Veteran actress Neena Gupta, one of the most revered figures in Indian cinema, recently celebrated her birthday on June 4. The special day was marked by a heartfelt tribute from her daughter, fashion designer Masaba Gupta, who shared a touching post on Instagram. “Everybody wish my mom a very happy birthday @neena_gupta simply the best,” wrote Masaba. The post included a series of rare and unseen pictures, encapsulating moments from Neena’s life, including one where she is seen with her birthday cake.
For those unacquainted with Neena Gupta’s intriguing personal life, she shares a unique bond with former West Indies cricketer Vivian Alexander Richards. The couple had Masaba Gupta out of wedlock, and despite living separately throughout their lives, Neena has bravely shouldered the responsibility of raising Masaba as a single mother since her birth on November 2, 1989. In a noteworthy chapter of her life, Neena got married to chartered accountant Vivek Mehra in 2008, further enriching her personal journey.
Adding another joyful moment to their multi-faceted lives, Neena Gupta recently revealed that she will soon be a grandmother. This announcement came in April after Masaba and her husband Satyadeep Misra shared their exciting news of expecting their first child. “Humare bacchon ka baccha aane Wala hai. Isse zyada Khushi ki baat Kya ho sakti hai,” Neena wrote on Instagram, expressing her boundless happiness.
Neena Gupta’s contributions to Indian cinema are both illustrious and enduring. She embarked on her cinematic journey in 1982 with the film ‘Adharshila’ and has since established an unparalleled legacy. Her remarkable portrayal in ‘Woh Chokri’ earned her the prestigious National Award in 1994. However, it was her role in the television series ‘Saans’ that truly cemented her status as a household name across India.
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Despite her significant achievements, Neena experienced a challenging phase in 2017 when she openly shared that she was facing a lack of work opportunities. This revelation shocked many but also led to a positive turnaround. Shortly thereafter, she was cast in films like ‘Veere Di Wedding’ and ‘Badhaai Ho’, both of which brought her renewed acclaim. More recently, she has been seen in ‘Sardar Ka Grandson’ and ‘Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar’, showcasing her enduring versatility as an actress.
Aside from her onscreen accomplishments, Neena Gupta has also ventured into authorship, penning her autobiography ‘Sach Kahun Toh’. This book offers readers a candid glimpse into her life, both personal and professional, shedding light on her intricate journey and the myriad experiences that have defined it.
Currently, Neena continues to impress in her role as Manju Devi in the popular series ‘Panchayat’, now in its third season. The show, written by Chandan Kumar and directed by Deepak Kumar Mishra, follows the story of a young man from Delhi who works as a secretary in a Panchayat office situated in a remote village in Uttar Pradesh.
Deepak Kumar, reflecting on Neena’s role, noted the character’s evolution over the seasons. “Earlier, she was least involved in village politics but now she is aggressively getting involved in the politics. Her character has shown a growth towards the political front,” he shared.
The series also boasts a talented ensemble cast including Jitendra Kumar, Raghubir Yadav, Biswapati Sarkar, Chandan Roy, and Faisal Malik, all of whom contribute to the show’s dynamic storytelling and compelling performances.
As Neena Gupta continues to shine both on and off the screen, her recent birthday serves as a poignant reminder of her incredible journey and enduring impact on Indian cinema. Masaba Gupta’s heartfelt tribute is not just a daughter’s love but a public acknowledgment of the life and legacy of a woman who has inspired countless others through her resilience, talent, and relentless spirit.
With inputs from ANI.
