When Neena Gupta's bold song sparked controversy, but fuelled record-breaking 1 CRORE cassette sales
Neena Gupta
is regarded has carved a niche and made a name for herself in the film industry, taking over a range of roles over the past decade. Known for her powerful performances and box office pull, the actress has always been challenging social norms.
Her journey to the top has been anything but a cake walk.
In the 1980s, Neena made headlines when she became a mother at the age of 36 without getting married. This was a rather bold move for an actress in a rather conservative film industry. She welcomed daughter, fashion designer
Masaba Gupta
, from her relationship with West Indies cricket legend Vivian Richards. Though she never married Richards, Gupta chose to raise Masaba as a single mother.
The
Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai
Controversy
One of the most defining moments in her career came in 1993 with Subhash Ghai's blockbuster 'Khalnayak'. The film starring
Sanjay Dutt
,
Madhuri Dixit
, and
Jackie Shroff
was a commercial success, but it was the song Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai, performed by Madhuri Dixit and Neena, that truly captured nation's attention.
Cashing In on Controversy
The provocative lyrics of the track stirred widespread controversy, sparking heated debates and even drawing discussions in the Indian Parliament. Amidst calls for a ban on the film, the controversy only seemed to fuel its success. More than one crore music cassettes were reportedly sold before the film's release, making it one of the highest-selling soundtracks of the decade.
Over the decades, she went on to star in both television and film roles, and even earned three National Awards along the way.
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Interestingly, despite the controversy surrounding Sanju Baba's alleged involvement in the 1993 Bombay Bomb Blast case, the same year the film was released, 'Khalnayak' managed to succeed. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Initially, the movie faced major obstacles, and many doubted it would ever be released amid the widespread public outrage and backlash. Despite initial doubts, the film was released and went on to break several box office records both nationally and internationally. Marking 30 years since its debut, Subhash recently reminisced about the making of the film in an interview with Hindustan Times. Ghai said that he wanted to get it right. He enacted each and every scene for Sanju. He wanted to make that character look very unpredictable. Whether he will love or fight, you never know. And fortunately, he played the character exactly like he told him to. Amid the improvisations, a particular moment on set took everyone by surprise. During the shoot, Dutt unexpectedly grabbed a man by the neck, an action no one knew was planned. When he squeezed the man's throat, the crew was alarmed and suggested stopping the shoot, but Ghai was firm about continuing. He recalled the scene, explaining that there is a scene when he goes to jail to meet a man and speaks to him kindly. But as 's character hugs him, he suddenly strangles him. Not many people on the set were aware that this would happen, which is why they were surprised. His assistant even asked to cut the shot because he thought Sanjay had done it by mistake, but Ghai told them to let it happen as he had improvised it. They shot it that way and everyone loved it. In one notable improvisation during the filming of the song 'Choli Ke Peeche', Dutt was suddenly asked at the last moment to wear an eye mask, which enhanced the visual appeal of the song. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In the same interview, Ghai revealed why he chose Sanjay over all other actors for the lead role. He said that once Sanjay asked him why he was selected, and Ghai replied it was because of his eyes. There is innocence and childlikeness in his eyes, but at the same time, also see a man full of anger. He plays the son, but he simultaneously justifies the role of a villain who kidnaps and murders. Released in 1993, 'Khalnayak' went on to achieve cult status over the years. There have been ongoing talks and speculation about rebooting the film, with actors like and often linked to the lead role. Despite the buzz, no concrete plans have ever been finalized.
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