When Actress Neena Gupta Was Belittled By Her Ex-Boyfriend For Working In Café

Neena Gupta, celebrated for her acting in films like Badhaai Ho, Lust Stories 2, and Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan, recently opened up about her early struggles in Mumbai. The versatile actress, who has gained global recognition for her talent, revealed details about her initial days in the city.

In an interview with ETimes, Neena Gupta reminisced about arriving in Mumbai in 1981 with her then-boyfriend. During those challenging times, she worked at the iconic Prithvi Café, not only showcasing her acting prowess in films but also proving her mettle in theatre. Neena admitted that she lacked the courage to venture into the city alone, so she brought her boyfriend along.

Reflecting on her struggles, Neena shared a poignant moment when her boyfriend belittled her for working at the café. He questioned her choices, saying, “Sharam kar, tu Bombay naukrani banne aayi hai? Yeh karne aayi hai” (Have some shame; did you come to Bombay to become a servant, to cook?). His derogatory remarks, coupled with the audacity to ask her for money to buy cigarettes, deeply offended Neena.

Despite the initial hardships, Neena Gupta went on to enjoy a successful four-decade career in the film industry. Her debut film, Saath Saath, released in 1982, marked the beginning of a journey that included notable films like Gandhi, Mandi, Utsav, and Laila.

However, Neena Gupta faced controversy earlier this month following a snippet from her podcast interview with Ranveer Allahbadia. In the video, she was heard saying, “I want to say that it’s not necessary to believe in faltu feminist or the idea that women are equal to men.” This statement sparked a backlash, with accusations of ‘fake feminism.’ Neena clarified that the team intentionally created a video using that specific part of the interview to generate controversy.

Neena Gupta’s candid revelations about her struggles and her rise to success serve as an inspiration to many aspiring artists, emphasising the resilience and determination needed to overcome challenges in the entertainment industry.