When Neena Gupta's bold song sparked controversy, but fuelled record-breaking 1 CRORE cassette sales

Bollywood actress Neena Gupta is regarded has carved a niche and made a name for herself in the film industry, taking over a range of roles over the past decade. Known for her powerful performances and box office pull, the actress has always been challenging social norms. Her journey to the top has been anything but a cake walk.

In the 1980s, Neena made headlines when she became a mother at the age of 36 without getting married. This was a rather bold move for an actress in a rather conservative film industry. She welcomed daughter, fashion designer Masaba Gupta, from her relationship with West Indies cricket legend Vivian Richards. Though she never married Richards, Gupta chose to raise Masaba as a single mother.

The Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai Controversy

One of the most defining moments in her career came in 1993 with Subhash Ghai’s blockbuster 'Khalnayak'. The film starring Sanjay Dutt, Madhuri Dixit, and Jackie Shroff was a commercial success, but it was the song Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai, performed by Madhuri Dixit and Neena, that truly captured nation's attention.

Cashing In on Controversy

The provocative lyrics of the track stirred widespread controversy, sparking heated debates and even drawing discussions in the Indian Parliament. Amidst calls for a ban on the film, the controversy only seemed to fuel its success. More than one crore music cassettes were reportedly sold before the film’s release, making it one of the highest-selling soundtracks of the decade.

Over the decades, she went on to star in both television and film roles, and even earned three National Awards along the way.