Never. I had seen Rajat Kapoor's Mixed Doubles and liked the way he handled the subject. And I am glad I said yes. Sonam, my character is Nasseruddin Shah's moll, but she is good-hearted. An aspiring actress she anticipates that the don will make her a star by funding her films. There's also a romantic angle with Ranvir Sheory.

There was a formidable cast like Naseer, Ranvir, Vinay Pathak and Shaurab Shukla……
I knew the film was male-dominated, but I was quite happy to add colour to the frames!

After Chup Chup Ke one thought that Neha consciously wanted to do deglamorised roles.
I takeup such films because filmmakers approach me realising that I have the potential as an actress.It's not that I decided to become a prude who will not do bold roles henceforth. I want to do a variety of stuff and not reject something because it requires me to expose. Of course the exposure should be relevant to the story!

What kind of roles do you find more challenging, the realistic or the larger-than-life parts?
Realistic roles, because you cannot mess around with reality! It becomes a tough job to convince the audience when you are playing real characters. I had to work very hard cultivating the Bombaiya accent in Ek Chaalis…..

Besides Mithya you just had a release Rama Rama Kya Hai Drama. Do you think it's a good idea to have two releases so close together?
No I don't, especially if the first one to release does not do well. But as an actor these things are not really in my control.

Do you regret doing a film like Rama….?
I realised that the film may not work when we were shooting, but I was committed to it. Otherwise I don't have any regrets doing any film, as I feel everything I do is a stepping stone to becoming a better actress. We are all human and make mistakes. Sometimes one does films for reasons other than the role. But now I think it is better to say no if I do not want to do something I don't like. The movies I have now are good.

Like?
I have Rajat Kapoor's next called Raat Gaye Baat Gaye. I started respecting Rajat as a director after seeing his Mixed Doubles, and more so after I worked with him in Mithya. He's a great actor, director and human being. I have evolved much as an actor and person after working with him. Then there is I Am 24 with Rajat (as an actor) and Ranvir Sheory, Maharathi with Paresh Rawal and Naseeruddin Shah and Vipul Shah's Sinngh Is Kinng.

What excites you, a big film like Sinngh…. or a relatively smaller film like Mithya?
Both! Films like Mithya are like nourishment for an actor which he needs from time to time. And nothing like a big film for exposure.

What is it with Ritwik Bhattacharya?
I've known Ritwik for over 11 years now. We have our good times and bad times. He is a very special friend and I don't think I need to tell the world the status of our relationship. As for tying the knot, I have a very positive phase in my career and marriage is nowhere on the cards!

And what does Neha Dhupia like to do when not working?
I can't wait to rush home. I have done my new apartment in all white! There is so much colour around us while shooting, that my serene white haven seems like heaven. I can never have enough of it!