I had Professor Gupta for both 101 and 156A and I must say he is one of the better teachers I've had. He is very understanding of students, and will give you the benefit of the doubt when it comes to grading, so do well on the final and go to his office hours, or arrange private office hours. If he knows you personally, he'll raise your grade.
Although his lectures are a little boring, try to pay attention at least. Every test, one problem is an example he did in class.
Don't be afraid to ask him questions. Just act like you care and you'll get a good grade.

Gupta is a really, really good teacher. I took 101 with Mal and didn't understand anything despite getting an A so I took Gupta for 156A and I have to say he teaches very very well and I understand everything that he taught. my only beef with him is that he doesn't derive any equations but he expects you to know the assumptions made during the derivation.
he gave two midterms and they were both from his in class examples and homework. he said the final would be hard but it wasn't really. it was harder than the midterms (definitely) but it wasn't impossible.

he's kinda arrogant though and is always bragging about how smart he is and how much money he makes consulting. but he has good stories that are related to solid mechanics. he also brought up stories about how when he was our age they had to use recycled paper and ink and how it was horrible and how they used these plastic bags and it was so hot and he had to walk like a long way home so the handles would creep and like break. idk he was short of telling us he walked uphill to school both ways in snow (it probably doesn't snow in india but I am not sure).

PS:I wanted to review him before I got my grade so that it doesn't influence my review (although if he gives me a B consider this review void and replace it with "HE SUCKS")