made history winning the Oscar for Best Documentary Short Film at the 95th Academy Awards last year. However, her first time at the biggest film awards in the world was 15 years ago, when her short film Kavi won the Student Academy Award - Narrative in 2009. ADVERTISEMENT She has been to the multiple times since then, but how she got there the first time is a fascinating story.
Guneet narrated during Mid-day’s Bombay Film Story podcast, “It's a crazy story how I got there. I actually didn't have any money. I was super broke and coming out of a huge personal tragedy.
I just got this news from the director that we've won the student Oscar and we are nominated in the top 5. I was like, wow, I'd just like to attend." 'Wrote emails to rich people asking for sponsorship' “Na visa tha, na kuch tha, na pata tha kaise jaana hai.
It was an ambition to go but didn't know how. Every day I would write emails to textbook rich people like Richard Branson, Ratan Tata, that I am Guneet Monga, the pride of India, my film is nominated for an Oscar. Do you think you can sponsor my ticket? Do you think you can help me with the stay or something?” She continued, “I wrote to all airlines including Air India, British Airways.
I used to write 10 emails every day, just asking for support. And some people replied. Kingfisher said that we only fly domestic, and I was like, well, maybe you have a partner airline.
Air India said it’s not possible. British Airways said, but if you ever come for.
