'They have so much ego': Neena Gupta on why she finds older actors 'exhausting'

Neena Gupta has spent more than four decades working across films, television and international projects, giving her the chance to work with actors from several generations. But when it comes to choosing between older and younger co-stars, the veteran actor says she finds it easier to work with the latter.

In a recent conversation with Hindustan Times, Neena opened up about the differences she has noticed while working with actors from different age groups. She said she particularly enjoys collaborating with younger performers, while actors from her own generation can sometimes be more difficult to work with because of what she describes as ego and insecurity.

Neena Gupta recalls awkward shooting incident

Neena began her acting career with smaller roles in films such as 'Gandhi' and 'Mandi' in the early 1980s before becoming known for her work in parallel cinema. In more recent years, she has also featured prominently in mainstream films and web series, including 'Panchayat' and 'Masaba Masaba'.

While discussing her experience of working with different generations, Neena was asked which group she finds the most exhausting. Her answer was straightforward: “The older generation!”

Explaining why she feels more comfortable around younger actors, she said, “I get along so well with this younger generation. Lagta hi nahi ki main inse bahut badi hoon (I don’t feel like I am much older than them). When I work with (actors of) my generation, bahut taqleef hoti hai (it is very difficult).”

She then recalled an incident from a shoot to illustrate what she meant.

“They have so much ego. Once during a shoot, this actor was standing behind me, and he thought he wasn’t visible (in the frame). So he pulled me back and took my spot. This is how it is. They have ego problems and insecurities.”

‘Chumbak’ has a younger ensemble

Neena is currently promoting her upcoming show 'Chumbak', where she works alongside an ensemble cast that includes Deven Bhojani, Sandeepa Dhar, Sumeet Vyas, Manasi Joshi, Amyra Dastur, Sumeet Raghavan, Helly Shah, Arjun Bijlani and Delnaaz Irani.

Most of her co-stars in the show are more than 20 years younger than her. She said their approach to work is another reason she enjoys being around them.

“Also, unko koi bhi baat lag jaati hai (they take offence to anything). They take it very personally. With these people (her co-stars in Chumbak), I can say anything to them, and they don’t mind. So I always prefer working with younger actors.”

Written and directed by Aatish Kapadia and produced by JD Majethia, 'Chumbak' is set to stream on Netflix from September 11.