22 January,2026 12:59 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Neha Dhupia
Neha Dhupia has been a part of the industry for over a decade. The actress is known for her versatile characters. Now, in an exclusive segment of mid-day's The Bombay Film Story, Neha Dhupia surprised many by revealing that her first film was not a Bollywood project but a Japanese movie titled Ninja Odoru Ninja Densetsu. Speaking candidly, the actor opened up about the little-known chapter of her career and the unique experience of making her debut at just 19 years old in a foreign country.
"My first film was a Japanese film," Neha said, laughing as she added, "Yes, I'm an international movie star, guys. I am." When asked why the film is rarely discussed, she admitted, "Nobody speaks about it. I would love to watch this film myself⦠I don't know what's going on, but I was a part of a Japanese film."
Recalling how she landed the role, Neha shared that the audition process took place across multiple cities. "I remember I auditioned in Delhi⦠then we auditioned in Chennai," she said, adding that she and another girl were shortlisted while staying at a Taj hotel in Chennai. "Yes, I did land a role in a Japanese movie as my debut. As my debut," she emphasised.
The shoot began in Chennai, after which Neha moved to Japan to live there and promote the film. "I went to Japan to live there and promote the film when I was 19 years old. Not even 20," she said. While the experience was exciting, it also came with challenges. "I was kind of lost in translation. I've never spoken about these things," she admitted, explaining how the language barrier and lack of internet made things difficult. "I was really well looked after, but I was a bit lonely there."
Neha revealed that she often felt homesick. "At the drop of a hat over a weekend, I'd be like, I'm missing mom and dad," she said, joking about wanting to use her return tickets just to eat "parathas or dal chawal."
The film, she explained, was a bilingual project made in Telugu and Japanese. "Who would have thought? It was a mainstream hero from Japan who was the male lead, and it was me⦠in a lehenga," she said, calling the experience "nuts."
She also fondly recalled traveling across Japan for promotions. "Going for promotions in bullet trains, I still remember," she said, marveling at the efficiency. "I would be fascinated by little things⦠âIs train mein meri chai nahi giri hai.'" Looking back, Neha described the journey as unforgettable. "It was nice. It was great," she concluded, reflecting on a debut that was unconventional, challenging, and truly international.
