Neha Dhupia Embraces Confidence from Army Heritage and Upbringing on Republic Day
Neha Dhupia Reflects on Republic Day with Army Background
Growing up as an army kid, Neha Dhupia reflects on the influence of her background on Republic Day and her life in general. The 43-year-old actress credits her father’s service in the Indian Navy for instilling a deep sense of patriotism and freedom in her character. “Even if one family member wears the uniform in your house, your entire thought process towards patriotism changes,” she explains, highlighting the profound impact of her upbringing.
Recalling her childhood days in the cantonment area where she lived, Dhupia reminisces about the vibrant atmosphere leading up to Republic Day. From adorning bicycles with flags to donning tricolor attire, the anticipation for the occasion was palpable. “In Delhi, we would go and see the Republic Day preparations. The excitement in the air would be great. Even now, I would sit in front of our TV in the morning to watch the parade. My kids have also learned to do that,” she shares, illustrating the tradition passed down through generations.
A recent visit to Kerala, where she spent her formative years, evoked nostalgic memories for Dhupia. Despite witnessing significant changes, the essence of her childhood remained intact. “Everything has changed, yet things haven’t changed at all! I saw the trees I climbed, subtle memories of always being outdoors. It used to be a sweet, secure life,” she muses, reflecting on the simplicity and serenity of her upbringing.
While Dhupia acknowledges the confidence instilled by her army upbringing, she dismisses the label of being an “army brat,” emphasizing that it’s more about self-assurance than arrogance. As a mother of two, she emphasizes the importance of teaching children about Republic Day’s significance, advocating for watching the parade as a family to honor the dedication of those involved in its preparation.
When asked about the qualities she inherited from her army household that benefited her in Bollywood, Dhupia highlights the ability to engage in conversations and resilience in the face of challenges. “That one ability to walk into a room and make a conversation. And this is for all fauji kids. Since we played a lot of sports, we also learned to fail, stand back and compete. All of this said in a very positive way. Non-fauji kids might also have it but in a different skill set,” she reflects, underscoring the unique strengths cultivated in military families.