Neena Gupta on Struggles of having Daughter Outside of a Wed-lock: I know Masaba Suffered

Neena Gupta, who will be seen playing a mother to Kangana Ranaut in Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari’s sports drama Panga, opened up about her struggles as a single mother. 

She was dating former West Indian cricketer Vivian Richards in the 1980s, with whom she has a daughter, Masaba Gupta, who is now a renowned fashion designer. Neena never married Richards and chose to raise Masaba as a single mother, and moved the family from New Delhi to Mumbai. Later, Neena married New Delhi-based Vivek Mehra, a chartered accountant and Partner with PwC India in a secret ceremony on 15 July 2008, in the United States.

In a recent chat with Mumbai Mirror, Neena confessed that if she could go back in time she wouldn’t have a child outside wedlock in real life. “I would not have a child outside marriage. Every child needs both parents. I was always honest with Masaba, so it did not affect our relationship, but I know she suffered” revealed the 60-year-old actress.

She also added how Masaba helps her with fashion tips and tricks:  “Masaba has helped me break some taboos, like wearing off-white with white or sneakers with a fancy gown. She’s given me the confidence to carry off stuff, which looks nice. It’s important that you are not embarrassed when you try something new.”

Speaking of growing up in a middle-class household in Delhi, she says she has evolved with time. The Badhaai Ho actress stated that she stays updated about the trending designers from her daughter, Masaba. “I go for late-night parties and if I have a little money, I sometimes buy something expensive, too,” she said.

Meanwhile talking about Panga, the film features Kangana Ranaut as a kabbadi player and also stars Jassie Gill, Richa Chadda, and Yagya Bhasin in pivotal roles. Next up, Neena Gupta has Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan, wherein she will be sharing screen space with Ayushmann Khurrana and Gajraj Rao yet again.