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Neena Gupta's Candid Admission: 'I Couldn't Say No to Dirty Roles for Money'
Neena Gupta stands as a luminary in the constellation of Indian cinema, her name etched in the annals of Bollywood's rich history. With a career spanning over four decades, Gupta has emerged as one of the industry's most versatile and enduring talents, captivating audiences with her innate ability to breathe life into diverse characters. From her humble beginnings in 1982 to her latest endeavors, she continues to reign supreme on the silver screen, leaving an indelible mark on each role she embodies.
At 64, Gupta's passion for her craft burns as brightly as ever, her recent performances in acclaimed films like "Congratulations," "Height," "Sardar's Grandson," "Goodbye," and "Lust Stories 2" earning her widespread acclaim and adulation. However, it is her portrayal of the indomitable village head, Manju Devi, in the web series 'Panchayat 3' that has once again thrust her into the spotlight, reaffirming her status as a powerhouse performer.
Beyond the glitz and glamour of the film industry, Gupta's personal life paints a picture of resilience and determination. Married to Delhi-based accountant Vivek Mehra, she is also the proud mother of Masaba Gupta, a renowned fashion designer. In a candid interview, Gupta revealed the challenges she faced during her early years in the industry, admitting to taking on regrettable roles out of financial necessity.
"I found myself praying that these productions would never see the light of day," Gupta confessed, reflecting on the compromises she made to make ends meet. However, as she gained experience and confidence, Gupta learned to discern between projects that aligned with her artistic sensibilities and those that did not. "Now I can decline," she asserted, empowered by her newfound ability to chart her own course in an industry known for its unpredictability.
Gupta's journey from Delhi to Bombay, now Mumbai, was not without its obstacles. As a Delhi native, she grappled with the complexities of adapting to a new city and a new way of life. "Given my roots in Delhi, Bombay posed initial difficulties," she recalled, acknowledging the allure of returning home every quarter. Yet, despite the challenges, Gupta persisted, driven by her unwavering passion for storytelling.
Contrary to popular perception, Gupta debunked the notion of being typecast as a bold actress, emphasizing her penchant for portraying innocent characters rather than glamorous ones. Moreover, she lamented the media's misrepresentation of her identity as a single mother, citing it as a stain on societal norms surrounding working women.
- PTC PUNJABI
