Mumbai: Renowned actor Neha Dhupia has gracefully juggled parenthood with a flourishing podcast series and a range of projects over the past six years. Now, she’s ready to embark on a new entrepreneurial venture while giving her production company and acting career a fresh boost. In this exclusive interview with YS Life YourStory, Dhupia shares insights into her dynamic life, her active involvement in parenting communities, and her ambitions for the future.
Balancing Parenthood and Multifaceted Career
Neha Dhupia, crowned Miss India in 2002, made her Bollywood debut in 2003, and since then, she’s worn many hats in the entertainment industry—actor, model, producer, and podcast host for NoFilter Neha. Following the joy of motherhood, Dhupia co-founded “Freedom To Feed,” an Instagram page dedicated to nurturing a vibrant parenting community.
A Voice with a Purpose
Freedom To Feed started as a breastfeeding community but has rapidly evolved into a thriving parenting community. It now fosters discussions on vital topics such as children’s health, maternal well-being, and co-parenting. With over 56,000 followers, the platform aims to expand its presence across various social media channels. Dhupia’s strategic approach includes involving celebrities in conversations around parenting to pique interest and provide aspirational value.
Genuine Engagement and Awareness
While many celebrity mothers have ventured into parenting and childcare businesses, Dhupia is determined to build a long-lasting online social community focused on authentic engagement and awareness. She takes on subjects like mom guilt, co-sleeping, and other challenges working mothers face, discussing them openly with her celebrity friends.
Co-Parenting Dynamics
Dhupia and her husband, Angad Bedi, exemplify seamless co-parenting. Their unspoken understanding and ability to share parenting responsibilities have created a comfortable environment for their family. Dhupia emphasizes that acknowledging these responsibilities without fanfare should be the norm, rather than applauding men for performing everyday tasks like diaper changing.
Behind the Camera and Production Ventures
Apart from her acting career, Neha Dhupia has made her mark as a versatile entertainer, hosting shows like the successful reality series “Roadies” in 2016. Her recent appearance in “A Thursday” (2022) on Disney+ Hotstar as a pregnant police officer garnered attention. Under her production banner, “Big Girl Productions,” she has produced the acclaimed short film “Good Morning” (2022) and is currently gearing up for an exciting movie project. As her children begin school, she’s enthusiastic about dedicating more time to her work.
Exciting Future Projects
Neha Dhupia is currently collaborating with actor Vicky Kaushal on a comedy film, co-produced and directed by Anand Tiwari. She also hints at an upcoming web series where she will play a pivotal role. Additionally, she plans to transform her successful podcast, “NoFilterNeha,” into a web series.
A Philanthropic Endeavor
Dhupia’s production company, Big Girl Productions, extends its reach to philanthropy. She emphasizes that they are working tirelessly on all fronts, relying on collaborations and partnerships to fund their initiatives.
The Entrepreneurial Instinct
Although her previous online apparel venture, HerStyle, didn’t gain the traction she had hoped for in 2011, Neha Dhupia is now exploring opportunities in the mother and child care industry. After experiencing the joys of motherhood, she discovered a strong entrepreneurial drive within herself. She’s excited about the prospect of launching a startup in this evolving market and is actively seeking a partner to lead the venture.
A Dynamic Journey
Neha Dhupia’s ability to adapt, thrive, and conquer challenges has been evident since her early days, as showcased in the 2002 British documentary, “Bitches and Beauty Queens: The Making of Miss India.” Her intelligence, articulation, and unwavering focus make her a natural fit for the entrepreneurial world.
Conclusion: A Happy Mom, A Happy Journey
As she wraps up the conversation, Neha Dhupia reflects on her upcoming mommy duties and leaves us with a powerful message: “Happy moms make happy children!” She cherishes the opportunity to witness her kids’ growth while continuing to receive love and support from her fans. Dhupia’s journey is a testament to the pursuit of passion and the art of balancing family and career with grace.