In a recent interview, Neena Gupta discussed the value of financial freedom for women. Additionally, she referred to feminism as “faltu (useless),” which sparked a lot of discussion on social media. Now, the seasoned actor addressed the same and provided clarification in an interview with The Indian Express. Just one of Neena’s interview lines was utilised in promotional videos, she claimed, ‘to generate controversy’.
Neena remarked that women don’t have to believe in feminism in a brief excerpt of her podcast conversation with Ranveer Allahbadia that was posted online earlier this month. At the time, she stated, “I want to say that it’s not necessary to believe in faltu feminism or the idea that women are equal to men.”
Neena stated in an interview with The Indian Express, “What they did is that they only used that chunk from the whole interview for promotions, to create a controversy. It said that I don’t believe in ‘faltu feminism’, and after that people are fighting amongst each other. If one person is cursing me for saying that, someone else says, ‘What do you know? Watch the whole interview. There should be a reference to what I said.”
Neena, who is extremely active on Instagram, clarified her comment and acknowledged that she has since become more cautious while posting on social media.
“I have made mistakes a couple of times. Many of us do. I now make sure that I don’t post anything on social media if I am angry, or if I’ve had a fight with someone. One should also not post if they are drunk, because if you do, then you regret it later. Thoda sambhalna padta hai (You have to be careful). You have to use the right language because a lot of people are listening to what you say. I have goofed up big time too,” Neena said.
In her November interview with Ranveer Allahbadia, Neena additionally stated, “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 addition, she provided a personal example and said, “You need a man. I will tell a small story. I had to catch a flight once at 6am. I did not have a boyfriend at that time. I came out of the house at 4 am and it was dark. A man started following me, and I was so scared. I went back to my house and I missed my flight. The next day I booked the same flight. But I stayed at my male friend’s house and he dropped me off. I need a man.”
Regarding career, the seasoned actor appeared in shows like Mrs. Chatterjee vs. Norway and the web series Charlie Chopra and The Mystery Of Solang Valley by Vishal Bhardwaj this year. Apart from that, she was in Lust Stories 2, a short film directed by R Balki. Neena Gupta has also secured Metro In Dino by Anurag Basu.
