As we grow up, we tend to be extra conscious of the things we do, isn’t it? On top of that, even a little fame and recognition can make worse. And if you’re related to the entertainment industry, many troubles fall on top of you to maintain your image in the public’s eye.
There are some people who still show their modesty no matter where they reach. National Award winning actress Neena Gupta, who is popular for her roles in films like Khalnayak and Gandhi and TV shows like Saans and Buniyaad, is one of them.
The 62-year-old actress recently posted a picture on Instagram to ask for work. “I live in Mumbai and working, I am a good actor looking for good parts to play,” she wrote in the caption. As a self-sufficient National award winning actress, writer, and director, she did not need to do that, but still shared it on social media.
Neena Gupta described herself as a “good actress” living and working in Mumbai while asking for jobs via her social media accounts. Neena said, “Everybody thinks that after my marriage, I have moved to Delhi and I don’t work anymore… then I see so many roles being offered to other actors of my age.”
I live in mumbai and i am working and i am a good actress koee kam hai toe batao
— Neena Gupta (@Neenagupta001) July 28, 2017
While it is surprising that an actor, writer, and director of her stature would need to look for work, but understandable at the same time because substantially good projects are probably hard to come by. It is equally heartening to see that she associates no shame in asking for work despite her accomplishments.
Her words have now become an inspiration for many, including Priyanka Chopra. In fact, Priyanka Chopra commented on her Instagram post saying she was “inspired” by her outlook towards work and life.
Neena Gupta’s daughter Masaba also celebrated her mother’s spirit with an emotional re-post of the same message with her own caption:
While filmmaker Ashwiny Iyer Tiwary wrote, “there is so much truth and words beyond that keep lingering in my mind after reading this. My mom told me to study. Work. Fall in love. Get married. Have children. Work and never depend on any one how much you love them.”
While most actors these days bank on PR promotions, Neena modestly admits that she just can’t do it “Somehow, I am genetically not fit for that. I’m a very shy person and find it difficult to ask for work even if I know somebody for ages. I expect Ki Woh Bulayenge, but it’s not a correct attitude in this profession and it gets mistaken for arrogance too. So, I am making an effort. Although my PR is bad this is the best PR I have done for myself and I didn’t even have to pay anyone to promote me,” she quips.
The veteran actor just hit the nail on its head in Bollywood’s ongoing nepotism debate, though probably unknowingly. At the same time, she also brings into focus the fact that the entertainment industry is barely even trying to break boundaries or tell unconventional stories.
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Neena Gupta, who is known for her path breaking contribution to cinema and TV industry, was reportedly supposed to write a web series for Ekta Kapoor’s ALT Balaji. The actress-turned-director will make a comeback to writing after her critically acclaimed TV show Saans. The web series will star Ronit Roy and Mona Singh in lead roles.