Top 10 Must-Watch Movies by Neena Gupta

One of the top female actors in Bollywood, Neena Gupta, is often associated with unconcerned societal norms on and off-screen. Her four-decade career in the field demonstrates her unwavering determination to be more than just a figure from a life manual for women. The actor's decisions have permanently changed the game, whether it was the tabloids talking about her difficult performances in Khal Nayak and Saans or her relationships. When women in the 1980s and 1990s were busy portraying damsels in distress, Neena, a talented artist, embraced unorthodox parts and still does so at the age of 63.

There are many facets to Neena Gupta's profession, from ruling a male-dominated industry to raising a child by herself in a dignified and graceful manner. Take a look at why a Neena film is marked as everlasting, from her portrayal of her real-life position as Masaba Gupta's mother to delivering reel-life successes. Here are the top 10 must-watch movies by Neena Gupta that you should add to your watchlist.

1. Gandhi 1982

Gandhi, directed by Richard Attenborough, is one of the Neena Gupta films that has received the most favourable reviews. The film, which featured Abha, who was Mahatma Gandhi's niece, centered on the fight for India's independence. Neena Gupta played a minor but significant role in commemorating a global event and the leader's nonviolent protest stance. Eight Oscars were awarded to the film.

2. Mandi 1983

This Neena movie featured a star-studded cast, including Shabana Azmi, Smita Patil, Naseeruddin Shah, and Ratna Pathak, who played supporting roles in Shyam Benegal's Mandi. Neena, who performed the role of Basanti, a classical dancer, garnered admiration for her gracefulness and expressive movements. Mandi, a film about prostitution and a romance between two women working in a brothel, was revolutionary.

3. Woh Chokri 1994

Woh Chokri, one of the best Neena Gupta films, has a special position in her Bollywood career. Neena received her first National Award for her work as a supporting performer in that movie. playing the role of Geeta Devi, a widow turned prostitute who, in spite of societal criticism, lives with a guy named Paresh Rawal. In a time when live-in partnerships were unheard of, Woh Chokri had a novel plot.

4. Badhaai Ho 2018

Neena Gupta's latest films include Badhaai Ho when she transitioned from playing supporting roles to earning her well-deserved place as a star. The comedy-filled film Badhaai Ho embraced the stigma associated with women's late pregnancies in the 1950s. It also had a powerful social message. Neena played the part of Ayushmann Khurrana's mother, who deals with an unforeseen pregnancy in a lighthearted way. The parents, who are elderly, decide to carry out the pregnancy despite pressure and shame from her children and extended relatives.

5. The Last Colour 2019

Chef Vikas Khanna's debut feature film, The Last Color, delivered a stunning message about caste-based injustice. In the film, Neena took on the character of Noor, a resident of a Varanasi widows' home. The film illustrates her developing friendship with Dalit street performer Chhoti and conveys the idea that humanity triumphs over all obstacles. Another one of Neena Gupta's most recent films that has received high praise is a must-see in 2022.

6. Subh Mangal Zyada Savdhaan 2020

After receiving love in Badhaai Ho, Neena Gupta and Gajraj Rao's relationship was restored in Hitesh Kewalya's Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan. Neena's portrayal of a regular Indian mother who has just learned about homosexuality in an honest manner makes her character believable, raw, and approachable.

7. Trikal 1985

Neena Gupta gave one of her best performances to date in the 1985 film directed by Shyam Benegal. She portrays the fatherless child of a deceased patriarch and excels in capturing the anguish of her part as Dona Maria's (Leela Naidu) maid and the quiet observer from the sidelines.

8. Suraj Ka Satvan Ghoda 1992

Suraj Ka Satvan Goda (The Sun's Seventh Horse), a 1992 Indian Hindi film directed by Shyam Benegal, is based on the novel by Dharmavir Bharati. In the self-reflective film, which centers on the narrator and the three women he has known throughout his life at various times, Gupta plays Satti, an impoverished woman.

9. Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro 1983

Neena Gupta, Om Puri, Naseeruddin Shah, Ravi Baswani, Satish Shah, Pankaj Kapoor, and Satish Kaushik are all included in the core cast of this dark comedy, which is a cult favourite. Two photographers who were supposed to reveal a builder's unscrupulous practices end themselves in big trouble when they experience a murder. Even though Gupta only has a brief cameo in this film, it's still worth watching to see how she portrays Kapur's secretary.

10. Angaar 1992

Shashilal K. Nair directed the 1992 Hindi-language criminal drama movie Angaar. Jackie Shroff and Dimple Kapadia play the key roles in the movie, and Nana Patekar, Om Puri, Kader Khan, Neena Gupta, and Kiran Kumar play supporting parts. According to rumors, Karim Lala's life served as the inspiration for the movie.

Neena Gupta is one of India's most gifted and versatile actors. She has acted in various movies and TV shows throughout her career spanning more than four decades, earning numerous accolades for her work. Neena Gupta gives a remarkable intensity and heart to every performance, whether she's the star or a supporting player. These ten films are a must-see if you enjoy Indian cinema or want to recognize Neena Gupta's skill.