‘The mantra I believe in: Move On’
Says actor Neena Gupta, who is in a happy space. She speaks about her journey in the industry and her new found love for gardening, among other things
Neena Gupta plays the head honcho in the film Sardar Ka Grandson, which premiered on Netflix, a role that defies the male patriarchal society. Carrying the drama almost solely on her shoulders, Neena has found much appreciation for her performance in the film.
The actress has consistently showcased her talents since her comeback into the entertainment industry a couple of years ago with the 2018-comic-drama Badhaai Ho. Today, she has a bouquet of films and series awaiting release.
No matter the laurels and applause coming her way, Neena appears to be in a calm and grounded space. Excerpts from the interview:
Q How do you feel about being tagged as the flagbearer of women empowerment after your role as the head-honcho of the Sardar family, challenging patriarchy?
Don’t say ‘women emposwerment’. The characteristic of that role was the power of money — it’s called money empowerment. The Sardar has money, which is her pride.
Q How would you explain your journey in your first and second innings, fetching yourself varied roles?
I choose not to peep into my past and like to stay in my present day instead. While I know that God does not give everything to everybody, I always remind myself that God has given me enough. I am thankful that the almighty has bestowed upon me in accordance with the hard work I’ve put in. And I’m thankful about this wonderful, satisfactory journey I’ve been on and for having survived it.
Q You seem to be in an extremely happy space personally and professionally.
Honestly, I believe no one is fully satisfied. But one mantra I believe in is to “move on”. If I face certain problems, I always try to move forward instead of grumbling about what I’ve not achieved; I could receive those things ahead in life. Yes, it’s difficult to do so sometimes, but we can at least work hard to try and move on. I also believe one should never think that any other big actor and someone at a higher position may not be having problems. Because it’s never so; everyone suffers and faces one’s own sets of difficulties in their lifetime.
Q You have a house close to Nainital and have recently turned to gardening. Could you elaborate?
I have a house in Mukteshwar, which is about one and an hour’s drive from Nainital. We’re here also because of the lockdown.
And I thank the heavens we have this place. I know of friends who are finding it hard to live in flats with small children. Here, we have a garden we can roam around in, we inhale pure air and the environment here is wonderful. I’m lucky to have taken this house now.
Q Did you always have a flare for gardening?
I was not very fond of gardening earlier. But since we’ve started growing annual and biennial plants and crops with the help of the gardener for now, I’m also learning how to cut the grass, the different plants and vegetables that grow in different seasons, how much water is needed for various plants, etc.
Now, it feels very interesting to learn anything new. And gardening keeps me busy and it makes me happy to watch the plants grow or when a flower blossoms. It feels worthy.
Q How does it feel being away from the rush of Mumbai while you are in Nanital?
Well! I miss Mumbai and my house there. But under the present circumstances, I have a place and have friends here, which I think makes me very lucky.
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If I face certain problems, I always try to move forward instead of grumbling about what I’ve not achieved; I could receive those things ahead in life. It’s difficult sometimes, but we can at least work hard to try and move on. Everyone faces difficulties in their lifetime.’
Q Your second innings into the acting world has also brought you great roles. Do you have any message for newcomers trying to survive the competition?
I would just say that one has to keep working hard. If not today, you will get an opportunity tomorrow, and surely so provided you are persistent at working hard. Besides that, the next most important thing is to ensure your self-esteem is high.
‘I choose not to peep into my past and like to stay in my present day instead. While I know that God does not give everything to everybody, I always remind myself that God has given me enough. I am thankful that the almighty has bestowed upon me in accordance with the hard work I’ve put in.’