Actress Neena Gupta has spoken effusively about director Aatish Kapadia's unconventional on-set method while promoting the newly released Netflix series 'Chumbak', revealing that Kapadia can deliver up to 50 organic cues for a single scene — and insists on doing so himself, even when actors offer to step in.

What Neena Gupta Said About the Director

Speaking during the promotional event held in the BKC area of Mumbai, Gupta said she set aside her own instincts and experience entirely while working on the show. 'I didn't bring in any of my expertise while working on this series. I did whatever he told me to do. And I did that exactly in the similar manner,' she said. Her only concern on set, she added, was whether a particular punchline might offend anyone.

Gupta went on to describe Kapadia's distinctive cue-giving approach: 'Even if the actor is ready to give the cues, he will tell them not to, and he would step in to give the cues. And the way he gives cues is also phenomenal. If there's a cue of 3 lines, after which I have to say my lines, he would give 50 cues for a scene.' The remark underlines how hands-on and fluid Kapadia is as a director, maintaining granular control over rhythm and delivery rather than delegating to the cast.

The Cast and Promotions

Gupta made these remarks alongside co-stars Sumeet Raghavan, Sandeepa Dhar, Sumeet Vyas, Deven Bhojani, and Manasi Parekh at the promotional gathering. The ensemble's candid interaction has drawn attention to the show's collaborative creative process, with multiple cast members praising Kapadia's directing style.

What 'Chumbak' Is About

'Chumbak' is a multi-generational comedy set in a contemporary urban Indian neighbourhood where, as the show's premise puts it, no celebration is too small and no crisis stays private. The series aims to capture the warmth, wit, and sharp social observations that have characterised the creative team's earlier work, while presenting audiences with a vibrant community that functions as an extended family. The show is now streaming on Netflix and has received a positive early response.

Why the Directorial Style Matters

Kapadia's method — retaining full control over cues and reportedly being willing to run through dozens of iterations to get a scene's organic feel right — reflects a broader trend in Indian streaming content, where directors are investing heavily in naturalistic performance rather than relying on rehearsed comedic timing. For a veteran like Gupta, choosing to 'blindly follow' direction signals the level of trust the cast has placed in Kapadia's vision. The positive early reception to 'Chumbak' suggests the approach may be paying off.