Neha Dhupia was born in the Punjabi-speaking Dhupia family in Cochin, India, on August 27, 1980, and as is customary with most Punjabi and Sikh families. As a child she completed her schooling in Vizag, then in Naval Public School, and eventually graduated in History from Jesus and Mary College in Delhi. Dhupia made her film debut in the 2003 Bollywood film Qayamat: City Under Threat (2003), which performed averagely at the box office. In coming years, Dhupia appeared in supporting roles in multiple critically and commercially acclaimed films including Chup Chup Ke (2006), Ek Chalis Ki Last Local (2007), Mithya (2008), Maharathi (2008), Singh Is King (2008) and Dasvidaniya (2008). Two of her latest films have been Paying Guest, and De Dana Dan which failed at the box offcie. She also worked on her first international project with Chris Kattan in IFC's Bollywood Hero. She is currently working on Vipul Shah's next directorial venture Action Replay.