A veteran Bollywood actress who has long stood as a symbol of resilience and reinvention in a world where personal choices often rival professional achievements in the headlines — we’re talking about none other than Neena Gupta. The renowned actress, who defied social conventions by embracing motherhood at the age of 36 without being married, later tied the knot at 49 – proving that life doesn’t always follow a script, even in the film industry. Born in Kolkata, Neena Gupta made her cinematic debut in 1982 with the Hindi film Saath Saath, impressively appearing in six films that very year. With a commanding presence and an undeniable talent, she swiftly carved a niche for herself in Indian cinema. Over the years, she went on to win the prestigious National Film Award three times, a testament to her enduring skill and versatility. However, as time wore on, acting opportunities began to dwindle. Refusing to be sidelined, she staged a powerful return with critically acclaimed roles in Badhaai Ho in 2018 and The Last Colour (2019) reaffirming her place in the industry. Neena Gupta won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress for Woh Chokri (1994) and Uunchai (2022) and the National Film Award for Best First Non-Feature Film of a Director for Bazar Sitaram (1993). Off-screen, Neena Gupta’s personal journey has been just as compelling. Her first marriage, during her university years, ended shortly after it began. She later found herself in a high-profile relationship with West Indies cricket captain Vivian Richards during the 1980s, a romance that stirred much media attention. The two never married, as Richards was already married with children and unwilling to divorce. Undeterred, Gupta raised their daughter, Masaba Gupta, on her own, embracing the challenges of single motherhood with courage and dignity. Masaba, now a well-known fashion designer and television personality in her own right, has also experienced the ups and downs of marriage and divorce. In 2008, Neena found love again, marrying Vivek Mishra, a Delhi-based chartered accountant, after six years of courtship. Since then, the couple has remained happily married. Despite the twists and turns of her personal life, Neena Gupta continues to thrive professionally, acting in both films and television serials. Her journey is not only one of talent and reinvention, but also of defiance against societal expectations – a reminder that it’s never too late to live life on your own terms.