My role was cut from 'Sooryavanshi' because the track was not working for the film. So they had to take it out.
— Neena Gupta
I didn't do anything with the thought that I want to go against society or bend any rules.
Doing theatre in Delhi didn't guarantee success in Mumbai.
Yes, I have found a loving husband and family in Delhi.
It is close to impossible to find a man who can bear with a woman, who is a notch above or equal to him. Such men are still not there in this world. It is like we will always be facing trouble in our lives.
I always wanted to do good work and play strong parts.
I have always received roles of strong women from the beginning.
Coming back to 'Saath Phere' after a break of more than six months is like walking into an old home.
Marriage happened very late for me. It took place at a time, when my definition of companionship had really narrowed down.
I simply love doing household chores and cooking.
Nobody wants to take a risk with scripts that push the envelope.
I lie very little and am a very straight-forward person.
Who ever lives life on their own terms?
I am an actor, I can do any role.
I've realised that nothing that happens is so grim that life can't go on. Life always goes on, no matter what. Even in the grimmest situation, I see hope.
Saath Saath' was my first big mistake!
I watch lots of American shows like 'Desperate Housewives' and so on.
I don't say one thing and do another.
Traditionally, our society has always seen women as homemakers and men as bread-earners. The demarcations are engraved in stone, perhaps.
I was an innocent Delhi girl, which is good for an actress, but worked against me when I shifted to Mumbai.
The more trauma and bad experiences you have, the more you are able to laugh on yourself and the situation.
As women, we always crave for family and a loving partner and in our quest to find that happy space we overlook a lot of things.
With 'Badhaai Ho,' I loved the script but was anxious that someone else might get the role.
The media had built my perception of being a strong woman because of my personal life. I wanted to play the damsel in distress, but I wasn't given an opportunity to explore that kind of a character.
You can't take me for granted!
It was a mistake not to marry at the right age. When you get older, even men aren't interested in you.
I had enjoyed 'Big Boss.'
This whole thing about a woman staying alone and being happy is just a myth. Everyone needs someone in their lives.
I'm not a strong woman at all. And I'm not a feminist. In fact, I'm very weak.
I know people who've had dreams unrealised due to circumstances.
I know I do good work.
I can laugh at my own grief.
I take audience reaction very seriously.
I was offered 'Bigg Boss' twice but I can't do such shows.
Even though I did things which were not in accordance with the society's norms, deep down, I am an orthodox woman.
I feel that I have not got my due in films. However, I did a lot of good work on television and that's why I never got typecast.
Everything is destined, I believe... People you meet and end up marrying.
In theatre, there is a camaraderie that makes you believe you've been working with your co-actor for a long time.
What I went through in personal life had a big impression on my professional choices.
I usually don't get the movies I audition for.
The entire unit of 'Saath Phere' is like an extended family for me.
Once you decide to marry, you have to work at it to keep it rocking.
Life is very tough for women. When you are a certain age, you are left alone at home with no one to share your life with.
Oh, I love reality shows.
My image is a media-built image. I'm not what my image is.
I'd like do a film which I can carry entirely on my own.
I made a few mistakes in the beginning of my career. I didn't have anybody to guide me. I didn't have a secretary. I didn't call up directors, or meet people asking for roles.
I am by and large an honest person, I have nothing to hide.
I've always decided that I would never be dependant on a man.
Whether I act or direct I ensure that there is a social message attached.
