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How I Masaba

Masaba Gupta | Luminary 32 Episodes Feb 4, 2025

Designer, actor, and creative powerhouse Masaba Gupta hosts conversations with fellow entrepreneurs, sharing the hard lessons, epiphanies, and only-funny-in-hindsight moments that shaped their careers. The show offers candid, real-world inspiration that you won't get in business school. Produced by Luminary and hosted on Acast, it features guests who are multi-faceted mavens in their fields.

Episodes

Filmmaker Mira Nair Talks Denzel, Creative Instinct, More Feb 4, 2025 26:52 In this episode, Masaba Gupta sits down with the legendary filmmaker Mira Nair—known for masterpieces like Monsoon Wedding, Salaam Bombay, and Mississippi Masala—to explore the artistry, inspiration, and instinct behind her globally celebrated work. From drawing cinematic magic out of real-life stories to discovering talent in unexpected places, Nair reflects, in this 2022 conversation, on how he

Mallika Dua, Accidental Comedian Jan 28, 2025 43:43 Actor and comedian Mallika Dua talks with Masaba Gupta about her training as an actor, and why she calls herself an accidental comedian. The duo compare notes on the perils of creating content for social media platforms, and the future of the Internet. Plus Mallika shares the importance of mental health in her life, including her approach to dealing with personal loss. Hosted on Acast. See acast

Maitreyi Ramakrishnan is Devi in Many Ways Jan 15, 2025 40:01 Masaba Gupta sits down with Never Have I Ever star Maitreyi Ramakrishnan to discuss navigating fame, embracing her cultural identity, and Hollywood’s evolving approach to diversity and representation. An actor who champions inclusivity—especially for South Asian voices—and inspires audiences worldwide, Maitreyi talks about the lasting influences Hermione Granger has had on her, and shares insights

Mental Health Champion Neerja Birla Jan 8, 2025 31:26 Encore episode! Masaba Gupta sits down with Dr. Neerja Birla—educator, philanthropist, and business leader—for an inspiring conversation about balancing personal and professional roles, her love for exploring India on two wheels, and her thoughtful approach to parenting. Dr. Birla shares her unwavering commitment to mental health advocacy and the transformative work of her organizations in creatin

When Marriages Aren't Made in Heaven, Mrinalini Deshmukh Can Help Dec 31, 2024 31:09 Masaba Gupta talks to the iconic lawyer Mrinalini Deshmukh, who has handled the divorce cases of multiple Bollywood celebrities, as well as multiple other family law cases. She and Masaba take some deep dives on topics such as: navigating one’s emotions while practicing law, changing familial trends of the Indian society, the burden of her perception of being a tough taskmaster, the importance of

Gupta and Gupta Dec 24, 2024 40:27 ['Best of' Episode] Masaba Gupta talks to her mother and co-star (in the series Masaba, Masaba), Neena Gupta. The iconic actor talks about the journey of her career–from humble beginnings in theatre, to her breakout roles, to succeeding in the film industry without mentors. She reflects on creating a strong sense of purpose in life, and the difference between popularity and success. Plus: Neena Gu

Mithali Raj on Empowering Leadership Dec 10, 2024 44:39 [REPLAY: In honor of the legendary player's birthday, listen back to this inspiriing episode.] Masaba Gupta talks to the Indian cricketer Mithali Raj about her philosophy on leadership, and why being an empathetic leader is so important. The accomplished athlete describes her admiration for cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and cricket coach Ricky Ponting. Plus, she reflects on the timely topic of e

The Bold Type: Megha Kapoor on Vogue India Dec 4, 2024 36:57 In this encore episode from 2022, the now former Head of Editorial Content at Vogue India, Megha Kapoor spoke with Masaba Gupta about how she chose to navigate the intertwined worlds of fashion and Bollywood while contributing vision and energy to an amazing media brand. They talk about Megha’s passion for being a champion of young creatives, welcoming diverse voices to the table of collaboration,

Facts, Context, and Dignity: Faye D'Souza Nov 26, 2024 29:34 Award-winning journalist Faye D’Souza joins Masaba to reflect on the journey of launching an independent news portal, and on her unique relationship with the news. From her thoughts on trigger warnings to strategies for safeguarding her mental well-being while covering distressing stories, Faye offers candid insights. The respected journalist also reveals her top tips for conducting meaningful int

Anoushka Shankar: It's a Vibe Nov 12, 2024 40:03 [Replay] In honor of her recent Grammy nomination, listen back to this excellent episode with sitar maestro Anoushka Shankar about her long and storied career in music, including the thrill of performing live--especially after the pandemic. (This conversation was recorded in 2022). She also describes what she considers the secret sauce of collaborating with great artists. and reflects on what her

A Fashion House Built on Family: Anita Dongre Designs Life Oct 30, 2024 31:46 [Replay] In honor of the recent launch of a Dewali Barbie, dressed in Anita Dongre's designs, listen back to this inspiring conversation between two powerhouses of fashion. Masaba Gupta talks with Anita Dongre about the path to, and secrets of, her success. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vidya Balan: Movement is Life Oct 15, 2024 45:59 In honor of the upcoming release of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, and Vidya Balan's return to the franchise, listen back to this inspiring conversation with Masaba Gupta. The two discussed Vidya’s unique career path, her early. days of navigating fame ("I want to be invisible, but I'm an actor" she remembers thinking); how she prepares for a role, the three questions she asks herself when considering whethe

