A life more dramatic and interesting, than the stories she has told on-screen, has persuaded actor, Neena Gupta to write. The actor’s memoir will come out in 2021, with publishing house Penguin Random House India, announcing this on Thursday.
She has titled her memoir as Sach Kahun Toh. It will dive down deep into her life, ranging from her time as a child at Delhi’s Karol Bagh, a stint at the National School Of Drama, moving to Bombay in the ’80s and, her struggles of finding work.
The publishing house added that they’ll publish the memoir, under the Penguin “Ebury Press” imprint. This announcement follows, a month after the actor, Saif Ali Khan inked a deal with Harper Collins to publish his memoir next year.
Neena Gupta explained her reason for deciding to pen the memoir. The actress, who spent time in Mukteshwar, Uttarakhand, during the lockdown, said that it led her to reflect back on her life, which prompted a desire to tell her story.
She said,
“Taking long, winding walks every day, appreciating the sounds of the birds and basking in the chill of the mountain air, I asked myself, ”Why should I write a book? What do I have to say that could help and inspire someone?”
Adding further to it, Neena elaborated, saying :
“With so many incidents that have made me and also broken me, and I needed to free myself by getting them out. Reflecting on my life, my journey and the things I’ve had to overcome will make me feel better and lighter.”
Her life can be easily termed as eventful. Apart from her career in Bollywood, she attracted attention with her marriage to former West Indian cricketer, Viv Richards. Though the couple broke off, they had a child, now world-renowned fashion designer, Masaba Gupta.
The actor had raised Masaba as a single mother, later going to marry chartered accountant, Vivek Mehra in 2008. Media has given her considerable attention, owing to her authentic nature over the years.
Gurveen Chadha, the senior commissioning editor, Penguin Random House India, said that she is excited to work with Neena, who she is a huge fan of. Further, she said :