Neha Dhupia calls season two of Kingfisher Supermodels a show purely about modelling. “There is no cat fighting or back biting. The girls were really focussed on their craft and were good friends off camera too,” she says.
Former Miss India Neha is the new host of Kingfisher Supermodels 2. The actor may not have the typical Bollywood career graph, but has associated herself with several interesting, entertainment ventures and has emerged as a fashion icon in recent years. “I have always received praise from critics for my performances. However, the love from audiences never matched up. I don’t try to follow anyone. I like to be comfortable with whatever I am doing.” That is not to say that the actor doesn’t have memorable performances to boast.
Films such as Ek Chaalis ki last Local and Dasvidaniya made her a favourite with the multiplex audience. And, commercial potboilers such as Singh is Kinng and Action Replayy established that the actress can do masala films too.
Her approach to fashion is similar to her take on acting. It is about being comfortable in one’s own skin. “My fashion choices are a reflection of my personality. Again, I don’t follow anyone or wear only expensive labels. For example, I may spend more on a really great white shirt than a red carpet dress, only because I will get to wear my white shirt more than a couture gown,” says the fashionista.
The actor now reinvents herself as host with Kingsfisher Supermodels 2, where she is eager to dole out praise to the participants and take very little credit for herself. “I was prepared to be a host, judge and mentor, but to my surprise the girls needed very little help from me. They knew exactly what they wanted, knew how to present themselves before the camera, play up their strengths and conceal their faults. I think the toughest role I had to play was as judge. These girls just didn’t have any bad days!”
The show sees Neha mentoring 10 supermodels who battle it out for the coveted title in 13 episodes. Unconventional photo shoots at breath-taking locales have been set to challenge the contestants. “From balancing on a pole to swinging on a wrecking ball and looking glamorous, the competition is hard. The show is not only about winning. From agents to modelling agencies and designers, everyone is watching the show for a new and different face,” says Neha. Celebrated photographers and designers join Neha in judging the contestants through the various challenges.
Often spotted favouring designers Payal Khandwala, Abraham & Thakore and Manish Malhotra, Neha laughs and says she has no favourites. “All Indian designers are my friends. I can’t pick a favourite. But, when it comes to international labels I am partial to Chanel, Alexander McQueen and Vera Wang. I also do a lot of my shopping in France. I think that kind of choice is not available anywhere.”
So, does she follow herself on fashion blogs, where she is a regular feature?
“I do read up or follow stories of myself on the Internet. But you’ll never catch me “googling” myself. I am afraid of what will appear. The last time I did that I was married off to someone!”
Well, Neha is single and you can catch her on Kingfisher Supermodels 2 on Saturday and Sunday at 10:00 PM on NDTV Good Times.
