An Open Letter To Neha Dhupia

An Open Letter To Neha Dhupia

By Martin D'Souza, Glamsham Editorial

Dear Neha

The "Only sex and SRK sells" quote got you mileage... lots of it. JULIE got you eyeballs!

MITHYA, DASVIDANIYA and EK CHAALIS KI LAST LOCAL got you appreciation.

I loved all the last three named films not only for its content and execution but also because of the immense value you brought to the screen with your performances.

But last week I was enthralled by your act in EKKEES TOPON KI SALAAMI. Playing the corny b***h is no easy task, but you brought vulnerability to that character which exposed your hurting side, without seeking self-pity. That to me is a huge plus. Not many actors would have been able to pull off what you did the way you did. It had the Neha Dhupia stamp of 'execution with conviction', written all over it.

We have seen vamps and item girls, but Jayaprabha was something else. Well done Neha. It's a pity that not many people watched the film because of the number of shows in multiplexes. JIGARIYAA, the other good film to have released last week would have also suffered because of that.

Coming back to you, it's heartening to see that you have stuck it out this long with stiff competition, biting into the roles offered to you.

PAPPU CAN'T DANCE SAALA saw you bring that right amount of vulnerability to Mehak, your character. Mehak put on a tough exterior, but beneath the surface was a soft, vulnerable woman. It was not Neha Dhupia one saw on screen but the character!

Over the years, your performances have gotten refined. You have learnt to give that pause and effect a body movement before delivering the next line. Your support to Ranvir Shorey in MITHYA as Sonam left an indelible mark on the film. And what can I say about DASVIDANIYA?

It was a Vinay Pathak film all the way, but you walked in for a few minutes and made the screen your own. It was a small role, but you packed a punch.

Sex is no more the No.1 seller in Bollywood, neither is SRK but you definitely have made giant strides in your career. I know it's tough to survive out there. The road for you has been long and sometimes frustrating. Your never-say-die spirit has kept you there.

Hang in for a little more time. You are at the bend of your breakthrough moment!

A 21-gun salute for your perseverance, brilliance and conviction in self inspite of the naysayers!

God Bless You

Martin D'Souza

(This weekly column tries to be as honest as honest can be...)

More on bollywood at glamsham.com