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Staying relevant for 20 years is challenging: Neha Dhupia
Mumbai, March 5 (IANS) From the film world to a podcast show, judging television non-fiction entertainers to running a marathon — Neha Dhupia is doing it all. The actress and former beauty queen says entering the film industry was an adventurous step she took around 20 years ago, but staying relevant during all these years has been quite a task.
Neha, who made her screen debut with a Malayalam movie in 1994, and forayed into Bollywood with “Qayamat: City Under Threat” in 2003, has been doing non-fictional shows like “MTV Roadies – Roadies Xtreme”, podcast “#NoFilterNeha” and other chat shows, apart from movie projects of late.
She told IANS: “There are so many TV shows that go off air within three months of their beginning. MTV Roadies is one of the adventures TV shows that has earned the credibility of 15 years from its audience. And I am the only female judge on the show.
“I earned the show because of my body of work. Staying relevant for 20 years is challenging.”
As for adventures in her own life, she said: “I think the most adventurous thing that I have done in my life is to become part of the Indian cinema industry, being a complete outsider. So today, when I am getting an offer of one of the longest-running youth show on Indian television, it is purely a by-product of my credible work in the industry.
“I have enough and more stories to share. At the same time, I have a lot of gratitude for what I have got.”
Neha actively participated in the Mumbai Marathon and is also associated with charitable social work.
As for her film career, she featured in a supporting role in “Tumhari Sulu” last year and, this year, two films are in the pipeline for her.
“I have signed Pradeep Sarkar’s upcoming ‘Eela’ where I am sharing screen space with Kajol. That apart, I have acted in a short film directed by Karan Johar. It is part of the anthology film ‘Bombay Talkies 2′,” she said.
“Roadies”, where she is one of the “gang leaders”, keeps her kicked. She began her association with the show in 2016, and its new season is set in the northeast.
“This show reflects the competitive side of my personality. I have come across many youngsters in the show and some of their stories are really heart-touching. The show is an honest space because everything is real here, people and their stories,” said Neha.
Asked if she also wants to explore the fiction space on TV, Neha said: “No, I won’t be able to commit myself to a fictional show. That is a huge time-consuming commitment.”
–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.