‘He was the man in my life’: When Neena Gupta shared how her father supported her after Masaba’s birth

Neena’s honesty goes beyond the typical narratives around motherhood and support systems. She recalled how her father became her rock, taking on responsibilities that many women are forced to carry alone.

“He looked after my household, me, and my daughter. He was my man. He was the man in my life,” she emphasised. “So I said, God always compensates.”

Her words shine a light on a relationship rarely spoken about in public life, a father’s unconditional support for a daughter navigating motherhood on her own terms. At a time when societal judgment was unforgiving, Neena’s father stood firm by her side, offering love, stability, and presence.

The psychology behind parental support

This connection between Neena, her father, and Masaba is a textbook example of generational support building resilience and emotional security.

Srishti Vatsa, a counselling psychologist, explains about child development and confidence. According to her, “The creation of confidence in children depends on their parents’ ability to build it rather than destroy it.”

She adds that a child develops self-worth through a parent’s consistent presence: “A child observes themselves through your self-concept which makes this matter extremely vital. Wording that comes from you will take root in their internal dialogue. It shapes their identity.”

Many parents, as Srishti points out, mistakenly believe that detachment will prepare a child for the “real world,” but in fact: “The child suffers from an absence of necessary love along with attention and lacking confidence. The motivation behind this technique might be correct in their eyes but the extended outcomes prove ineffective.”

Confidence grows, Srishti says, “through the awareness that parents stand by their side while leading the way toward independence.”

In Neena’s case, that parent happened to be her father. Today, Masaba Gupta is not only a successful fashion designer but also a cultural icon in her own right. The foundation laid by her mother and grandfather is evident in her self-assurance and creative independence.