New Delhi: In Bollywood and TV, it’s always hard to know what’s real and what’s just gossip. Especially when it’s about “Sanskari Babuji” Alok Nath and the bold actress Neena Gupta. Back in the 1980s, during the shooting of the hit TV show Buniyaad, there were rumours that the two were in love. But was it true? Or just on-screen chemistry? Let’s find out.
It All Started on the Sets of Buniyaad
Buniyaad (1986–87) was one of Doordarshan’s most popular serials. Directed by Ramesh Sippy and Jyoti Sarup, it told the emotional story of the Partition.
- Alok Nath played Master Haveli Ram – a wise, idealistic family man.
- Neena Gupta played Rajjo – his brave and strong daughter-in-law.
They both came from the National School of Drama (NSD) and spent long hours shooting together. According to old media reports, this is when they started getting close, and soon rumours of a romance began.
What the Reports Claimed
Several websites and newspapers (like News18 and BollywoodShaadis) claimed that Neena and Alok Nath were dating. Some even said it was Neena’s “first love.” A few reports went as far as saying they were engaged but that Alok Nath’s father did not approve.
However, these stories don’t have much solid proof — most sound like gossip.
What Neena Gupta Said
In her autobiography Sach Kahun Toh (2021), Neena talked honestly about her past relationships:
- A teenage marriage that didn’t last.
- An engagement to Sharangdev, son of Pandit Jasraj, which broke off.
- Her relationship with West Indies cricketer Vivian Richards, with whom she had daughter Masaba Gupta.
- Her marriage in 2008 to Delhi-based CA Vivek Mehra.
But she never mentioned Alok Nath.
In a 2018 interview, Neena did jokingly say, “Yes, I dated Alok Nath too… I dated many people,” but she said it was nothing serious.
What About Alok Nath?
Alok Nath never publicly spoke about this rumour. He married Ashu Singh in 1987 and has two daughters. After the #MeToo controversy in 2018 (not related to Neena), he mostly stayed away from the limelight.
So, What’s the Truth?
✔️ Yes, Neena and Alok Nath were close for a short time while shooting Buniyaad. ✔️ There might have been a small affair, but it wasn’t serious or long-term. ❌ The engagement story seems more like gossip than fact. 💔 They went their separate ways before the show even ended.
Where Are They Now?
- Neena Gupta: Back in the spotlight with hit projects like Panchayat, Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway, and Uunchai. A National Award-winning actress and proud single mother.
- Alok Nath: Famous as the lovable “Babuji” from films like Hum Aapke Hain Koun and Maine Pyar Kiya. Now mostly inactive.
In Short
Neena Gupta and Alok Nath’s relationship was a small chapter — a brief spark that faded quietly. Many times in Bollywood, strong on-screen chemistry is mistaken for real-life romance. The real magic between them was on-screen, in Buniyaad, where Master Haveli Ram and Rajjo became unforgettable characters.
What do you think — is it natural for co-stars to fall in love while working together?