Veteran Bollywood actress Neena Gupta, who has captivated audiences in her recent 'second innings', has made a startling revelation about her career's delayed trajectory. In a candid conversation, she pinpointed her very first film as the pivotal misstep that cost her the opportunity to be seen as a leading heroine for decades.
The Debut That Defined a Career Path
Reflecting on her journey that began in 1982 with her debut at age 23, Gupta identified her role in the film 'Saath Saath' as her "biggest mistake." The film, starring Farooque Shaikh and Deepti Naval in lead roles, featured Gupta in a supporting capacity. She believes this early choice typecast her and "took away my chance of being seen as a leading heroine" from the outset of her career.
Despite delivering memorable performances in recent projects like Badhaai Ho, Tu Meri Main Tera, and Metro... In Dino, where she often overshadowed her younger co-stars, mainstream success and recognition only arrived after she entered her 50s. This late bloom has led her to frequently ponder the reasons behind the delay.
Self-Reflection and Acceptance
In her interview with Humans of Bombay, Gupta took personal responsibility for her career choices. "I keep thinking—what did I do wrong that I got my due so late? I see that, mostly, it has been my fault," she stated. The actress cited a lack of patience, low self-esteem, and the absence of a mentor or 'godfather' in the industry as key factors that hampered her growth.
She admitted to often comparing herself to contemporary heroines, believing she could have matched or surpassed their work. "I often think that compared to many heroines today, I could have done a better job and even looked better. These thoughts do come, but what is the point?" she remarked with poignant honesty.
Moving Forward from the Past
Neena Gupta has now adopted a philosophy of acceptance and forward movement. She emphasized that acknowledging her own errors has been liberating. "I've realised that once you accept it as your mistake, you become less bitter. Otherwise, you keep blaming the world, and that never ends," she explained.
While she acknowledges the limitations that come with age, stating she can no longer play younger roles, she remains grateful for the opportunities coming her way now. Her focus has shifted from ruminating on lost time to appreciating her current successful phase, which began with the groundbreaking success of Badhaai Ho, marking the start of her celebrated 'second innings' in Indian cinema.
