Neena Gupta, a name that resonates with elegance, grace, and talent, has captivated audiences for decades. From her early roles to her current work in films like Dil Dosti and Dogs, she continues to shine brightly. Recently, she graced an interview where she shared insights into her career, the evolution of her roles, and her views on the changing dynamics of the film industry. Here’s a look at the conversation that unfolded.
Choosing Unique Roles
When asked about her decision to be part of Dil Dosti and Dogs, a peaceful and emotional story amidst the brutal and intense films that dominate the industry today, Neena Gupta’s response was heartfelt and candid. She shared how she chooses roles based on her instinctual connection to the script.
"Well, there’s no real reason. You see, when a script comes to me, I either like it or I don't. So, someone narrates a script to me, and I don’t think about whether it's peaceful or not. If I like the script, I say yes. So, when Dil Dosti and Dogs came to me, I really liked the script, and I also liked the role because I haven’t done this kind of role before. It’s an unusual role. At this age, we tend to get typecast, mostly as housewives or the typical 'dadi' or 'nani' types, but this was different. So, I immediately said yes."
A Shift in the Film Industry
Over the years, Neena Gupta has witnessed significant changes in the film industry, especially in terms of the kind of scripts and roles that come her way. Reflecting on the differences between the roles she received earlier and the ones she gets today, Neena remarked:
"The difference is that earlier, scripts wouldn’t come to me at all. Now, they are. It’s true. No, I don’t think so. It’s true that earlier, we wouldn’t get roles in films. The main roles would go to Deepti Naval, Smita Patil and others. Yes, that happened. I never got them. But now, at least, they are coming to me. My charm hasn’t changed. I don’t know the reason, but I try to remain happy as much as I can. I don’t sit on the streets and complain about what I haven’t received. I laugh it off."
Working with the Younger Generation
As she continues to work alongside younger actors, Neena has observed a stark difference in their approach to work and personal discipline. She admires the younger generation for their dedication to maintaining fitness and their high level of confidence.
"I’ve worked with a lot of youngsters, and they are very hardworking. They keep their bodies fit, go to the gym, and are very careful about what they eat. Earlier, youngsters would just order food, but now, when I bring homemade food with me, the younger actors order food with a lot of thought. Another thing is that they are very confident. Their confidence level is very high."
Small Roles, Big Impact
Reflecting on her earlier roles, Neena expressed how even smaller parts left a lasting impact. She shared a personal story about her performance in a semi-commercial film where she played a quirky character, which became widely appreciated by audiences.
"Well, giving advice is difficult in general. But I can give an example of a mistake I made. I did a semi-commercial, artistic film once. It was a very nice film, and I played a character who was a bit of a fool.
She wore glasses and spoke in a funny way. It became very popular. I was really happy that people liked my work. At the premiere, I met Girish Karnad, who was on the NSD board and a friend of mine. He asked, 'Why did you do this? I asked him why are you asking me? Didn't you like it? He told me "You’ll always be known as the comedy lady". I thought, 'Why did I do this?' A comedy actor can never become a leading lady and that's what happened with me. Now, I realize that sometimes, we think that we should avoid being typecast, but if you like the role, you should do it."
The Road to Success: No Regrets
As someone who has navigated both personal and professional challenges, Neena Gupta doesn’t believe in regrets. When asked if she had any, her response was both reflective and wise.
"I don’t think I have any regrets. Life happens, and there was no guide. I made some wrong relationships and wrong choices in work, but the one good thing that saved me was my education. My mother insisted I finish my education. Coming from Delhi, it would have been very easy for me to go in the wrong direction, but my education kept me grounded. I didn’t mind working hard in any job, and I never felt ashamed of it. I was confident because I was educated."
Fashion Evolution: Comfort Over Convention
Neena Gupta’s sense of style has always been admired, and she continues to be a fashion icon. Over time, her fashion choices have evolved, but one thing remains constant – her emphasis on comfort.
"Fashion has always been my thing. But earlier, no one really noticed. When I started having some success, I gained more confidence to show it off. I feel you should always be comfortable in what you wear. I wear a lot of white shirts now because, in Mumbai, it's very hot. If I don’t wear shirts, I can’t sit comfortably all day. So, basically, be comfortable in what you wear. You don’t need to follow trends. Style can come from within."
The Timeless Diva
Despite being an established star for decades, Neena Gupta’s aura remains fresh, vibrant, and captivating. Her ability to adapt to changing times, work with younger generations, and tackle diverse roles is what sets her apart. She continues to inspire not just with her work but with her approach to life.
As she shared in the interview, "I’m content with doing these films," Neena Gupta remains an embodiment of timeless talent and an unwavering spirit in the ever-changing world of cinema.
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