Masaba Gupta reveals Neena Gupta’s reaction to her ‘Khumaari’ performance in Akshay Kumar and R Madhavan's 'Kesari Chapter 2'

Masaba Gupta has captured attention once more, this time showcasing her captivating performance on screen rather than her fashion sense. She features in the song 'Khumaari' from 'Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story' of Jallianwala Bagh, a sultry cabaret-style piece set in the 1920s, with music composed by Kavita Seth and Kanishk Seth.
How Masaba Landed the Role
During an interview with SCREEN, Masaba opened up about how she was offered the role, her preparation process, and her willingness to take on similar performances in the future. She revealed that the opportunity came just a week before her wedding in 2023. “Panchami Ghauri, the casting director, called me around that time, and I immediately agreed,” Masaba said. “I’ve been passionate about dance my entire life and have always wanted to do something like this.” She also mentioned that the film’s period setting combined with her love for dance made the offer impossible to resist.
Preparation and Inspiration
She acknowledged the invaluable support of choreographer Vijay Ganguly, her mentor from her Shiamak Davar training days, who helped her refine the routine in less than three days. She mentioned that she envisioned a subtle interpretation inspired by Catherine Zeta-Jones’s style while preparing for the performance.
Neena Gupta’s Reaction
Masaba revealed that her mother, veteran actress Neena Gupta, was genuinely surprised by her dance performance. She expressed amazement at how and when Masaba managed to prepare for it. Despite the shock, Neena was very happy, as she had always believed that Masaba would pursue dancing.
About Kesari Chapter 2
'Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh' is a 2025 historical courtroom drama starring Akshay Kumar as Sir Chettur Sankaran Nair, who fights British colonial injustice after the 1919 massacre. The film highlights truth, resistance, and justice, featuring a powerful cast and a vintage 1920s setting.