Actor Sayani Gupta, known for her bold performances and unconventional career choices, recently opened up about one of the most painful chapters of her life—her struggle to pursue acting against her mother’s strong opposition. In a candid conversation on the popular podcast Cyrus Says, Sayani shared how her decision to leave a high-paying corporate job and join the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, led to emotional turmoil at home.
From threats of self-harm to deeply ingrained stereotypes about actors, Sayani’s journey highlights the societal and familial barriers many aspiring artists face in India.
Leaving a Corporate Career for Acting
Sayani Gupta revealed that she was working a lucrative corporate job early in her career and was financially secure. However, despite the money and stability, she felt deeply unfulfilled. Acting was not a sudden whim but something she had always wanted to explore seriously.
She shared that the decision to apply to FTII marked a turning point. While she was excited about finally moving toward her dream, her mother reacted with extreme resistance. Sayani recalled that her mother stopped speaking to her for an entire month after she got admission into FTII.
“I Will Slit My Wrist If You Go”
One of the most shocking revelations from the interview was Sayani’s account of her mother emotionally blackmailing her to stop her from pursuing acting. She said, “My mom said, ‘I am going to slit my wrist if you go.’ She couldn’t believe it.”
This reaction stemmed from her mother’s deeply rooted perception of the acting profession. Sayani explained that growing up, she was not allowed to attend theatre rehearsals. Her mother would lock her in her room, insisting that “actors are prostitutes.” This belief shaped her mother’s fierce opposition to Sayani’s career choice.
Trying to Hide FTII Admission
Sayani also shared that she initially tried not to inform her mother about joining FTII, hoping to avoid confrontation. However, fate had other plans. Within minutes of her reaching the campus, her mother somehow found out.
Despite the emotional stress, Sayani stood her ground and continued her acting education, even as she struggled with guilt, fear, and family pressure—experiences that many young artists can relate to.
A Surprising Change of Heart
Interestingly, the story took an unexpected turn. While Sayani was studying at FTII, her mother was offered roles in student diploma films on campus. Out of five offers, she accepted three. This firsthand exposure to filmmaking and the environment around acting slowly began to change her perspective.
Sayani recalled her mother eventually telling her, “Maybe if you have to do this for the next two years, it’s not so bad also.” This moment marked a subtle yet meaningful shift—from outright rejection to reluctant acceptance.
Sayani Gupta’s Career Growth
Sayani Gupta made her Hindi film debut in 2012 with Second Marriage.com. She gained widespread recognition with her powerful supporting role in Margarita with a Straw (2015), which showcased her ability to portray layered and unconventional characters.
Over the years, she has appeared in several successful films including Fan, Jolly LLB 2, and Article 15. Sayani has also become a strong voice for women-centric narratives and socially relevant cinema.
She was last seen in Four More Shots Please, Season 4, which premiered on Prime Video on December 19, 2025, further cementing her position as a fearless performer in Indian entertainment.
A Story of Resistance and Resilience
Sayani Gupta’s journey is not just about acting—it is about defying stereotypes, challenging generational beliefs, and choosing personal fulfillment over societal approval. Her story sheds light on the emotional cost many artists pay before finding acceptance, both at home and in the industry.
Despite the threats, silence, and stigma, Sayani chose to follow her passion, proving that resilience can slowly turn resistance into understanding.
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