In this episode, Masaba Gupta sits down with the legendary filmmaker Mira Nair—known for masterpieces like Monsoon Wedding, Salaam Bombay, and Mississippi Masala—to explore the artistry, inspiration, and instinct behind her globally celebrated work. From drawing cinematic magic out of real-life stories to discovering talent in unexpected places, Nair reflects, in this 2022 conversation, on how her journey has been shaped by India’s vibrancy, the truth of cinema verité, and how she works with talent--from big names like Denzel Washington, Reese Witherspoon, Uma Thurman to people she discovered and cast based on instinct. In fact, preserving one's instinct is a distinct value of Nair's, and is a throughline to this conversation.

Actor and comedian Mallika Dua talks with Masaba Gupta about her training as an actor, and why she calls herself an accidental comedian. The duo compare notes on the perils of creating content for social media platforms, and the future of the Internet. Plus Mallika shares the importance of mental health in her life, including her approach to dealing with personal loss.

Masaba Gupta sits down with Never Have I Ever star Maitreyi Ramakrishnan to discuss navigating fame, embracing her cultural identity, and Hollywood’s evolving approach to diversity and representation. An actor who champions inclusivity—especially for South Asian voices—and inspires audiences worldwide, Maitreyi talks about the lasting influences Hermione Granger has had on her, and shares insights on staying grounded. Plus, a funny a tip for keeping your cool around celebrities. "My job has made me mature faster... but I still cherish being young and carefree." This conversation was recorded in 2023.

Masaba Gupta talks to the iconic lawyer Mrinalini Deshmukh, who has handled the divorce cases of multiple Bollywood celebrities, as well as multiple other family law cases. She and Masaba take some deep dives on topics such as: navigating one’s emotions while practicing law, changing familial trends of the Indian society, the burden of her perception of being a tough taskmaster, the importance of sensitivity in practicing family law, and her abiding interest in studying politics.

['Best of' Episode] Masaba Gupta talks to her mother and co-star (in the series Masaba, Masaba), Neena Gupta. The iconic actor talks about the journey of her career–from humble beginnings in theatre, to her breakout roles, to succeeding in the film industry without mentors. She reflects on creating a strong sense of purpose in life, and the difference between popularity and success. Plus: Neena Gupta gives her take on the hot button issue of nepotism in Bollywood.

[REPLAY: In honor of the legendary player's birthday, listen back to this inspiriing episode.] Masaba Gupta talks to the Indian cricketer Mithali Raj about her philosophy on leadership, and why being an empathetic leader is so important. The accomplished athlete describes her admiration for cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and cricket coach Ricky Ponting. Plus, she reflects on the timely topic of equal pay for men and women cricketers. Raj also reveals what she does to calm her nerves in tense moments during a match.

In this encore episode from 2022, the now former Head of Editorial Content at Vogue India, Megha Kapoor spoke with Masaba Gupta about how she chose to navigate the intertwined worlds of fashion and Bollywood while contributing vision and energy to an amazing media brand. They talk about Megha’s passion for being a champion of young creatives, welcoming diverse voices to the table of collaboration, and the myth of networking. Plus: what it was like working with Anna Wintour (and the seemingly rare expression Megha was able to elicit from her iconic mentor and boss).

Award-winning journalist Faye D’Souza joins Masaba to reflect on the journey of launching an independent news portal, and on her unique relationship with the news. From her thoughts on trigger warnings to strategies for safeguarding her mental well-being while covering distressing stories, Faye offers candid insights. The respected journalist also reveals her top tips for conducting meaningful interviews and shares her most memorable interview experiences. Recorded in 2022, this engaging conversation is a must-listen for anyone curious about journalism, entrepreneurship, and forging one's own path.

[Replay] In honor of her recent Grammy nomination, listen back to this excellent episode with sitar maestro Anoushka Shankar about her long and storied career in music, including the thrill of performing live--especially after the pandemic. (This conversation was recorded in 2022). She also describes what she considers the secret sauce of collaborating with great artists. and reflects on what her father taught her by example: that there is always more, that there is an infinite nature of art. Plus, she recounts a memorable moment and lesson from “Uncle George”, a.k.a The Beatles’ George Harrison.

[Replay] In honor of the recent launch of a Dewali Barbie, dressed in Anita Dongre's designs, listen back to this inspiring conversation between two powerhouses of fashion. Masaba Gupta talks with Anita Dongre about the path to, and secrets of, her success.

In honor of the upcoming release of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, and Vidya Balan's return to the franchise, listen back to this inspiring conversation with Masaba Gupta. The two discussed Vidya’s unique career path, her early. days of navigating fame ("I want to be invisible, but I'm an actor" she remembers thinking); how she prepares for a role, the three questions she asks herself when considering whether or not to do a project and how she feels about regret. Plus, why she thinks movement is life.

[Encore episode] Legendary publisher Chiki Sarkar, whose dynamic career has shaped the literary landscape in India. From her role as Editor-in-Chief at Random House India to her time as Publisher at Penguin, and now a founder of Juggernaut Books, Chiki has been at the forefront of the industry, bringing groundbreaking authors and stories to readers worldwide. She shares her thoughts on the evolving reading trends in India, the careful decision-making process behind selecting books to publish, and the comfort novel she finds herself returning to every few years. We also get an inside look at her favorite author collaborations and the behind-the-scenes magic of publishing.

[Encore] Chef Garima Aurora recently became the first female Indian chef to have earned two Michelin stars--at her Bangkok restaurant Gaa. (She was also the first female Indian chef to earn one Michelin star.) In this deep and wide-ranging conversation from 2022, Masaba talks to Chef Garima about her forever love of nachos--sometimes washed down with champagne--about her experience working at Noma, and about the specific ways she approaches leadership and culture-building.

Masaba Gupta, who once played professional tennis herself, talks to Sania Mirza about Sania's amazing tennis career, including the sacrifices it took to become the world's number one. Sania muses about her impending retirement, and how motherhood has affected her personal life and her tennis career. She also talks about the life-changing match she played with Serena Williams.

Activism! Sports! Women! Introducing Hoops Off, a show that looks at the latest ways sports is intersecting with women’s issues, culture and society. Liz Lapp and Karen Uyenco are savvy sports fans, keen analysts, and, like Masaba and her mother, hilarious co-hosts with a surplus of hot takes. Sports journalists, athletes, activists, agents, talent, comedians, and more join them to bring additional perspectives to the rollicking discussion. New episodes weekly. Listen at https://luminary.link/hoops

Masaba Gupta talks to Never Have I Ever star Maitreyi Ramakrishnan about watching the TV she wants to watch despite what everyone thinks, Hollywood's issue of diversity and representation—and how that's starting to change, an unforgettable "tip" on how to keep your cool when meeting celebrities, and why Hermione Granger was her childhood hero.

Masaba Gupta talks to the legendary publisher Chiki Sarkar about her long and storied career (which included time as editor-in-chief at Random House India, and publisher at Penguin), and about everything from her view on the evolving reading trends in India, her process of deciding which books to publish, her comfort novel, and her favorite writer to collaborate with.

Masaba Gupta talks to the iconic lawyer Mrinalini Deshmukh on navigating one’s emotions while practicing law, changing familial trends of the Indian society, the burden of her perception of being a tough taskmaster, the importance of sensitivity in practicing family law, and her desire to join politics.