Cinema VinesVeteran actress Neena Gupta, who has been a fixture in Indian cinema and television for more than forty years, says she feels most comfortable working with younger performers. In an interview with the Hindustan Times, the 67‑year‑old explained that the “ego and insecurities” she perceives in actors of her own generation make on‑set collaborations more challenging than those with younger talent. She described the older cohort as the most “exhausting” to work with, noting that they often feel the need to dominate the frame and can become overly protective of their space.
Gupta’s career began with small roles in landmark films such as “Gandhi” and “Mandi” in the early 1980s, before she gained prominence in Indian parallel cinema. Over the last decade she has appeared in mainstream Bollywood movies and popular web series like “Panchayat” and “Masaba Masaba.” She is currently promoting her upcoming Netflix series “Chumbak,” which is set to premiere on September 11. The show, written and directed by Aatish Kapadia and produced by JD Majethia, features an ensemble cast that includes Deven Bhojani, Sandeepa Dhar, Sumeet Vyas, Manasi Joshi, Amyra Dastur, Sumeet Raghavan, Helly Shah, Arjun Bijlani, and Delnaaz Irani.
When asked why she prefers working with younger actors, Gupta said, “I get along so well with this younger generation. Lagta hi nahi ki main inse bahut badi hoon.” She added that, unlike her own generation, the younger performers “take offence to anything” and react very personally, yet she can speak freely to them without fear of conflict. This openness, she believes, makes the set atmosphere more relaxed and productive.
Gupta recounted an incident that illustrates her point: “They have so much ego. Once during a shoot, this actor was standing behind me, and he thought he wasn’t visible in the frame. So he pulled me back and took my spot.” She described such moments as typical of older actors, who she says “have ego problems and insecurities.” In contrast, she feels that younger actors are more adaptable and less threatened by her presence, allowing for smoother collaboration.
In addition to her insights on generational dynamics, Gupta highlighted the creative freedom she enjoys on “Chumbak.” She noted that with her co‑stars, who are more than twenty years her junior, she can say anything without hesitation, a quality that she believes is rare in the industry. The series promises to showcase her seasoned talent alongside fresh faces, offering audiences a blend of experience and new energy. As “Chumbak” prepares for its Netflix launch, Gupta’s candid observations about ego, age, and on‑set chemistry provide a revealing look into the evolving landscape of Indian entertainment.
