‘No Filter Neha’: Artists at Their Unfiltered Best

Previously a podcast, No Filter Neha, now in its sixth season, has transitioned to video on JioTV. In the realm of Indian entertainment, where glossy red carpets and meticulously manicured public images reign supreme, there’s a rarity: No Filter Neha—with its vivacious model turned actress and television personality show host, Neha Dhupia—is a more candid approach to celebrity interviews that peels away the facade and reveals B-town celebs “at their unfiltered best.”

In the promo, Dhupia promises to “grill, roast, and have a blast” with them, but the episodes are totally at ease; there isn’t apparent “grilling” or “roasting” going on. The guests open up and share personal anecdotes, thoughts, and opinions in a more genuine light thanks to a friendly exchange in a casual, relaxed, intimate setting, unencumbered by the demands of maintaining who they are. To emphasize, it’s a “blast” and not a hard-pressed “grill” or “roast.”

No Filter Neha is spilling the beans while also providing insightful analyses of celebrity narratives that are worth learning about, capturing the essence of human experiences and emotions. It’s creating a sense of belonging beyond celebrity stardom. I dig that and how the show flows seamlessly in tandem, moving past the superficial celebrity culture and offering a more profound understanding of the individuals behind the fame. 

Thus far, the current installment has featured the likes of Shahid Kapoor, Tiger Shroff, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Kriti Sanon, Vicky Kaushal, Ananya Panday, Rashmika Mandanna, and Kartik Aaryan.

From Shahid Kapoor discussing his unwavering work ethic and challenges to success to Kareena Kapoor Khan addressing love and life in greater detail, Vicky Kaushal sharing fun anecdotes and his part in the household dynamics to Kartik Aaryan talking of how he often broke down upon multiple denials in auditions, there’s everything—their never-settle moments, guilty-not-guilty occasions, going the extra mile instances—and nearly every detail in between—secrets and confessions for an engaging consumption. 

There are redeeming aspects to this show, such as its rejection of sensationalism and emphasis on honest conversation that strikes a chord. Dhupia’s innate knack for making her visitors feel at ease and her propensity to pose interesting yet respectful questions add to that. Her easygoing and informal manner makes it feel more like an unhurried interaction between friends than a structured formal interview. It entertains and humanizes the artists, making them more approachable and endearing—allowing us to connect with them on a deeper level.

When it comes to “unfiltered conversation with celebrities,” I think how difficult the entire procedure could be. With the public relations teams and others involved. It’s a thing I face often when interviewing artists. I may have to run them through the questions, but I must inevitably go through the PR and artist agencies first for approval. Thus, in an “unfiltered” conversation, “unfiltered” could be the trickiest to achieve, albeit No Filter Neha, which lives true to its name and meets much of its promise. I’m not sure how much of the PR thing it has to cope with.

Unlike in the iconic Indian celebrity talk shows, Koffee with Karan and The Kapil Sharma Show—roping in the Bollywood biggies for candid talk—amid producer-director Karan Johar’s famed rapid-fire questions, oodles of banter, gossip, and loads happening over a cup of coffee, frequently triggering controversies—and stand-up comedian, TV host, actor and singer Kapil Sharma’s playful discourse, and comedic moments focusing on entertainment through humor—No Filter Neha prioritizes relatable interactions, allowing celebrities to speak up in a happy space where vulnerability is not only accepted but celebrated.

I see this unique dynamic between the host and her guests. Dhupia maintains a sense of humor that is very positive, in good spirits, and includes a proclivity to have fun with herself, make it light for those around her, share laughter with them, and carry out lighthearted discussions even when the topics she may raise may be serious. Her amiable demeanor and warm agreeableness draw the best out of the show and the show attendees, perhaps. She has this talent for speaking in good faith, I believe, which allows her to express what it is, and that sets No Filter Neha apart—a joyful, free-flowing exchange that prioritizes honesty over showmanship.