AFTER THE NATIONAL AWARD, I NEVER GOT ANY WORK'

Neena Gupta’s stock has risen constantly after her endearing performance in Badhaai Ho.As she awaits the release of Uunchai, directed by Sooraj Barjatya,

“I used to message Soorajji asking him, ‘When will my time to work in the film come?’ I was genuinely so scared that he might ask someone else to do this role.”

Uunchai marks your first association with Rajshri Productions. How does it feel?

It feels very good.

But let me tell you, there is a lot of nervousness also because it is my first film with them and I want it to be a big, big, hit.

Soorajji called me one fine day and narrated the script.

To be honest, I was not fully attentive when he narrated the script; I only heard half of it (laughs).

But the role and the script were really good and I signed on the dotted line immediately.

It was a Rajshri film, at the end of the day.

He locked dates with me and as soon as the dates were locked, COVID happened and everything got postponed.

So I was quite tense that maybe he would cast someone else.

And then again, the dates were postponed during the second wave.

Then I prayed to the Almighty. I used to message Soorajji asking him, ‘When will my time to work in the film come?’

I was genuinely so scared that he might ask someone else to do this role.

But all’s well that ends well (laughs).

You are working with some of the finest actors in this film. How was the experience?

t is a different atmosphere when you work with more experienced actors.

There is no competition.

Everybody is happy with themselves; everybody does the job they are given.