Renowned poet, journalist, writer, and filmmaker Pritish Nandy passed away on January 8, 2025, at the age of 73 due to cardiac arrest at his residence. His sudden demise left many shocked, with tributes pouring in from family, friends, and industry colleagues. However, amidst the heartfelt condolences, actress Neena Gupta made a bold and controversial statement against him, recalling a painful past incident.
Anupam Kher’s Tribute to Pritish Nandy
Actor Anupam Kher expressed deep grief over Nandy’s demise through an emotional Instagram post, where he remembered Nandy as a fearless individual and a close friend during his early days in Mumbai.
In his heartfelt message, Kher wrote:
“Deeply deeply saddened and shocked to know about the demise of one of my dearest and closest friends #PritishNandy! Amazing poet, writer, filmmaker and a brave and unique editor/journalist! He was my support system and a great source of strength in my initial days in Mumbai. We shared lots of things in common. He was also one of the most fearless people I had come across. Always Larger than life.”
He Further said,
“I learnt so many things from him. Off-late we didn’t meet much. But there was a time when we were inseparable! He was the true definition of यारों का यार! I will miss you and our times together my friend. Rest well. 
#HeartBroken”
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Neena Gupta’s Controversial Comment Sparks Debate
Amid the tributes, Neena Gupta’s comment on Kher’s post drew widespread attention. Her statement revealed a shocking allegation against Nandy, accusing him of betraying her trust years ago. Gupta wrote:
“Do you know what he did to me? I openly called him a bastard because he stole my baby’s birth certificate and published it. So, no RIP from me. I have proof of it.”
The comment quickly sparked controversy and has since been deleted or hidden.
The Incident That Fueled Neena’s Anger
Neena Gupta, known for her bold and outspoken nature, accused Pritish Nandy of orchestrating the theft of her daughter Masaba Gupta’s birth certificate shortly after her birth. In an earlier interview with journalist Rajdeep Sardesai, Gupta recounted the ordeal, revealing that Nandy disguised his identity and obtained the document without her consent to disclose private details about her daughter’s identity.She stated:
“He stole my daughter’s birth certificate from the registrar’s office and published it in a magazine. I openly called him a bastard. He crossed all limits of decency by exposing private details about my child.”
Masaba Gupta Branded as a ‘Love Child’
Following the publication, Masaba’s identity as the daughter of actress Neena Gupta and West Indian cricketer Vivian Richards became public knowledge. The disclosure subjected Neena and her daughter to moral policing and societal prejudices, with Masaba being labeled a “love child.”
“He (Pritish) sent somebody. So my bua, I was living with my bua, so she went and she submitted. They said, ‘Come after one week, we’ll give you the birth certificate’. So she went after one week and they said, ‘Wo toh le gaye aapke koi rishtedaar.’ By chance, I knew somebody who knew that person, usse pata chala ke he sent somebody and then he wrote an article. Wo pade likhe log karte hai toh tumhara toh kya bolenge.”
Neena raised Masaba as a single parent, facing numerous challenges with dignity and resilience. Despite the hurdles, the mother-daughter duo has grown stronger, becoming an inspiration to many.
Neena’s Later Life
In 2008, Neena Gupta married Delhi-based Chartered Accountant Vivek Mishra at the age of 49. Today, Masaba is a successful fashion designer, continuing to carry her mother’s legacy forward.
The revelations surrounding Pritish Nandy’s actions have reignited debates about media ethics and personal boundaries.
What are your thoughts on this incident? Share your views in the comments.
