Let's acquaint you with the rule of thumb in Bollywood, "Either Sex sells or Shah Rukh Khan". Since casting King Khan in every movie is virtually impossible, everyone is banking on latter to do the trick for them.
Neha Dhupia was one of the few youngsters, who realised this cardinal truth at an early stage of her career. No wonder, today, she is hailed at par with Mallika Sherawat and commands the same attention any reigning Sex queen deserves.
She doesn't shrug at being called the 'adult' actress and is hardly afraid of controversies.
"I think it's better to be something than nothing at all. I am proud to be an adult actress. Yes, I am dropping clothes for success. I have no problems being controversial. And if my statements make conservative Indians feel faint, so be it." she claims.
According to the 24-year-old starlet, much has changed in the industry since she took the plunge into Bollywood after winning title in Ms India–Universe crown in 2002.
"At the time when I came here, Mallika Sherawat was nowhere on the horizon. Today she's a household name not just in India but also abroad. She became so popular only because she's bold and dared to expose in her films," opines Dhupia.
"Like her, I also believe exposure is a quick way to achieve success in Bollywood. I wanted to emerge as the film industry's new sex symbol. I am comfortable showing skin as long as it makes men hot under the collar."
Just back from a holiday in Toronto, Neha is over the moon. And now, as per Bollywood conventions, Neha is besieged by 'hot' roles. In fact, one of her forthcoming films 'Limit' has hastily been renamed 'Hot'. But Neha is not too pleased. "No bold films just for shock value for me, thank you!"