Known for appearing in the critically acclaimed films like Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro (1983). Trikaal (1985), Mandi (1983) and Utsav (1984), Neena Gupta is an Indian film and TV actress, whose remarkable achievements involve a National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress for Woh Chokri and also Best First Non-Feature Film: Bazaar Sitaram as a producer. She has also featured in international movies such as Gandhi (1982), Deceivers (1988), In Custody (1993), and Cotton Mary (1999). Apart from acting in films and television, Neena has hosted the popular game show, Kamzor Kadi Kaun, India's version of The Weakest Link.
EARLY LIFE
Born in Delhi to R.N.Gupta, Neena attended The Lawrence School, Sanawar in Himachal Pradesh. She, further completed her masters in Sanskrit and pursued M.Phil in the same subject. Neena is also a 1980 alumnus of National School of Drama, New Delhi, India.
PERSONAL LIFE
Neena Gupta created a stir in the industry, when she became the first celebrity unwed mother, after giving birth to her daughter- Masaba Gupta, who is now a famous Indian fashion designer. Masaba was born out of a wedlock between Neena and the great West Indian cricketer, Sir Vivian Richards. On 15 July 2008, she found love once again and married New Delhi-based Vivek Mehra, a chartered accountant.
MOVIE CAREER
As an Actor
Neena Gupta was first seen in the movie, Yeh Nazdeekiyaan, exploring extra-marital relationship, which was directed by Vinod Pande. However, she was not seen in a lead role. In 1982, she made her appearance in international film, Gandhi, as Abha. In the same year, she was seen in the movie, Saath Saath also in a supporting role. In 1983, she appeared in the movie, Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro which was a dark satire on the rampant corruption in Indian politics, The movie, Trikaal directed by veteran director, Shyam Benegal starred her as Milagrenia. The film was also selected for the Indian Panorama at Filmotsav 1986 and for the Indian Film Retrospective, Lisbon 1986. Later, it was invited to the London Film Festival 1986. She was also seen in the Indian historical drama, Bharat Ek Khoj, directed by Shyam Benegal.
In 1988, she was seen in the movie, Rihaee alongside Hema Malini, Vinod Khanna and Naseeruddin Shah. In the same year, she made an international appearance in the movie, Deceivers. In 1989, she also starred in the debut film of famous actress, Pooja Bhatt; Daddy. The movie received several Filmfare awards as well as National Award. In 1990, she was seen in the movie, Swarg alongside Rajesh Khanna. The film was the second highest grosser of 1990. Also, she was seen in few Malayalam films such as Vasthuhara (1991) and Aham (1992). In 1991, her movie Aadi Mimansa garnered appreciation.
In 1992, she was seen in two movies, Zulm Ki Hukumat and Balwaan. The latter was a box office hit. Also, Neena Gupta was starred alongside the well-known actress, Madhuri Dixit in the movie, Khalnayak. The song, Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hain brought her in limelight once again. Her movie, Suraj Ka Satvan Ghoda (1993) won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film. In 1993, she seen in movie, In Custody which was nominated at Tokyo Film festival and also won National Award. Her 1994 movie, Woh Chokri bagged her National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress. Also, she was seen in another movie, Jazbaat alongside Suchitra Krishnamoorthy. Later, she was seen in supporting in the movie, Nazar (1995) directed by Soni Razdan. In 2010, she was seen in three movies, Veer starring Salman Khan, Na Ghar Ke Na Ghaat Ke, and Chhevan Dariya Other movies in her filmography include Alone (2017), Veere Di Wedding (2018) and Mulk (2018).
As a Director And Producer
In 2004, she forayed in production with the serial, Kyun Hota Hain Pyaarrr which aired on Star Plus channel. Moreover, she also own a theater production company, 'Sahaj Productions' with actor, Rajendra Gupta. Not only she had acted but also produced Hindi play, Soorya Ki Antim Kiran Se Soorya Ki Paheli Kiran Tak. Also, she has made the telefilms Lajwanti and Bazar Sitaram (1993), which won the 1993 National Film Award for Best First Non-Feature Film.
The very popular series which was aired on Star Plus starring Neena Gupta created wonders for her. Not only her acting but her directorial skills were highly appreciated. Also, the show notched her Award for Best Director.
TELEVISION CAREER
In 1985, she also got her first TV series, Khandaan which was broadcasted on Doordarshan. In 1986, a travel-based TV series about the Himsagar Express, the longest running train of Indian Railways. The series was directed by Shyam Benegal and was aired on Doordarshan. In 1991, she again was starred in TV series, Gul Gulshan Gulfaam which aired on Doordarshan and was re-telecast on Sahara TV. year, she was also working in TV series, Junoon which ran for 5 years grabbing the longest run programme on Doordarshan.
Also, in the same year, she was starred in the TV series, Dard which aired on DD Metro. The year 1999 proved very crucial for Neena as she got her breakthrough serial, Saans which acclaimed huge popularity for her not only as an actress but also a director. In 2000, she was again seen in TV series, Siski which starred her in lead role and also was directed by her. After two years, her news series, Daane Anaar Ke was aired on DD National. Also, she was later seen in the popular show, Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin as Nandini.
In 2005, her TV series Saat Phere garnered mixed reviews. In 2009, her TV series, Ladies Special about the lives of four ladies who travel by the Ladies Special suburban railway train in Mumbai earned her popularity as an actor again. In 2010, she was again seen in TV series, Dil Se Diya Vachan.
Also, she had hosted Tv shows such as The Weakest Link, Kamzor Kadii Kaun which aired on Star Plus.