Neha Dhupia on job drought anxiety: ‘We should also sit at home for 6 years like Akshaye Khanna’

Neha Dhupia earned significant acclaim for her acting in series like ‘Single Papa’ and ‘Perfect Family’. In an interview, she candidly discussed the film world's unpredictability, noting that quality performances don't guarantee steady gigs. She confessed to battling anxiety amid prolonged dry spells, lasting three to four years without roles.

Anxiety confession

Speaking to Bollywood Hungama, Neha said, “I do get anxiety when I’m not working.” She added, “Even after 20 years in the industry, when the lights are out, I do put my head into a pillow and cry. I did it three days ago. Do I have my reasons? Yes, Is anybody listening? I don’t know. I don’t want to make a sob story about this because I love the business of movies. I feel it won’t let me down.”

Thick skin challenge

The actress went on to explain that industry advice often pushes actors to toughen up, but repeatedly missing out on roles and constant scrutiny can feel overwhelming. She said, “It gets very tough. It is advocated to be thick-skinned, but everything matters. The part that matters the most is that when you are not working, everybody around you is working. You see life pass by. The only difference between me and a newcomer is that I know how to get past these things, I have been anxious so many times.”

She added, “I get so tired when there is no acting jobs for 3-4 years but by the grace of God, I am never out of work because I do so many things. It is an exhausting but rewarding business.”

Akshaye Khanna inspiration

Neha discussed how good work doesn't always bring more roles. She took inspiration from Akshaye Khanna, who picks projects carefully and works less often. She shared, “The conversion has to be there. If my work in the latest two shows doesn’t convert into anything than there is no point. Does work lead to good work? I don’t know sometimes… then you see trajectory of Akshaye Khanna and then you think, Hum bhi 6 saal ghar hi baith jate hain (We should also sit at home for 6 years). It is just hoping that work will lead to work.” This year, Akshaye had hits with ‘Chhaava’ and ‘Dhurandhar’. His role as Rehman Dakait went viral.

'Dhurandhar' box office success

'Dhurandhar' has gone on to become the highest earning Hindi film in India with a net collection crossing the Rs 775 crore mark. As per the film's producer, the film earned over Rs 800 crore in India with gross collections hitting an impressive Rs 935 crore. The aditional Rs 280 crore from international markets has helped push the film's worlwide total to an estimated Rs 1212 crore.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”