Bollywood and TV actors aren’t really known for showing vulnerability in public and would rather not put themselves out there. But not Neena Gupta. On July 27, 2017, the actress took to social media and unapologetically asked people in the industry for work. Her tweet read, ‘I live in Mumbai and I am working and I am a good actress. koee kam hai toe batao” (please tell me if there’s some work). Her step to take charge of her life paid off, and she signed several films after that. Several projects, including Badhaai Ho, Shubh Mangal Zyada Savdhaan, Panga and The Last Color came her way. And now, she has bagged the lead role in Nikkhil Advani’s next production. Yep, you read that right!
At 61, the actress will be seen alongside Arjun Kapoor in the yet-untitled film, in which she will play the role of his grandmother. Earlier this year, Nikkhil and Arjun had announced their collaboration and revealed that they are shooting for the said film.
Not much is known about this upcoming project except that it is a cross-border drama directed by Kaashvi Nair. Although Rakul Preet Singh has been roped in to play Arjun’s love interest in the film, it’s being reported that the whole narrative pretty much revolves around the relationship between Neena Gupta and Arjun. Apparently, the makers had Neena Gupta in mind when they wrote the character and the actress in turn loved the script.
In what’s being called a never-seen-before avatar, the veteran actress is all set to blow our minds with this forthcoming film. The production of the film, which will be shot extensively in Punjab and Los Angeles, began towards the end of 2019 but shooting got stalled due to the coronavirus pandemic. The makers said they might re-start the production towards the end of 2020.
From being a single mom to Masaba (now a popular fashion designer) in real life to playing a middle-aged pregnant mother onscreen in Badhaai Ho, Neena Gupta has always inspired us with her movie (and life) choices. And looks like she is finally getting her due by being offered the kind of roles she is worth!
Featured Image: Instagram/Neena Gupta
