Neha Dhupia discusses championing menstrual and maternal health, navigating postpartum changes. She also addresses the gender bias that existed on set and opens up about Roaides being her bold career choice
Neha Dhupia
With the sole aim of highlighting the importance of menstrual health, actress Neha Dhupia took the lead and launched the Go Flo Run initiative. She has also been a part of a breastfeeding campaign. In an exclusive chat with mid-day, the actress shared how maternal health became a cause for her when she embraced motherhood. She also opened up about work-hour balance and upcoming projects.
Neha Dhupia on health and fitness
Talking about how she dealt with postpartum depression and other changes after motherhood, Neha shared, “It's something you're not ready for. But I feel that life throws these curveballs at you. And health and fitness have been important to me always.”
When asked how she deals with outdoor shoots with no washroom facilities, she said, “I've been on Roadies. There's no washroom ever. But you work around it by finding the closest place or talking to production. I feel that actors are kind of subject to a little more care. I just initiate conversations around more hygienic places for all women on set. So that’s how you change the narrative and change the voice. Just because a woman is on a period doesn't mean she should miss out on opportunities.”
Neha Dhupia on gender bias
Recalling the gender bias that existed on sets earlier, the Perfect Family star said, “I started at a time where these conversations were not even had. Now the climate has changed so much, and I'm so happy that it did. When I started off, I felt like there was a lot more hierarchy based on gender. But now I feel that it's fair. Someone’s need for emergency or attention is not divided based on gender, and it’s so beautiful. The new people in the business don’t come with fears.”
Neha Dhupia on career choices
Reflecting on her journey, Neha recalled how Roadies was a brave decision she made. “I was doing mainstream cinema and worked with renowned directors like Priyadarshan and Anees Bazmee. Most people at that time would have thought that a mainstream actress does not do reality shows. But that decision paid off for me. I know that a lot of people were approached then, and I am glad they picked me.”
Neha on the work hours debate
Neha also shared her thoughts on the work hours discussion. When asked how long she has worked at a stretch, she answered, “The longest I've worked is 36 hours, and this was over two different things that I did. It was not on one set, as I was moving from one place to another to finish the backlog. I chose to do it, but I don’t advocate it. Take rest, divide your day, and ensure you have enough personal time. But I think the definition of work hours completely changes when there is a shift towards family and kids. A cut-off point is a good place to actually start from.”
On a parting note, she opened up about Single Papa and spoke about how men are sensitive and equally good at handling chores. “It’s a very important thing. Men are also extremely sensitive and can look after home and kids when a woman is away. It’s about us giving them chances as well. Society needs to make that shift, and in many nuclear families, men and women are equally supporting each other.”
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