Top News

Recently, in an interview with Zoom, Chumbak actress Neena Gupta shared that making requests on film sets is not easy. However, she explained that the situation can vary depending on each individual, their circumstances, and their specific needs. The debate over whether working mothers in the film industry should get eight-hour shifts to spend more time with their babies continues, even after actress Deepika Padukone raised the issue last year. Deepika, who is expecting her second child with her husband and actor Ranveer Singh, also walked out of the South film Spirit and the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD.

Veteran actress Neena Gupta, who currently stars in the Netflix comedy Chumbak, was a single mother who raised her daughter, fashion designer-turned-actress Masaba Gupta, during the 1990s. She said that asking for a lighter workload remains difficult even today, as there are always others waiting for opportunities in the industry.

Neena Gupta Opens Up About 8-Hour Work Shifts on Film Sets

During a Spotlight Sessions chat with Zoom, Badhaai Ho star Neena Gupta opened up about her personal experiences and life in Bollywood, sharing insights from her journey in the industry.  “If I say that I won’t work after 6 pm in the evening, they’ll say okay, fine, bye-bye. They will take somebody else who will work until midnight.”

The veteran actress did not want to judge anyone, as everyone faced their own personal and professional struggles. However, Neena ji revealed that her experiences were not limited to her years as a working mother. Even today, she continues to face similar challenges and spoke openly about them, stating: “If I say I won’t do, it depends on how much I need the work. Six other girls will come and say we will do it. I will lose, no? I still work for 14-15 hours.”

She also pointed out that people often overlook the extra time spent after a scene is completed, including removing makeup, changing out of costumes and finally getting ready for bed. When all these tasks are added to the shooting schedule, the total working time can reach around 16 hours in a single day. Neena Gupta elaborated, “I want to do that work. If I say no today, 10 others will come to do my role. It depends on [the] individual. how much do you need [How much is your requirement?]”

Neena Gupta’s upcoming films and projects

Last seen in Vadha 2the 67-year-old actress will next appear in the ensemble comedy Chumbakwritten by Aatish Kapadia. The film also stars Deven Bhojani, Manasi Parekh, Sumeet Vyas, Sumeet Raghavan, Sandeepa Dhar, Anant Joshi, Amyra Dastur, Arjun Bijlani and Helly Shah. She will reprise her role as Manju Devi in Panchayat Season 5 on Amazon Prime Video. She will also feature in Pachhattar Ka Choradirected by Jayant Gilatar, alongside two untitled films.