Ritu Kumar taught me to face the world fashionably: Neha Dhupia

She won the Femina Miss India-Universe crown in 2001. Like most of her predecessors, poise comes naturally to Neha -- even when she made waves with the bikini scene in her debut film, Qayamat. The actress was at the India Fashion Week 2003, to lend support to designer Ritu Kumar.

What Neha wore: A black mock-halter neck georgette skirt and blouse with a thin silver belt spanning her waist.

Her claim to fame: Former Femina Miss India-Universe, now Bollywood actress. She acted in Harry Baweja's Qayamat, opposite Ajay Devgan.

Spotted at IFW 2003: She was here to lend support to designer Ritu Kumar, who held her show on July 19. "I was out of the city and came here for the weekend just for Ritu Kumar's show. I won't be seeing any other show. This lady means a lot to me. She's dressed me and taught me to face the world fashionably. And she has done the same for so many others."

Her special designer: "Ritu Kumar's clothes are totally great. Her embroidery is perfect. She lives up to her name over and over again. The concept of her show was to expect the unexpected. I didn't expect her to be so deep into Western silhouettes. Yet, she has not gone away from her ethnic style. What makes it so interesting is how she has used Western silhouettes and ethnic embroidery so well. It just makes it beautiful, and makes every outfit look better and better."

Her Bollywood debut: I feel really excited [about Qayamat]. Initially, you know, there was this whole inhibition about, 'Oh my God, I've left modelling and come into the films... I don't know where it's going to take me.

Her grand plan: "Now, after a hit film, I feel it is the right progression for me. It's fab [fabulous]. I'm having a great time.

"My next film depicts a woman's journey. It's a strong role and is about women. I've always been keen about women's issues so this role is important for me. I'm also considering roles from other directors -- I wish someone offered me a role like that of Julia Roberts in Erin Brockovich!"

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