Dad stays away from Neha Uberoi's debut film premiere

Mumbai, June 1 (IANS) It was supposed to be a dream day for Neha Uberoi. But the fun of her debut Bollywood film "Woodstock Villa" premiering on the same day as her 23rd birthday was somewhat spoilt by her father himself staying away from it.

The reason was the ongoing war between the film's producer Sanjay Gupta and actor Sanjay Dutt who has launched his own production house. Gupta, incidentally, is Neha's uncle.

Obviously no one even remotely associated with Dutt's production house showed up at the premiere Thursday night.

Neha's father Dharam Uberoi, who used to work for Gupta's White Feather and is now closely associated with Dutt, stayed away from the premiere. The film, released Friday, co-stars Sikandar Kher.

"There was no question of attending the premiere even if it was my daughter's big day. I've my entire life to devote to her happiness and career. Yes, I regret I couldn't be there for her. But I've moved on. I wish Mr Gupta all the best in life," Uberoi told IANS.

Neha, confused but excited, tried to put up a brave face.

"I don't even want to think about these things. I just want to concentrate on my premiere night and my career. As far as 'Woodstock Villa' is concerned I've no complaints.

"I got a launch any newcomer would die for. I play a kidnapped wife in my very first film. And I'm happy for the unconventional launch. I don't think the audience is interested in a new girl and boy holding hands and running across pristine meadows in slow motion.

"Not that my launch is entirely unconventional. I've four songs in 'Woodstock Villa'. And I've my father and Sanjay Dutt's expertise in the business to guide me. So no regrets at all," Neha said.

Not even about the fact that her rather-attractive voice was dubbed in her debut film?

"Well...that is rather unfortunate. But being dubbed is not a new experience for me. I've done two Telugu films where I couldn't speak my own lines. But I've dubbed for myself in my next film Hindi film 'EMI' (which is produced by Suniel Shetty's Popcorn Entertainment) and in Soham Shah's 'Luck'.

"I leave for South Africa to shoot for 'Luck' with Imran Khan (Aamir's nephew). So I've a lot to look forward to."

Neha had an early birthday celebration. "I brought it in with my family and retired early because I knew I had a big long night the following day for my premiere."

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Woodstock Villa