Neena Gupta has never been one to hold back when faced with intrusive questions or unsolicited comments about her personal life. The actor recently opened up about dealing with nosy relatives, body-shaming and societal expectations around women, offering characteristically blunt responses to people who feel entitled to comment on her choices or appearance.
Neena Gupta on handling nosy people
During a CNN-News18 interaction, Neena was asked how she responds to the familiar question, “When are you getting married?” Instead of entertaining such intrusive queries, the actor revealed the sharp comeback she uses.“Tumhare baap ka nahi khati (I am not dependent on you). What’s your problem? Did you get married or not?” she said.
Neena Gupta recalls being body-shamed over a wardrobe mishap
Neena was equally candid while discussing comments about her weight. Recalling an incident involving a wardrobe mishap, she explained how a minor issue with her saree led people to speculate about whether she had gained weight.“I was wearing a saree earlier, and I adjusted it here like this, and it got a bit bulky around here, near my waist. People were like, ‘At my age, 60, am I pregnant?’” she recalled.
Neena Gupta’s advice to anyone facing body-shaming
The actor subsequently turned the incident into advice for others who find themselves subjected to comments about their bodies.“So I advise people around me, tell them you’re pregnant if they bodyshame you,” she said.Neena’s response reflects the irreverent approach she has often adopted when confronting unsolicited opinions, particularly those directed at women and their bodies.
Neena Gupta on society’s expectations of women
Neena has also spoken about the broader social attitudes surrounding women and their appearance. Reflecting on how women are expected to dress and behave in some parts of Delhi, she said that certain traditional expectations remain deeply entrenched.Speaking to NDTV, she said, “I think it’s going to stay like this. It is not going to change. Not at all. Mark my words. Because society is such. Even today, nothing has really changed. Whatever has changed, it has changed only by a few percentage points. What has changed is that women have started earning.”
Neena Gupta’s upcoming series ‘Chumbak’
On the work front, Neena Gupta will next be seen in the upcoming comedy-drama series ‘Chumbak’. The show follows five families living in an urban Indian neighbourhood and features an ensemble cast including Deven Bhojani, Arjun Bijlani, Helly Shah, Sumeet Vyas, Manasi Parekh, Sumeet Raghvan, Sandeepa Dhar, Delnaaz Irani, Anant V. Joshi and Amyra Dastur.‘Chumbak’ is produced by Hats Off Production, the production house behind popular shows such as ‘Sarabhai vs Sarabhai’ and ‘Khichdi’. Aatish Kapadia has written and directed the series, with Jamnadas (JD) Majethia and Kapadia serving as producers.
