From A Cheese Seller To Oscar Winner; The Inspiring Story Of Guneet Monga’s Victory Against All Odds Of Life

Oscar 2023: Netflix's 'The Elephant Whisperers' became the first Indian production film to win at the prestigious 95th Academy Awards. The short film has been produced by Guneet Monga, whose life story is something that will inspire you to take on the challenges life throws at you. The 39-year-old Indian producer is also a BAFTA nominee. Her film winning an Oscar was such a surreal moment.

During an interview with the Humans Of Bombay, Guneet Monga talked about her shares of ups and downs and even shared that her life was never a bed of roses. Guneet grew up in a middle-class Punjabi house where a family of three just had one room. Guneet revealed that her mother was suppressed and abused over property disputes in the family.

Guneet Recalls A Ghastly Incident

Recalling a ghastly incident, Guneet revealed that relatives once tried to burn her mother alive, following which her father took them away from the house.

Sharing the incident, Guneet said, "I've lived a life of borrowed dreams. I grew up in Delhi, in a Punjabi middle-class family. To the world we were happy-but no one knew what happened behind closed doors. My family was allotted 1 room in a big house. Because of the fight between brothers over property- my mom was suppressed. They abused her... Once, the argument got to a point where they tried to burn her alive-my father called the police, grabbed us & ran out of there."

A Look At Guneet's Several Odd Jobs

After moving out from the joint family set-up, Guneet Monga and her parents started fresh. Soon after, Guneet started earning at the mere age of 16 in order to fulfill her mother's wish for a three-room apartment. Along with her school, she did several odd jobs to save for a house.

She said, "We built our life anew. Eventually, my mom started dreaming of having a 3 bedroom house on a ground floor with 3 steps by the entrance- So specific! I became determined to buy 1 for her. At 16 I started working while balancing schoolwork-I sold cheese on streets, was an announcer at PVR, a DJ, an anchor...you name it! In college, I began coming to Mumbai to work in films. I went from a coordinator, to being a production manager. Whatever I'd earn, I'd give it to my parents for our dream!"

The 'Dream' House'

The producer recalled that after saving some money, she finally booked her parents' dream house. However, by the time it was ready to move-in, she lost both her parents in a short span of 6 months. Heartbroken Guneet soon moved to Mumbai.

"Slowly we pooled our savings & booked a house. But by the time it was ready, I lost my parents within 6 months of each other. My mom had throat cancer & my dad's kidneys failed... I was heartbroken. Needing a change, I packed my bags, sold the house & moved to Bombay for work. I channeled my energy into films. My dreams then became my director's dreams. I was always on my feet & barely slept 4 hrs a day."

Guneet Recalls How Her Father Once Sold His Golden Kadaa To Sponsor Her First School Trip

Guneet revealed that she loved filmmaking, however, the job was never easy. She talked about the challenges that she faced over time, and how badly she craved her parent's affection, but, no matter what, she kept going with a smile on her face.

"I still remember my father had sold his gold kadaa to send me on my 1st school trip to USA- he wanted me to see the world, no matter how challenging it was for them. So in my happiest times- whether it was at the Oscars or when we produced Gangs of Wasseypur & The Lunchbox.. Or when I launched my production house... all I wanted was my parents beside me."