Commercially acclaimed actress Neena Gupta admitted in a recent interview that her professional life was affected due to her public image. Having had a child out of wedlock portrayed her as a strong headed woman, which is apparently perceived as "negative" in the Indian society. This resulted in the actress being offered mostly negative roles in movies. Neena Gupta advices aspiring actresses to take care of their public appearances as they play a major role in the professional front.

“I suffered as an actress because of my public image. So, I think it is important to maintain a certain image in the public eye to get roles in cinema. The society has not changed even today and that is why I want to tell all the aspiring actresses especially - do not be very candid at your professional space. I really suffered. Girls, if you want to smoke, do not smoke in public or do not be physically friendly to a male friend also... All these are perceived as a sign of strong, liberated, independent woman... that might just offer you a certain type of role," the actress reportedly said in the interview.

Neena Gupta, who recently appeared in the critically acclaimed film Badhaai Ho, has previously featured in Gandhi, Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, and Mandi. She rose to fame, however, for the TV show 'Saans' which she also directed.