“It’s more about comfort than physicality” – Neena Gupta on love after 50
Veteran actor Neena Gupta has always stood out for boldly choosing her own path, both in life and in her career on screen. As she prepares for her upcoming film Metro… In Dino, she spoke openly about what she values most now, sharing her thoughts on love after 50, finding purpose in her roles, and staying at peace with herself.
Neena looked back on the three most life-changing moments she’s experienced. “The first was moving to Bombay. The second was having Masaba. Both of these completely transformed my life. And now, becoming a grandmother, that’s something truly special. Words can’t describe how it feels,” she shared.
When asked how viewers have responded to her portrayal of love later in life, especially after Badhaai Ho, Neena Gupta replied with her trademark honesty. “I agree, I still feel romantic! Romance isn’t only about physical attraction or sex. It’s really about feeling happy and content with someone,” she said.
Neena Gupta believes that feeling good and feeling romantic can come in many ways. “I romance with my clothes,” she says with a smile. “I love dressing up. Growing up in Delhi, I never wore a bikini—it just wasn’t part of our culture. But after moving to Bombay and living on my own, I’d sometimes wear a bikini in my bathroom, stand in front of the mirror, and feel happy. There were no mobile phones back then. That, too, is a kind of romance—romancing yourself. And there’s no age for that kind of joy.”
Speaking about Metro… In Dino, Neena shares her deep respect for director Anurag Basu. “I didn’t expect him to offer me a role,” she admits. “But when he did, I told him straight—don’t even tell me what the part is, I’ll do it. That’s how much I’ve wanted to work with him, especially after Life in a… Metro.”
At this point in her journey, Neena Gupta says her decisions are guided by clarity and ease. “Now, what matters most to me is the script, and yes, the money too. But the script comes first,” she says honestly.
She explains further, “If the role is strong, I take it, even if I don’t know the director. In fact, I’m currently doing a film where I don’t know much about the filmmaker. But the part is so good, I couldn’t say no. Sometimes the pay is less, sometimes more, it all balances out. If both my heart and mind are at peace with it, I go ahead. And I truly believe that in the end, God makes sure everything evens out.”
Metro…In Dino is scheduled to hit theatres on July 4.Along with Neena Gupta, the ensemble cast includes Aditya Roy Kapur, Sara Ali Khan, Ali Fazal, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Konkona Sen Sharma, Pankaj Tripathi, and Anupam Kher.
Also Read: Masaba Gupta shares Neena Gupta’s key to fitness: Simple Homemade food
