Veteran actor Neena Gupta, at the age of 66, is once again breaking stereotypes—this time, about love, romance, and intimacy beyond a certain age. In a candid interview, the Metro… In Dino actress opened up about how society wrongly assumes that older people — especially women — have no desire for emotional connection or physical intimacy.
In This Article:
“Romance is about feeling good, not just sex,” she said, firmly rejecting outdated societal norms.
Love Isn’t Just for the Young, Says Gupta
Speaking to Bollywood Bubble alongside co-star Anupam Kher, Neena Gupta reflected on how the narrative of romance is often seen as something reserved for the youth.
“Yeh mat socho ki saath ya sattar ya assi saal ka aadmi ya aurat ko romance ki iccha nahi hoti hogi… jab saans mein saans hai, who doesn’t dream?” she said.
Translation: “Don’t assume that people aged 60, 70, or 80 don’t crave romance. As long as one is breathing, dreams and desires remain alive.”
Indian Women and the Pressure to ‘Let Go’
Gupta explained how many Indian women are conditioned to believe that their desires must be shelved after becoming mothers or crossing the age of 40. She observed how more women today are rejecting these limitations:
Changing Mindsets
- Women in their 40s and 50s are hitting gyms, investing in themselves, and reclaiming their space.
- “Desire se hi noor aata hai,” Neena remarked, emphasizing that desire adds glow and vitality to life.
Science Agrees — Intimacy in Old Age Matters
Her views are supported by medical and psychological studies. According to an AARP national survey, over 61% of adults aged 40+ believe that maintaining intimacy strengthens emotional bonds. Moreover, The National Council on Aging highlights that emotional and physical closeness in older age helps release oxytocin, the hormone that boosts happiness and reduces stress.
Redefining Romance On and Off Screen
Neena Gupta is known for playing progressive roles — and her real-life voice echoes the same courage. As she prepares for her upcoming release, Metro… In Dino, her message is clear: age has nothing to do with the heart’s capacity to love or feel wanted.
Her latest statement isn’t just about cinema — it’s about reclaiming the narrative for older women who have long been silenced when it comes to love and romance.
Final Word
Neena Gupta continues to redefine womanhood on her own terms, asserting:
“Romance is about feeling good — about yourself, about life, about connection. It’s not just about sex.”
By – Nikita