Neena Gupta reveals how Vivian Richards reacted when she disclosed her accidental pregnancy to him

Neena Gupta has been asked repeatedly about her decision to raise Masaba Gupta alone at a time when such a decision would earn social condemnation. The actress in an old interview spoke about it saying that, at a younger age, you tend to follow your heart a lot more. The Panchayat actress said that she told him that she was expecting over a phone call. Neena Gupta said she also gave Vivian Richards the option of not taking responsibility for the child. Vivian Richards who was one of the star cricketers of the globe was busy playing for the country at that time.

She had told the Humans Of Bombay, “I was not very giddy with joy. I was happy because I loved him. I called him and asked him that if you don’t want this child then I won’t have it. He said, ‘No no I would love for you to have this child.”

“I was not very giddy with joy. I was happy because I loved him. I called him and asked him that if you don’t want this child then I won’t have it. He said, ‘No no I would love for you to have this child.”

- Neena Gupta's quote to Humans Of Bombay

Neena Gupta and Vivian Richards' affair reportedly started in 1989 and Masaba Gupta was conceived in some months time. The actress had said that everyone advised her to terminate the pregnancy saying it was impossible for her to raise a child as a single mother in India. Her father was also opposed to the idea but later relented. However, some people said that Neena Gupta and Vivian Richards dated through the 1980s when he was already married.

She had said that they met at a party hosted by the Maharani of Jaipur and instantly felt a spark between them. Later, when they met in Delhi, they began to date. After the birth of Masaba, the affair continued for some time. They had their good and bad times. Masaba also travelled to places where he was doing commentary or playing.

Neena Gupta's bold choices have inspired many women to take agency of their own life.