A candid Neha Dhupia discusses her transformative experience while working on the international film ’52 Blue’, highlighting personal and professional milestones following its London premiere.
Neha Dhupia is celebrating a significant career milestone with the international film ’52 Blue’, which recently premiered in London. Following the screening, the actress expressed how the project has not only reshaped her confidence but has also allowed her to reconnect with aspects of her identity she felt were lost over time.
In an interview reflecting on the film’s impact, Dhupia emphasized that her journey with ’52 Blue’ transcends traditional career aspirations. Rather than focusing solely on the potential career advancements the role might bring, she described the experience as a means to rediscover herself. “I would’ve accepted everyone’s congratulations until yesterday. But the difference between speaking to you yesterday and today is that I’ve now seen the film. I’m genuinely proud because it’s one of those films that adds something to your body of work,” she stated. Dhupia noted that every film has its own trajectory, and while she is uncertain about the future of ’52 Blue’, she resonated with a particular dialogue from her character Lakshmi: “Everything you do and everyone you meet is pushing you in a direction you’re meant to be in. That’s exactly how I feel about this film.”
A Role That Challenged Expectations
Dhupia revealed that the role of Lakshmi appealed to her because it presented an emotionally complex character, which she found lacking in many of her previous projects. She admitted that when she was first approached for the role, she doubted her ability to embody such a character. “When they first called and told me about this woman from Kerala who’s carrying so much emotional weight and eventually ends up living on an island, I was convinced I wasn’t going to get the part. You fight for roles like these at the beginning of your career, and then somewhere along the way you stop expecting them,” she said.
Dhupia credited director Ali El Arabi’s faith in her capabilities for her successful audition. She remarked, “It took a filmmaker from Egypt to notice that he could see me like this. At one point, even I had forgotten that I could see myself like this. You start believing you have range, but then you slowly surrender to the box people put you in.” This role not only challenged her acting skills but also encouraged her to break free from the limitations often imposed by the industry.
The Influence of Motherhood
In her discussions with El Arabi, Dhupia learned that he believed her experiences with motherhood contributed significantly to her performance. She recalled, “He told me, ‘When I look at you, I feel like you’ve been through a lot. Your eyes tell me you’re strong, but somewhere you haven’t given up.’ That’s not something people usually tell you the first time they meet you.” According to Dhupia, if the film had come to her before she became a mother, she might not have been able to portray Lakshmi with the same depth.
A Shift in Priorities
Initially, Dhupia aspired to achieve international success in her acting career. However, she reflected on how her priorities have shifted over the years. “When I was younger, I really craved that crossover. Now, if this film opens doors internationally, wonderful. But even if it simply leads to more interesting work here, I’ll be equally happy,” she noted, indicating a more mature perspective on her career trajectory.
Recognition from Peers
One of the most memorable experiences for Dhupia at the London screening was receiving praise from filmmaker Prakash Jha, who personally appreciated her performance. She recounted, “Prakash Jha was in the audience yesterday. After the film, he came up to me, patted me on the back and said something that stayed with me. Sometimes all you need is for filmmakers to suddenly notice something in you that they hadn’t seen before. Even that is enough.” Such recognition reinforces the impact of her performance and its resonance with industry veterans.
Embracing Vulnerability
Describing her performance in ’52 Blue’ as one of the boldest of her career, Dhupia highlighted the necessity of shedding glamour and relying solely on her acting skills. “This film made me braver than I’ve ever been. There’s no makeup, no vanity, nothing to hide behind. You’re completely exposed. I didn’t think I was brave enough to do something like this. If I can be this raw and still feel proud of what I’ve done, then I know I can do so much more,” she expressed.
A Desire for Diverse Roles
Despite her extensive experience in the industry, Dhupia conveyed a desire for a more varied body of work. “I don’t value my versatility enough myself. Maybe after conversations like this I’ll feel good for twenty minutes. Then someone will call to negotiate a fee and I’ll go back to being an earnest worker who’s grateful to have work,” she stated. She concluded with a reflection on her career aspirations, expressing a wish for filmmakers to consider her for a broader range of projects. “Sometimes I see a filmmaker’s work and think, ‘I’d love to do something like that.’ Then later I hear they never even thought of me. That’s the part that still hurts.”
