‘It’s A Curse To Be Born A Woman’, Neena Gupta Reveals Uncomfortable Truths About Womanhood
Veteran actress Neena Gupta, 65, has always been known for her fearless honesty, never hesitating to voice her thoughts, no matter how uncomfortable or controversial. In a recent heartfelt conversation, the Panchayat star opened up about the criticism she faced for her “faltu feminist” remark and shared her perspective on why she believes being born a woman, particularly a poor woman can feel like a curse.
Neena Gupta Reflects on the Harsh Realities Women Face in Society
Neena Gupta recently appeared on Lilly Singh’s YouTube podcast, where she opened up about past controversies, feminism, and her personal reflections on womanhood. In a candid and powerful conversation, the Badhaai Ho actress didn’t hold back from confronting difficult topics like sex and marital rape. When Lilly asked her what she wishes for women in India today, Neena’s response was raw and deeply emotional; her expression spoke volumes as she shared her thoughts.
“What I want is not possible. I want them to be safe, but it’s not possible. They say educate women. If you educate them, they will want to do a job, and if they do a job, they are raped… I feel it is a curse to be born a woman, especially a poor woman. The situation is so sad, I have goosebumps. How can I say optimistic things, when I know the real situation? It’s a curse. What happens to women in jhuggi-jhopdis? I want a solution, but I can’t think of a solution.” In the same interview, Neena spoke openly about how many women in India are socially conditioned to view physical intimacy after marriage as a duty rather than something to be enjoyed.
Neena Gupta Responds to Backlash Following ‘Faltu’ Feminism Controversy
This isn’t the first time Neena Gupta’s views on gender issues have stirred debate. Last year, during an appearance on Ranveer Allahbadia’s podcast, she faced backlash for criticizing what she referred to as “faltu feminism.” To illustrate her perspective on gender equality, she used the following analogy:
“I want to say that it’s not necessary to believe in ‘faltu feminism’ or the idea that ‘women are equal to men.’ Instead, focus on achieving financial independence and giving attention to your work. If you’re a housewife, don’t look down on it; it’s an important role. Boost your self-esteem and avoid thinking of yourself as small. That’s the main message I want to convey. Additionally, men and women are not equal. The day men start getting pregnant, that day we will be equal.”
In a conversation with The Indian Express, Neena responded to the backlash, emphasizing that her statements had been taken out of context to stir controversy. She pointedly noted, “They only used that chunk from the whole interview for promotions,” clarifying that it needed full context to understand what she actually said in the podcast. While Neena Gupta’s statements continue to draw mixed reactions, one thing is certain: She is one of the few in the industry willing to speak her mind without sugarcoating the words. Meanwhile, on the professional front, Neena is gearing up for the highly anticipated release of Panchayat Season 4.
