Neena Gupta opens up about continuing affair with Vivian Richards after Masaba’s birth: 'We had some beautiful moments and also some ugly ones'

When Neena Gupta discovered she was pregnant with her daughter Masaba in 1989, she instantly knew her life was about to change forever. Choosing to embrace motherhood as an unmarried woman was no small decision—especially when the father was none other than legendary West Indies cricketer Vivian Richards. In her candid autobiography Sach Kahun Toh, Neena shared that her initial reaction was one of pure elation—she was “giddy with joy.”
Vivian Richards’ Support Gave Her Strength
However, despite the excitement, Neena felt it was important to speak with Vivian before making her final decision. When he responded with his support, she felt a wave of relief. His encouragement gave her the confidence to step into what would become one of the boldest and most defining chapters of her life.
How Neena and Vivian Met
In her memoir, Neena Gupta revealed that she first met Vivian Richards at a dinner party hosted by the Maharani of Jaipur, just a day after watching him play a match. The two connected effortlessly during their first meeting. However, their budding friendship was briefly interrupted when Vivian returned home, as they hadn’t exchanged contact details and had no way to stay in touch.

A Chance Reunion Sparks a Relationship
The two unexpectedly reconnected at the Delhi airport, and their bond soon blossomed into a romantic relationship. Some time later, Neena discovered she was pregnant—by then, Vivian had already returned to his home country. Surrounded by a wave of opinions—some urging her to consider abortion, others warning her about the hardships of single motherhood—Neena listened quietly. But it was in solitude that she truly faced her emotions. Despite all the uncertainty, the thought of becoming a mother filled her with a deep, undeniable joy.
Making a Joint Decision
Neena Gupta recognized that bringing a child into the world wasn’t a decision she could make alone—it was important to consider Vivian Richards’ perspective too. Wanting to be fair and responsible, she reached out to him over the phone and explained the situation. She asked whether he would be okay with her having his baby. To her relief, Vivian responded positively and supported her decision. That reassurance gave Neena the confidence she needed to move forward. Although she deeply desired the child, she had also been clear that she wouldn’t proceed unless the father was in agreement—his support confirmed for her that she was making the right choice.

A Relationship with Highs and Lows
After Masaba was born, Vivian Richards remained as involved as he could be, given the circumstances. Neena Gupta and Vivian’s relationship evolved over time, experiencing both highs and lows. Since Vivian was already married and their connection was long-distance, it was far from conventional. Their bond went through several phases—filled with both cherished memories and difficult moments—making it a complex and emotionally layered chapter in Neena’s life.
Gupta courageously raised her daughter Masaba on her own, facing every obstacle with resilience and dignity. Later in life, at 59, she embraced love once more by marrying Vivek Mehra, a Chartered Accountant, showing that new beginnings can happen at any age. Neena Gupta also shared insights about her journey to marrying her now-husband, Vivek Mehra. The veteran actress was previously briefly married to Amlan Kusum Ghose.Reflecting on how she met Vivek, Neena revealed that their first encounter took place on a flight, marking the beginning of what she described as a pleasant phase. However, things soon became complicated, as Vivek was already married and had two children at the time. Speaking to Humans of Bombay, Neena admitted it was one of the most challenging periods of her life. In the same interview, she also shared her perspective on love. Neena said she doesn’t believe in the romantic ideal of love between a man and a woman. She explained that while she would do a lot for her husband, she wouldn’t go as far for him as she would for her daughter, Masaba.
Neena recently added a new facet to her life as she became a grnadmother; Masaba and Satyadeep Mishra had a daughter called Matara. In an interview with ANI she recently shared that she has asked her granddaughter to call her 'Neena' instead of 'Naani' as she doesnt feel like a grandmother.
Throughout her career, she has showcased remarkable versatility in both cinema and television. Her filmography boasts acclaimed titles such as 'Gandhi', 'Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro', 'Mandi', 'Daddy', 'The Deceivers', and 'Badhaai Ho'. On the small screen, she gained recognition for her role in the popular series 'Panchayat'. Celebrated for her ability to excel in diverse roles, Neena remains a respected and influential presence in the Indian entertainment world. Her bold choices, resilience, and talent have carved a unique path for her in Indian cinema. She stands today as a symbol of strength, reinvention, and unwavering authenticity.