'I know she suffered': Neena Gupta opens up about having Masaba Gupta out of wedlock

Actress Neena Gupta who was appreciated and critically acclaimed for playing the role of a middle-aged housewife dealing with an unexpected pregnancy in Badhaai Ho, in a recent interview opened up about the one decision from her past that she would like to reconsider taking. According to a report, Neena said, "I would not have a child outside marriage." 

Neena is mother to Masaba Gupta, a well-known designer who was born to her when she was in a relationship with former West Indies cricketer Vivian Richards, back in the eighties. After they broke off their relationship, Vivian married Miriam while Neena married a chartered accountant named Vivek Mehra. 

Talking about her answer, Neena further added, "Every child needs both parents. I was always honest with Masaba, so it did not affect our relationship, but I know she suffered." Masaba had married filmmaker Madhu Mantena in 2015 but the couple announced their separation in 2018 and later filed for divorce. "I just told her 'soch lo', then, I was respectful of her decision," Neena Gupta said. 

Talking about how her daughter helps her in the field of fashion, Neena said, "Masaba has helped me break some taboos, like wearing off-white with white or sneakers with a fancy gown. She’s given me the confidence to carry off stuff, which looks nice. It’s important that you are not embarrassed when you try something new."

On the work front, Neena will be next seen in Kangana Ranaut's Panga and Shubh Mangal Saavdhan in which she would reunite with her Badhaai Ho co-stars. The 60-year-old actress also has a cameo in Ranveer Singh's '83.