What does it take to break into Bollywood without connections, money, or a godfather?
Guneet Monga, an Oscar winner and multiple times nominee, is the force behind some of India’s most celebrated films—The Lunchbox, Masaan, Gangs of Wasseypur, Period - End of Sentence, and The Elephant Whisperers, which made history by winning India its first Oscar for a documentary. But she isn’t done yet, last time around the Academy didn’t let her finish her speech. She wants to change that and she believes the time has come.
In this brutally honest episode, I sat down with Guneet to talk about:
• Defining success beyond awards and money
• Moving to Mumbai with nothing but ambition
• How she convinced an investor to give her ₹50 lakh to make a film
• Losing her parents in her 20s & starting over
• Being a young woman in a male-dominated industry
• Facing ageism and why she dyed her hair white to be taken seriously
• The power of manifestation and writing down goals
• Navigating the stark differences between Bollywood and the international film industry
From being an outsider to one of the most influential producers in Indian cinema, Guneet’s journey proves that hard work, clarity, and a little bit of manifestation can take you anywhere—even to the biggest stage in the world.
Watch this at 1.5x speed for a faster, smarter experience.
About the show: Hosted by Masoom Minawala, each episode brings real stories, raw insights, and fresh perspectives on personal growth, professional challenges, and more. Tune in for thought-provoking discussions that spark meaningful change.
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