Why Neena Gupta Is 'Jealous Of' Young Actresses

Neena Gupta is thrilled about the kind of work coming her way, but at the same time the actor says she feels envious of the younger generation of women in the industry, who are getting a chance play varied parts so early on in their careers.

Neena Gupta, 60, said she found a new lease of life as an actor with films like Badhaai Ho, Mulk, and Veere Di Wedding. "I'm very happy that I'm getting such substantial roles. I feel I've got a new lease of life. I feel energetic and happening."

"But I'm also very sad. I wish I was much younger now. There are so many platforms, possibilities. So, I get jealous of all the young girls who are doing such good work," the actor told PTI.

In 2017, Neena Gupta took to Instagram to ask for work, which eventually led her to score Anubhav Sinha's Mulk.

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Just the other day I was telling someone .. how I am never afraid/ shy to ask for work. Its obviously genetic. My mother put up this post on her instagram today. I mean,my 62yr old national award winning mother. She told me I must always work .. no matter what .. it keeps you from getting old...she told me they don't write for women her age anymore ... I don't think anyone can replicate what she did for TV anymore.. she complains that she can't do PR .. but says 'I do good work,that's my PR'.. time and again we've spoken about how whatever she asks for ... in due time ,she gets... But that's the magic of a pure heart. The universe just can't refuse you... the only advice I have the guts to give her is.. don't work with anyone who won't respect you ,at this age , that's the bare minimum & it's a strange strange industry she's in... the advice she gives me in return is..'whatever you do,free ka PR mat khaana,your only someone's kid/wife/niece/sister for this long. Prove yourself. WORK. Walk the talk & fly @neena_gupta #neenaji

A post shared by Mufasa (@masabagupta) on Jul 28, 2017 at 9:34am PDT

The actor, however, received widespread acclaim for starring in the National Award-winning Badhaai Ho Neena Gupta said Badhaai Ho was a happy accident and if the film hadn't come to her, nothing for her would have changed. "Badhaai Ho came to me by chance, if another actor had done it, I would've been at the same place. Films are a business. They take who's working. I won't get a role if I say I want to do that. It depends on how saleable you're at that time."

Post the film, while offers have come her way, Neena Gupta said she is "realistic" about the kind of work which will knock her doors.

"I got offered big roles after Badhaai Ho but if the film hadn't worked, I wouldn't have gotten. It's business, nobody is emotional about it. I used to not get work even on TV, but wherever I went, they'd treat me with respect but never offer work," she added.