Some families are loud. Some are quiet. And some come together only once in a blue moon. But when they do, it feels like magic. Actor Neena Gupta just opened up about one such rare, emotional moment from her life, and it has all the warmth, honesty and calm wisdom she is known for. In a chat, Neena spoke about her daughter Masaba Gupta’s relationship with her father, legendary West Indies cricketer Vivian (Viv) Richards, and the story behind a picture that quietly broke the internet last year.
“They are comfortable, and that’s what matters”
Neena shared that even though Vivian Richards was not part of Masaba’s childhood, the father and daughter today share a comfortable and peaceful bond.
“It’s very nice,” Neena said adding that their relationship works because they understand each other’s nature. Vivian, she explained, is not a social person and prefers his own space. Masaba, on the other hand, is outgoing, social and expressive, much like Neena herself.
According to Neena, there is no pressure, no expectations and no awkwardness between them. “Whatever they have together, it works well for both of them,” she said simply.
The wedding picture that brought everything together
Neena also revealed the story behind much-talked-about family photo from Masaba’s wedding. The picture, shared on Instagram in January 2023, showed something people rarely see: Masaba’s entire blended family in one frame.
Masaba and actor Satyadeep Misra opted for a court marriage instead of a traditional wedding with pheras. Later, they hosted a reception where both families were present. Vivian Richards was there too.
“That was the time Masaba wanted a picture,” Neena recalled. It wasn’t planned or staged. It just happened.
And that’s what made it special.
Also Read: Neena Gupta says she’s never been truly loved: “It was never like the movies”
“For the first time, my whole life came together”
The photo featured Masaba, Satyadeep, his mother Nalinimisra Tyabji, his sister Chinmaya Misra, Neena Gupta, her husband Vivek Mehra, and Vivian Richards.
Masaba’s caption said it all: “For the first time ever, my whole life came together. This is us. My beautiful blended family. Everything from here on is just a bonus.”
Neena Gupta and Vivian Richards had Masaba out of wedlock in the 1980s, a bold and difficult choice at a time when society was far less forgiving. Neena raised Masaba as a single mother and never hid from her truth.
In 2008, Neena married chartered accountant Vivek Mehra, beginning a new chapter in her personal life.
What’s next for Neena Gupta?
On the work front, Neena Gupta shows no signs of slowing down. She will next appear in ‘Vadh 2’, starring opposite Sanjay Mishra. The film is scheduled to release in theatres on February 6, 2026.