Actor Neena Gupta says that although she chose to raise her daughter, fashion designer Masaba Gupta, as a single parent, she feels “it is not fair on the child”. The 67-year-old has also apologised to Masaba for growing up without her father, former West Indies cricketer Vivian Richards, being around.

“I am so honest with her that many times I have said sorry to her that you didn’t have a father with you when you were young. It is my fault, but she understands. We all make mistakes. When we are young, our parents tell us certain things and we don't listen. That wisdom comes later,” she told Zoom.

Gupta, who is currently enjoying the success of her web series Chumbak, said she gradually told Masaba the truth as she grew up, answering her questions so she would not develop resentment towards either parent.

“I made her like her father. I told her why and what had happened as she grew up. So, there was no malice or anger towards me because I told her the truth. It is very important because, rather than her hearing something from outside, I thought it was better that I told her myself. I think that was a very sensible thing that I did.” she added.

Gupta had Masaba in 1989 with Richards, who was married to Miriam Richards at the time. The couple have two children, including former cricketer Mali Richards. Gupta raised Masaba as a single mother and later married chartered accountant Vivek Mehra in 2008.

Richards has remained a part of Masaba’s life as an adult. She attended his 70th birthday celebrations in Antigua in 2022, while he attended her second wedding to Satyadeep Misra in 2023.