In an interview to Humans of Bombay, Guneet Monga revealed how it hasn’t all been smooth sailing for her. She said, “I have lived a life of borrowed dreams. I grew up in a Punjabi middle-class family in Delhi. To the world we were happy – but no one knew what happened behind closed doors. My family got 1 room was allotted.” in a big house. Due to a fight between brothers over property- my mother was suppressed. They abused her… Once, the argument escalated so much that they tried to burn her alive—my father called the police, caught us and fled.”
She adds, how she took that as a teenager she had to start contributing to the household. He said, “At 16 I started working while balancing school work – I sold paneer on the streets, an announcer at PVR, a DJ, an anchor… you name it! in college , I started coming to Mumbai to work in films. I became a production manager from a coordinator. Whatever I earn, I will give to my parents for our dream!”
Guneet also revealed how heartbreaking it was to lose both her parents within six months of each other. Taken aback, she packed her bags and left for Mumbai engrossed in work. She said, “Each film was a challenge. Crowd-funding, international sales—but I loved it! I wanted to hear my mother’s ‘You did well’ or my father’s ‘Proud of you’. I still remember That my father sold his hand. The gold bangle to send me on my first school trip to the USA – he wanted me to see the world, no matter how challenging it was for him.”
She added, “So in my happiest times – whether it was at the Oscars or when we produced Gangs of Wasseypur and The Lunchbox… or when I launched my production house… I wanted my mother -Father be with me. But I know him.” I am at peace where they are. Someday I will see them again and do my ‘good work’. But for now, I am going through life, collecting moments of happiness for them. I hope they can be proud that I have finally stopped borrowing dreams. Now I am my own person and that is probably a dream come true in itself! ,
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