‘ I’m a housewife without a husband’

Neena Gupta, who's been keeping a low profile, talks about love, life and destiny.

ROSHNI K OLIVERA

You've been keeping a low profile recently...
My forte's television, but I have stopped producing shows. That was not my scene. Now, I'm only acting. I'm waiting for a good role to come my way. That's why you've not seen me much.
Why do you say production's not your scene when you've made some successful shows like S a a n s?
Yes, Saans, Palchin, Son Pari have all done well. Even Kyun Hota Hai Pyaar started off very well. But, times have changed and I am very comfortable acting. I've realised that acting is my passion. I enjoy doing that the best. The problem is once you become a producer, people hesitate to approach you with acting offers. They feel you may not want to act in their serials. In fact, I've met three to four people who've told me that. I want to change that perception.
Where do you see yourself as an actor in the current television scenario?
I feel I have such a range as an actor that I can fit into anything. I may not be able to play a college student, but I can always play a mother to young kids. I'm not really interested in negative roles. Basically I'm open to doing any good role — be it on television, in films or theatre.
What's up on the personal front?
I'm busy with my daughter's life. Her HSC board exams are on. I've been devoting a lot of time to her, discussing her future plans... what course she'd like to pursue etc.
You haven't been socialising much these days...
I have a few close friends. We meet up regularly.
After your break-up with Vivian Richards you haven't been in a relationship. Don't you miss that someone special in you life?
Yes. But that doesn't mean I go with anybody and everybody. I have a teenaged daughter an an 84-year-old father at home. That keeps me on my toes all the time! A lot of my energy is devoted there. I'm a fullfledged housewife without a husband! But I also believe it's destiny. Whatever has to happen will happen, be it work, love or anything in life. Of course you have to work towards it.
So are you working towards meeting somebody in life?
You cannot work towards meeting somebody. You cannot look for anybody. The day he has to come in to your life, he will, even if you are sitting at home.