Badhaai Ho was like a rebirth for actor Neena Gupta. Having been under the radar for many years, in spite of having done some stellar work on television the actor had a great 2018 with movies like Mulk, Veere Di Wedding and Badhaai Ho.
She will now be seen in a short film called Adi Sonal as part of an anthology of six short films called Shuruaat ki Raat. The medium is of no concern to her and it’s the story that is primary. She said, “I don’t care about formats. If the story is nice, if I like my character then I go for it. Whether it’s theatre, TV, film whatever. When Leena came to me with the story, I really like it. Basically, I liked the subtlety with which the film has been made. It is a very interesting film and you want to know where she is going, as an audience what is she saying and what is she trying to say.”
Post Badhaai Ho, one wonders if work opportunities have gotten better for the actor and she says,
At this age in India, for female actors there is no range. You’re very lucky that you get Badhaai Ho, or that a film like Badhaai Ho is made.Neena Gupta, Actor
But she does have some interesting projects in the pipeline. “I have done a film called Gwalior with Sanjay Mishra, which is also very interesting. I have shot for a web series for TVF called Panchayat, where for the first time on the web we are doing something that is village-based.”
Having directed the iconic television show of the 90’s called Saans, Neena expressed her disappointment over the kind of content available on television these days. She said, “There is nothing for you and me and that’s why we go and watch Netflix, Amazon etc. The audience which is watching what TV is making is much larger than us. We are the minority who wants to see different kinds of programmes. They are catering to that audience.”
Neena Gupta’s short film as part of the anthology Shuruaat ki Raat will be releasing on 31 May in PVR theatres.
Camera: Sanjoy Deb
Assistant Camera: Gautam Sharma
Video Editor: Ashish MacCune
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