I’ve become greedier now: Neena Gupta

Last July, veteran actor Neena Gupta took to social media and wrote, “I live in Mumbai and working. I’m a good actor and looking for good parts to play.” It was shocking to see such a seasoned actor asking for work. But almost a year later, the actor now has five films in her kitty. In a freewheeling conversation, Neena talks about being in a “happy space”, the kind of films she’d like to do, and reveals the one film she’ll always regret not doing.

How would you describe the nine months since you began shooting again?

It’s been a great experience. Ek saal bhi nahi hua aur maine paanch films kar li. I hope people still like me. I’m now waiting for more films. You see, I’ve become very greedy.

Would you credit your Instagram post for all the work you’ve got?

It did push things to a great extent. The first person who offered me a film (Mulk) after this post, was Anubhav Sinha. Then Rhea [Kapoo came home and since she is Masaba’s (Fashio designer; Neena Gupta’s daughte friend, she told m about Veere Di Wedding, and I accepted. After that Dibakar Banerjee came Sandeep and Pinky Faraar, and then Amit Sharma’s Badh came my way.

Did you ever feel that you should have posted that much earlier?

I wish I did that. But har cheez ka time hota hai. All you can do is keep working hard. People used to ask me when I came to Mumbai, if I was still working, and I’d get angry, but I didn’t share with anyone. But it got to a point where I couldn’t take it, so I took to social media.

Do you want to try offbeat roles too or stick to commercial ones?

Commercial or artistic, if it’s a good role, I’m good to go. When I read the script, it either doesn’t. If you’re in a mood t compromise or if you need money, then you tell yourself — ‘Let’s do it, maybe it’ll benefit me’. I used to think like that at one point, as I needed money, but fortunately, that’s not the case now.

Do you feel that if you turn down a film, it’ll backfire in any way?

It backfired once, and very badly. It was an Aparna Sen film, which I said no to, after saying yes, and she never cast me again despite there being roles that I could have done. I think she got very upset and it was actually my fault. I said no and that was it. That’s one film I’ll always regret not doing, but you learn from your mistakes.

So now, have you found a better way to refuse an offer?

I never make bahanas or excuses or say main busy hoon, ya focus nahi kar sakti. I just say it has not excited me enough. What’s the point of working if it’s not challenging or exciting. How you say no is very important and I don’t think that people get nasty; they respect your decision.

I’m shocked that I got to do a variety of roles in a short span of time. It’s unbelievable that at my age, I got a chance to play all these substantial parts. NEENA GUPTA, ACTOR

PHOTO: RAHUL JHANGIANI