Sayani Gupta, currently basking in the success of Four More Shots Please! Season 4, has opened up about a deeply personal and emotional chapter of her life. In a recent interview, the Jolly LLB 2 actress revealed that her mother initially strongly opposed her decision to pursue a career in acting — to the extent of threatening self-harm and equating actors with prostitutes.
Recalling her early twenties, Sayani shared that at the age of 21, she was already earning an impressive salary in a corporate job. A self-proclaimed workaholic, she admitted that despite financial comfort, she felt unfulfilled. “I made a lot of money, but this wasn’t the life I wanted,” she explained. Determined to follow her passion, she decided to apply to the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune — a choice that would change her life.
However, her mother reacted with disbelief and anger. Sayani revealed on the show Cyrus Says that her mother emotionally blackmailed her, saying, “I will slit my wrist if you go.” The actress admitted that her mother couldn’t accept that she would leave behind a secure and high-paying corporate career for an uncertain future in cinema. Sayani described her corporate life as stifling, adding that she felt “bored out of her skull” during her year and a half in that job.
More shockingly, Sayani shared that growing up, her mother had a deeply negative perception of actors. She recalled being locked in her room and forbidden from attending theatre rehearsals, with her mother repeatedly stating that “actors are prostitutes.” Acting was considered a taboo profession in her household, making Sayani’s decision to pursue it a major rebellion.
Despite resistance, Sayani chose to listen to her instincts and joined FTII. Over time, her mother’s perspective began to shift. During a visit to the institute, Sayani’s mother was unexpectedly offered roles in student films, as many filmmakers were seeking older actors for their projects. She ended up performing in one of the films herself.
Experiencing the world of acting firsthand proved to be a turning point. After being part of the process, her mother’s outlook softened. She eventually told Sayani, “Maybe if you have to do this for the next two years, it’s not so bad.” This marked a dramatic transformation in her mother’s understanding and acceptance of her daughter’s dream.
Since then, Sayani Gupta has carved a strong space for herself in the industry, starring in projects like Fan alongside Shah Rukh Khan, Jolly LLB 2 with Akshay Kumar, and Pagglait. Today, her journey stands as a testament to choosing passion over fear — even in the face of overwhelming opposition.