Over the years, producer Guneet Monga has established a reputation for being a messiah for indie films. The filmmaker, who has backed strong, off beat, content-driven films, was awarded the Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters, the second highest civilian French honour in the Capital.

“It came as complete surprise. I felt like my life coming together being born and brought up in Delhi, starting as an intern with a French and German film in 2004 called Valley Of Flowers. And then going to Cannes with so many of my films such as Gangs Of Wasseypur, The Lunchbox (2013), Masaan (2015). It is extremely humbling,” shares Monga.

Talking about her journey as a female filmmaker, Monga, who is a former winner of the HT Youth Forum award, says it has been incredible, but also challenging. “I felt discriminated for age for being young. I was 26 when I produced Ganges Of Wasseypur, now I am 37. That time I used to project being in my ‘40s to be taken seriously. I have faced ageism but definitely not gender discrimination,” she says.

Looking back, Monga says the highlight of her career has been The Lunchbox. “It was India and France’s first co-production. The treaty between India and France was signed in 1985 and The Lunchbox was the first one to use that treaty in 2012,” she adds.

She also shares that she’s witnessed a sea of change in the Indian cinema realm. “I have seen Indian independent cinema come of age. From going to festivals being a taboo to being very cool and a privilege. We have thrived on the periphery of Bollywood and been able to have our own little universe of creators,” she concludes.