Neha Gupta | In South Industry people never say or use the term ‘item number’

Popular south actress Neha Gupta especially known for her song Daana Daana from the film Namoor Haiklu is all set to make her digital debut soon. The Daana Daana girl will soon be seen in a web series as a lead which will launch on one of the leading OTT platforms. Her film Namoor Haiklu received garnered a lot of eyeball as the film was based on a very sensitive and heart-touching topic. Gossipganj had a word with Neha Gupta.

Gossipganj – With your item number in film ‘Namoor Haiklu’, you had all the industry and audience dancing with you on the beats. Any special on set memory you would like to share with you fans?

Neha Gupta – I always wanted to work in the south industry because I feel the people are very good and motivating there. I felt a little awkward at the start as maximum people there did not know Hindi and many people like background dancers did not know English as well, so it became a struggle for me to have a proper communication.

Even I dint know their language properly so giving proper expressions according to the song was a little difficult too. But My music director and my choreographer motivated me and have helped me during the shoot of this song, explaining me the song and what kind of expressions are required. One thing I would like to mention is that in South Industry people never say or use the term ‘item number’. They always used the term as special dance or special appearance, thus giving respect to all and treating all equally.

Gossipganj – What struggle and preparations you had to go through to become the Daana Daana girl of South?

Neha Gupta – I was a fresher during that time so, I got very excited as it came as an amazing opportunity for me that too on such a great level. One of the struggles I faced is that dance was never my forte and on the set all were very prepared.  We had only 2 days to finish the shoot. So, this was a bit risky thing for me other than this it was a memorable experience.

Gossipganj – In your dance, did you face any obstacle during any step or something? How did you overcome it?

Neha Gupta – Yes, there was a step in my song where I had to be thrown up in the air and I had to roll three times in the air before landing. So, after practising it so many times, during the rehearsal this step was executed perfectly. But during the main shoot I don’t know why this step became very difficult to do because now I had to do it in a sequence with the background dancers. It looked un-coordinated and hence it took more than 40 takes to finish this single step. I can never forget that step in my life.

Gossipganj – Do you support the social message of your film ‘Namoor Haiklu’? Anything you would like to say about it?

Neha Gupta – I feel the message of the movie was very strong and due to this the movie got nominated for many awards. The plot of this film revolves around all the problems related to the village life and all the issues that are faced by the people living in rural areas. For an example, in the film a pregnant lady is not able to reach the hospital as it’s far away.

Due to the lack of facilities the lady and her child die while crossing this river. It was really a very touching moment in the film. I am not saying the situation is same everywhere, now the situation in rural area is different and improving. The audience really loved and appreciated the plot’s core message that every person has to raise the voice for their rights.

Gossipganj – Who is your role model in dance and item numbers and why?

Neha Gupta – I feel now these things have changed a lot. When I got this song I was only asked do I know to dance to which I replied yes. But today such opportunities are given to those artists who have been dancing for a while, who have reels and social media videos with a lot of dance instructors.

What I mean is people who already have a small background in this dancing or choreography line are given more such opportunities comparatively. Talking about a role model it would be difficult for me to name any one person as a role model for me because whosoever’s dance or item numbers I see, if I love it I will follow and try to take tips from it. So, I believe in keeping both my arms open to learn from everyone rather than one person only.

Gossipganj – Soon you will be seen making your digital debut as a lead actress in a OTT platform web series. How was your experience shooting for an OTT platform?

Neha Gupta – I won’t be able to disclose the name of the series as of now but yes, I recently have worked for a MX Player web series as a lead actress. My character is a very simple and innocent girl who is soon to be married to a guy with an opposite nature. My experience shooting for this web series Season one was amazing and director sir was also very helpful.

The best part while shooting for this series was meeting with senior artists who were a part of the Shaktiman series, they are playing the role of my parents. Acting with them was more like a flow, I did not have to act. Everything came naturally because they created an environment which seemed so real and amazing. I learned a lot from them about acting, changes in the industry etc.

Gossipganj – You have been a part of award winning film ‘Namoor Haiklu’ and popular tv serial Naagin 5 and now for digital platform web series. Did you find any difference between shooting for OTT platforms, movies and digital platforms?

Neha Gupta – There is a lot of difference, serials run for a very long time so the shooting for serials are very detailed and very specific. They take a lot of time to shoot as they have a lot of time to showcase and slowly develop the plot accordingly. Everyday you need to work on minute details whether it’s for a side actor or the lead actor.

Web series come season wise, they have a different style of shooting as well as things are to be shown season wise. You need to have a hold on audience so they come back to watch your second season. Talking about movies you have to start, develop and end everything in just 3 hours. So every platform has a very different style but there is only one goal that is to showcase the story in front of audience. Result is what matters at the end.

Gossipganj – After lockdown slowly the industry was reviving but now with many actors and crew being tested positive for Covid-19 do you feel entertainment industry will come to a stand-still again?

Neha Gupta – Yes obviously there have been losses and issues faced no doubt at all. Everyone can see the sufferings. But I feel where there is hope there is a way. Things can be predicted but cannot be 100% true because no one is god. So, I think we all should hope for the best and pray for good. God has given us an interval to learn and make ourselves strong.

Gossipganj – Has Covid-19 pandemic affected you and your work in any manner?

Neha Gupta – Yes I mean everyone has certain goals and certain to do’s planned which motivate them to do more, so did I. But this pandemic was un-expected for all. The journey to complete all the goals had to a break and my work life was affected a lot due to this. But I am sure things will get better and on track for all and all will be fine.

Gossipganj – What are your upcoming decided plans?

Neha Gupta – Currently the only plan and wish I have is to stay healthy, fit and be with my entire family together in the pandemic situation. No one knows what is going to happen but I am sure things will fall in the place. Everyone has to be together as well as fight together and biggest goal or plan for all should be to be happy and healthy.

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