Neena Gupta just bagged her fourth National Award for Best Supporting Actress for the film Uunchai, and we couldn’t be more thrilled!

As candles increase on our birthday cakes, the best of us fall prey to age-defying routines and 'age-appropriate' expectations. But the truly inimitable Neena Gupta refuses to subscribe to these limitations. In a world where many women prefer to conceal their age, the veteran actor is a breath of fresh air.

What makes her win even more special is her consistent ability to shatter stereotypes and defy social norms. From bold roles to daring life choices, here are eight times Neena Gupta proved she’s a force to be reckoned with.

1: Raising Masaba as a single mother In the 80s, raising a child out of wedlock was almost unthinkable in India. But Neena? She did just that. She stood tall, raising her daughter Masaba on her own, undeterred by society’s constant judgement. It was tough, but she owned every bit of it, and her honesty about the challenges makes her even more inspiring.

2: Asking for work on Instagram It takes courage to openly ask for work, especially when you're a veteran actor. In 2017, Neena took to Instagram with a simple post: “I live in Mumbai and am working, I am a good actor, looking for good parts to play.” This bold move sparked conversations about ageism in Bollywood and led to a career resurgence, beginning with Badhaai Ho.

3: Playing bold characters in Badhaai Ho and Uunchai Let’s talk about how Neena flipped the script with her role in Badhaai Ho. Playing an older woman unexpectedly pregnant, she brought humour, depth, and realness to the role. In Uunchai, she once again proved that age has nothing to do with taking on powerful, unconventional roles.

4: Saans –  A TV show ahead of its time Back in the 90s, while television was saturated with melodrama, Neena Gupta wrote, directed, and starred in Saans, a show that talked about infidelity, marriage, and the strength of women. In a world filled with regressive plots, she introduced something fresh and meaningful, far ahead of its time.

5: Breaking fashion stereotypes Neena Gupta isn’t just breaking acting stereotypes — she’s redefining fashion rules too! From halter blouses to pigtails and breezy minis, she proves that fashion knows no age. Let’s just say her wardrobe is every bit as iconic as her acting.

6: Trolling the trolls When trolls tried to shame her for her bold, sartorial fashion choices, she had the perfect comeback: “Who said older women cannot wear sexy clothes and cannot look sexy?” Whether she’s rocking a black bikini or ripped jeans, she shows us all how to own it with confidence.

7: Speaking out against ageism in Bollywood When Saand Ki Aankh cast younger actresses for roles meant for older women, Neena didn’t hold back. She questioned “Why not cast older women opposite younger men?” Her words addressed Bollywood’s ageism problem, shaking up outdated norms. It’s this kind of honesty that makes her a true trailblazer.

8: Fitness in her 60s Neena is the queen of proving that age is just a number. From chopping her hair into a chic bob to showing off her yoga moves on Instagram, she’s constantly redefining what it means to be fit and fabulous in the 60s and beyond.