The Aryavarth Express
New Delhi [India], February 2: Veteran actor Neena Gupta has revealed that she had auditioned for the lead role of Phoolan Devi in Shekhar Kapur’s critically acclaimed 1994 film Bandit Queen, a part that later became a landmark breakthrough for actor Seema Biswas.
In an exclusive interview , Gupta reflected on her early years in Mumbai and recalled the period when Bandit Queen was being cast, a time marked by the rise of new filmmakers and unconventional storytelling in Hindi cinema.
Gupta said she actively pursued the central role and even sent audition photographs to director Shekhar Kapur. “I auditioned for Bandit Queen, for the main role. I even sent photographs to Shekhar,” she said.
Recalling her preparation, Gupta shared that she was willing to undergo a complete physical transformation to suit the character. “I had pictures with my hair stuck into my nose. I sent those to Shekhar,” she said, underlining her commitment to the role.
However, Gupta revealed that Kapur felt she was not the right fit for the character. “Shekhar told me I was too good-looking for the role. They wanted someone darker. I was too fair,” she said, while adding that the final casting decision was “perfect.”
Directed by Shekhar Kapur, Bandit Queen went on to become one of Indian cinema’s most influential biographical films. Based on the life of Phoolan Devi and adapted by Mala Sen from her book India’s Bandit Queen: The True Story of Phoolan Devi, the film traced Devi’s journey from a child bride facing caste oppression and abuse to a feared dacoit leader in the Chambal region.
The film won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi and the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Film. Seema Biswas earned widespread acclaim for her raw and powerful portrayal of Phoolan Devi, a performance that remains one of the most memorable in Indian cinema.
Neena Gupta continues to stay active across films and streaming platforms. She was most recently seen in the romantic drama Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri. Her upcoming film, Vadh 2—a spiritual sequel to the 2022 thriller Vadh—is scheduled for theatrical release on February 6, 2026.
