To have a child outside wedlock is perhaps one of the toughest and most challenging things in parenthood even in today’s time. When we talk about it, the lady who stands out to be the strongest is none other than Neena Gupta. Neena, in one of her interviews last year, had mentioned how discussions about having a daughter outside marriage seemed to be a never-ending thing for her. It just went on and on and on. “Wo child to woman ho gayi abhi bhi child hi bol rahe hain,” said Neena.
Every child needs both parents, says Neena
Recently, Neena opened up about her struggles of parenting and how difficult it was back then to raise a child outside marriage. In an interview with Mumbai Mirror, she said, “I would not have a child outside marriage. Every child needs both parents. I was always honest with Masaba, so it did not affect our relationship, but I know she suffered.”
Last year too, she shared how she always felt guilty for bringing her up without a conventional family. She said, “I feel it was a very selfish act on my part. Some of my friends told me it won’t be fair on part of the child, but kaun sunnta hai uss waqat, blind hotey hain. I also feel sad because she was lonely. I wish I had another child but circumstances weren’t like that.”
Neena advises people not to do what she did, or else you will be unfair towards the child
In today’s time, where we expect ]regressive mindsets to change and have a positive outlook towards raising a child out of wedlock, it still seems to be a ceaseless struggle. When asked about the same, she said, “Yes, very hard. Nothing much has changed. You and I are the minority in this country. The majority is the same. What has changed? This also people should not do what I did. It is very tough and it is not fair on the child.”
Neena had also revealed in her previous interviews about days when she struggled to make ends meet. It’s then when she realised that money is the most important thing in the world. She didn’t have a husband and relatives to support her and it was really tough for her to raise a child but then she concludes by saying that the joy of motherhood made everything worth it.
Image Credits:
Instagram, neena_gupta
