her way... always

NEENA GUPTA HAS ALWAYS DEFIED EXPECTATIONS. SUMAN SHARMA CATCHES UP WITH THE FEISTY ACTOR

- SUMAN SHARMA

Whether it's the silver screen or the OTT platforms, Neena Gupta continues to defy typecasting. And she continues to redefine the narrative around women of a certain age in Indian cinema. What's remarkable is not just her longevity, but the way she brings searing honesty, wit, and complexity to every role, no matter how mainstream or offbeat the project. Across genres, platforms and generations, Neena Gupta is not just acting, she's living each character from the inside out. She reminds us, time and again, that great performances don't scream; they listen, observe and simply, truthfully, be. Excerpts:

Metro... In Dino is about modern relationships. How much do you relate to your character?

Not in many ways, but somewhere, yes. Somewhere it feels like your own story, not just yours but of people around you too. I can connect with what the director is trying to say through our relationship. Honestly, I just wanted to work with Anurag Basu. I didn't even know he would offer me a role. But when he did, I told him, don't even tell me what it is, I'll do it.

Anurag Basu is known for storytelling that's both poetic and real. How did he direct you as an actor?

Anurag Basu’s one of those directors who has everything in his head. He gives you little on paper. The most beautiful part of his direction is how he improvises on the spot. He'll suddenly ask you to do something mid-scene. So you're doing your lines, and then suddenly he throws in something completely unexpected. And it’s magic. You're left thinking, Oh my God, this is amazing. That spontaneity is a beautiful thing.

The film explores love and heartbreak in today's world. How have your views on love and relationships changed over the years?