In a deeply personal revelation, actress and fashion designer Masaba Gupta has shared a traumatic incident from her childhood, detailing how her birth certificate was stolen and leaked to the media with malicious intent.
The Shocking Theft and Media Leak
Speaking candidly on the YouTube channel Mojo Story, Masaba Gupta recounted the painful event. Her birth certificate was stolen from the hospital where she was born and subsequently leaked to the press. The document was published on the front page of a newspaper. Masaba stated that the clear objective behind this act was to publicly prove she was an "illegitimate child."
She further explained that a section of the media was aggressively trying to establish that her father was West Indian cricketing legend Viv Richards. Masaba described the entire experience as "brutal," highlighting the relentless and cruel scrutiny her family endured.
The Lasting Impact on Mother and Daughter
Masaba reflected on how the ordeal affected her mother, veteran actress Neena Gupta. While she fully grasped the situation's gravity only around the age of nine or ten, she witnessed its devastating effects earlier. "It was cruel, strange and very bad for my mother," Masaba said, expressing admiration for Neena's resilience.
She questioned the need for such cruelty, rejecting the common justification that "showbiz is like this" as completely unacceptable. The incident left a permanent scar, shaping their lives under intense public glare.
Neena Gupta's Courage and Family Support
Following Masaba's birth, Neena Gupta made the bold decision to raise her daughter independently. However, she has often clarified her stance on the 'single mother' label. In a past interview with Pinkvilla, Neena revealed that while she was alone for the initial two years, her father soon stepped in.
"He left everything…my dad came, and he stayed with me. He looked after my household, me, and my daughter. He was my man. He was the man in my life," Neena shared. This strong family support system was crucial in helping her navigate societal pressures and raise Masaba with love and stability, showcasing her remarkable courage and commitment.
