Under Threat’, ‘Rama Rama Kya Hai Drama’ and ‘Ek Chalis Ki Last Local’ were teaching points for me. I don't know if they are my turning point or not they will definitely be on my list that has taught me something and I found them as my call to this industry. It’s not like I get tons and tons of script but, from the ones I do, I choose the right ones for me.

Has the position of women changed in last few years?
It seems a fair bit, with some great performances from films like Queen. When Kareena Kapoor did Jab We Met or when Vidya Balan did films like Kahaani 2 and Dirty Picture. (Previously, there used to be a gap between a female and male actor) now, it’s not the same. But, still I feel there’s a huge gap that needs to be break. Still many of the projects and big films are riding on male actor in this business. I don’t know how much it will change till the time I am there in this industry but, I really feel this gap should be break.

Have you ever faced any obstacles on gender?
Not really, There are pre-conceived notions about what a man can do and what a woman can do. I am very proud of myself when I was associated with Roadies last year; there were no gender biases on the show. It’s a great thing. In fact one of the reasons why I have supported this show so much because we always believe that what a man can do even a woman can do that better. Having said that there are certain people that believe women have certain kind of jobs to do and a man has certain kinds of jobs to do but, it is changing I have never felt it in particular. If anybody wants to make me feel like that, I would like to prove them wrong. I am not a feminist because feminism does not mean putting a man down but as a human being I would always like to uplift the women. I feel we are not weaker in anyway.

What is your biggest advantage over men, if any?
That I am a woman. (Laughs).