At the TOI Dialogues-Uttarakhand Chapter 2025, Neena Gupta spoke candidly about the highs and lows of her career and how one successful film can change everything — from how an actor is perceived to the kind of roles they are offered.When asked about her unconventional choices, parenting journey, and the variety in her roles, Neena said, “I have now reached the stage where I can choose my roles. Earlier, it was always, ‘Whatever I get, thank you.’ I used to pray to God that a film I did would never be released because it was so bad. It required so much money and effort. I always give this example: there was a big commercial film with a gang of beggars, led by Shakti Kapoor. I was following the gang and had just one line, maybe one and a half lines. When my line finally came, the director said cut — the scene was over. I was furious. I went up to him and said, ‘I had one line, please let me say it.’ He swore at me.“In our films, what really matters is that the actor gets a hit. If the film gives you a break, you feel like a good performer; no one notices the work you did earlier. That break came to me at 60. After that, everything changed. I started walking differently. I became a better actress, a better person. My character improved after the fame. You look beautiful, everything seems fine — everything just falls into place. That’s the way the world works. If people are successful, everything is fine.”
Authenticity over acceptance
On being asked about society’s perception, especially when all her films from Badhai, Panchayat, to Mandi reflect authenticity, Neena shared, “Earlier, when we got small roles, we simply performed whatever the director wrote. It was only after achieving some success that we gained the courage to speak up: ‘Sir, this doesn’t feel right. Should I say it like this?’ Today’s young generation must bring their own voice to their work. I only started doing that once I gained self-confidence.”
The journey of self-esteem
Neena also reflected on why it took her so long to reach where she is today, a struggle she says is common among women. “The main challenge I faced, and which many women face, is low self-esteem. If a boy said something nice to me, I’d go overboard. Low self-esteem affects so many aspects of life. I even posted something on Instagram and got a great response — all because of it. What I’ve learned is that modesty isn’t always the best policy. You have to say, ‘I am the best, and you are the best.’”
