Actor Neena Gupta has addressed rumours circulating on social media about her alleged pregnancy, clarifying that the speculation is unfounded. The 66-year-old actor responded to the claims with humour and said she is not expecting a child.
The rumours began after Gupta attended the wedding reception of actors Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna in Hyderabad. Videos and photographs from the event were widely shared online, and some social media users speculated that Gupta appeared to have a visible baby bump while posing for photographers.
Addressing the speculation in a conversation with Bollywood Hungama, Gupta dismissed the rumours and clarified that her appearance at the event had been misinterpreted. She attributed the confusion to the fabric of the saree she wore.
“This is all I need, a real-life Badhaai Ho,” Gupta said jokingly, referring to the 2018 film Badhaai Ho, in which she portrayed a middle-aged woman who unexpectedly becomes pregnant. The film was widely appreciated for its portrayal of a family navigating an unplanned pregnancy later in life.
Is this for real? Pregnant at 66!
— vedika (@vedikabaisa) March 12, 2026
Seeing news since two days about her pregnancy at the age of 66! Don’t know if it’s real or fake but her tummy doesn’t look normal ! pic.twitter.com/EyX7KWS38s
Clarifying the rumours further, Gupta said, “There is no Badhaai Ho. I am not pregnant. The truth is that the saree material was thick, which made me look bulky at the event.” She added that she found the speculation amusing rather than upsetting.
Gupta also commented on how the public reaction reflected changing social attitudes. “But I must say, I love all this speculation about my pregnancy at my age. It shows we are evolving as a nation,” she remarked.
The actor’s reaction reflects her characteristic candidness and sense of humour, which she has often displayed in interviews and public appearances throughout her career.
Neena Gupta has long been regarded as one of the most unconventional and outspoken personalities in the Indian film industry. In addition to her work in cinema and television, her personal life has often been discussed publicly due to the choices she made at a time when social norms were far more restrictive.
During the 1980s, Gupta was in a relationship with former Viv Richards, one of the most prominent cricketers of his era. Their relationship attracted considerable attention in India, particularly because discussions about relationships outside marriage were considered socially sensitive at the time.
Gupta decided to continue with her pregnancy and raise her child independently, a decision that drew both criticism and admiration. She later gave birth to her daughter, Masaba Gupta, who has since become a well-known fashion designer and entrepreneur.
The actor has spoken openly about the challenges she faced as a single mother during that period. In interviews and in her memoir, she has described how balancing her acting career with raising her daughter was often difficult. Gupta has also recalled facing social judgement and professional uncertainty while navigating that phase of her life.
Despite the challenges, Gupta continued working in films and television, gradually building a respected career that spans several decades. In recent years, she has experienced renewed recognition through both mainstream and independent projects.
Her personal life also saw significant changes later on. In 2008, Gupta married Delhi-based chartered accountant Vivek Mehra. She has since spoken about finding stability and companionship in the marriage after years of focusing on her career and raising her daughter.
The recent rumours about Gupta’s alleged pregnancy illustrate how quickly social media speculation can spread following public appearances by well-known personalities. However, Gupta’s light-hearted response helped address the rumours while also highlighting her ability to engage with public curiosity in a composed and humorous way.
For now, Gupta has made it clear that there is no truth to the pregnancy claims, attributing the misunderstanding to a simple wardrobe illusion. Her response has also drawn attention for its witty reference to Badhaai Ho, a film that remains closely associated with her career.