Neena Gupta remembers how naming a big ‘womaniser’ director backfired on her: ‘He said an indecent statement’

Neena Gupta has always been unafraid of speaking her mind. The film veteran often keeps fans hooked with her unapologetic statements and quirky humour. From essaying the character of a middle-aged expectant mother in Badhaai Ho to portraying a modern urban woman in Metro In Dino, the 66-year-old has time and again delivered memorable roles that have stayed with fans long after they walked out of the theatres. Despite being a well-known figure in the film industry now, Neena’s initial years were far from easy.

Neena Gupta’s early career harassment

Neena Gupta recently appeared on media personality Shubhankar Mishra’s podcast, where she got candid about facing inappropriate behaviour by a director. Without taking anyone’s name, the Panchayat actress shared that when she started her journey in the world of glitz and glam, a director “harassed” her by passing an indecent statement. According to Neena, the person was a “womaniser”, trying to impress her since the director was aware of her newcomer status.

When Neena Gupta refused to comply, the director lost his cool and hurled disrespectful comments at her in front of everyone on a film set. Neena revealed that she was shooting for a small role in a movie in Agra at that time. Elaborating on the topic, the film veteran continued that although she tried exposing the director, no one would pay heed to her since he was a prominent figure in the industry. The lack of social media did not help Neena’s situation any better. “He said nonsense and dirtier things about me after that,” confessed the actress.

Neena Gupta in Vadh 2

On the work front, Neena Gupta is currently basking in the success of Vadh 2. The film, directed by Jaspal Singh Sandhu, is the spiritual sequel to Neena’s 2022 hit Vadh. Apart from her, actor Sanjay Mishra also reprises his role in Vadh 2. The plot revolves around the unlikely bond between an inmate and a prison guard. Faced with a moral dilemma, they are forced to make a decision that could have lasting repercussions.