Once judged for her personal life, Neena Gupta turned controversies into milestones, from being an unmarried mother to setting the stage on fire with a song that caused a political storm.
Published: August 3, 2025 3:33 PM IST
Neena Gupta is now considered a box office assurance, known for her versatility and fearless performances. But her journey in the industry has been anything but conventional. At 36, she became a mother without marrying, making headlines at a time when such choices were rare in Bollywood. And at 49, she tied the knot twice in her lifetime, but her daughter was from neither marriage.
How did it all begin?
Neena debuted in 1982 with Saath Saath and, in the same year, appeared in six films, an early testament to her talent. Over her career, she worked in both films and television, winning three National Awards. She shone in acclaimed works like The Last Color and Badhaai Ho, proving her ability to reinvent herself even after years away from the limelight.
The Vivian Richards chapter
In the 1980s, fate brought Neena face-to-face with West Indies cricket captain Vivian Richards during the team’s India tour. Their friendship soon turned into a relationship, and Neena chose to have their daughter, Masaba Gupta, without marrying Richards, a decision that sparked endless media chatter but also cemented her image as a woman who lived life on her terms.
The song that shook India
In 1993, Neena appeared in Subhash Ghai’s blockbuster Khalnayak, alongside Madhuri Dixit, Sanjay Dutt, and Jackie Shroff. The film was a massive hit, but what stirred the nation was the track Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai. Performed by Madhuri and Neena, the song’s bold lyrics ignited a nationwide debate. It went so far that it was discussed in Parliament and even faced calls for a ban.
Ironically, the controversy worked in the film’s favor, with over 1 crore cassettes sold before the film’s release, making it one of the most successful soundtracks of the decade. Neena’s electrifying presence in the song stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Madhuri’s star power.
From judgment to applause
Despite the ups and downs, both personal and professional, Neena Gupta remains a symbol of reinvention. Today, she stands as an inspiration, showing that talent, courage, and the ability to own one’s story can outlast any controversy.
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