Doing Epic S**t: Chiki Sarkar Oct 9, 2024 31:34 [Encore episode] Legendary publisher Chiki Sarkar, whose dynamic career has shaped the literary landscape in India. From her role as Editor-in-Chief at Random House India to her time as Publisher at Penguin, and now a founder of Juggernaut Books, Chiki has been at the forefront of the industry, bringing groundbreaking authors and stories to readers worldwide. She shares her thoughts on the evolvin

Chef Garima Arora, of Gaa: Her Stars are Rising Oct 1, 2024 30:59 [Encore] Chef Garima Aurora recently became the first female Indian chef to have earned two Michelin stars--at her Bangkok restaurant Gaa. (She was also the first female Indian chef to earn one Michelin star.) In this deep and wide-ranging conversation from 2022, Masaba talks to Chef Garima about her forever love of nachos--sometimes washed down with champagne--about her experience working at Noma

Sania Mirza on Facing Serena, and Acing Moments that Matter Sep 24, 2024 37:04 Masaba Gupta, who once played professional tennis herself, talks to Sania Mirza about Sania's amazing tennis career, including the sacrifices it took to become the world's number one. Sania muses about her impending retirement, and how motherhood has affected her personal life and her tennis career. She also talks about the life-changing match she played with Serena Williams. Hosted on Acast. Se

Karen and Liz are Taking Their Hoops Off Aug 9, 2024 0:59 Activism! Sports! Women! Introducing Hoops Off, a show that looks at the latest ways sports is intersecting with women’s issues, culture and society. Liz Lapp and Karen Uyenco are savvy sports fans, keen analysts, and, like Masaba and her mother, hilarious co-hosts with a surplus of hot takes. Sports journalists, athletes, activists, agents, talent, comedians, and more join them to bring additiona

Maitreyi Ramakrishnan Is Actually Devi IRL Dec 6, 2023 40:01 Masaba Gupta talks to Never Have I Ever star Maitreyi Ramakrishnan about watching the TV she wants to watch despite what everyone thinks, Hollywood's issue of diversity and representation—and how that's starting to change, an unforgettable "tip" on how to keep your cool when meeting celebrities, and why Hermione Granger was her childhood hero. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more info

Chiki Sarkar on Becoming a Juggernaut Nov 27, 2023 31:34 Masaba Gupta talks to the legendary publisher Chiki Sarkar about her long and storied career (which included time as editor-in-chief at Random House India, and publisher at Penguin), and about everything from her view on the evolving reading trends in India, her process of deciding which books to publish, her comfort novel, and her favorite writer to collaborate with. Hosted on Acast. See acast.

Mrinalini Deshmukh Brings Empathy to the Courtroom Nov 20, 2023 31:09 Masaba Gupta talks to the iconic lawyer Mrinalini Deshmukh on navigating one’s emotions while practicing law, changing familial trends of the Indian society, the burden of her perception of being a tough taskmaster, the importance of sensitivity in practicing family law, and her desire to join politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mira Nair on Preserving Creative Instinct Nov 13, 2023 26:52 Masaba Gupta talks to the globally acclaimed filmmaker, Mira Nair about her path as an artist–including the inspiration she gets from India, how cinema verité informed her filmmaking, and what drives her choice of subjects and actors. On her eye for spotting, and working with, world-class talent, she says she surrenders to people, which gets them to do what she wants them to do, but “using th

Mallika Dua Is in on the Joke Nov 6, 2023 43:43 Actor and comedian Mallika Dua talks with Masaba Gupta about her training as an actor, and why she calls herself an accidental comedian. The duo compare notes on the perils of creating content for social media platforms, and the future of the Internet. Plus Mallika shares the importance of mental health in her life, including her approach to dealing with personal loss. Hosted on Acast. See acast

Neena Gupta on Seizing Your Opportunities Oct 30, 2023 40:27 Masaba Gupta talks to her mother and co-star (in the series Masaba, Masaba), Neena Gupta. The iconic actor talks about the journey of her career–from humble beginnings in theatre, to her breakout roles, to succeeding in the film industry without mentors. She reflects on creating a strong sense of purpose in life, and the difference between popularity and success. Plus: Neena Gupta gives her take o

Neerja Birla on Being a Champion of Mental Health Oct 23, 2023 31:26 Masaba Gupta talks to the educator, philanthropist, and businesswoman Dr. Neerja Birla about juggling multiple personal and professional roles, her penchant for exploring India by bicycle, her perspectives on raising children, and the important work she does to raise awareness about mental health. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mithali Raj on Empathetic Leadership Oct 16, 2023 44:39 Masaba Gupta talks to the legendary Indian cricketer Mithali Raj about her philosophy on leadership, and why being an empathetic leader is so important. The accomplished athlete describes her admiration for cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and cricket coach Ricky Ponting. Plus, she reflects on the timely topic of equal pay for men and women cricketers. Raj also reveals what she does to calm her ner

Vogue India's Megha Kapoor on Cultivating Creatives Oct 9, 2023 36:57 The Head of Editorial Content at Vogue India, Megha Kapoor, sits down with Masaba Gupta to discuss how she has been navigating the intertwined worlds of fashion and Bollywood while contributing vision and energy to an amazing brand. They talk about Megha’s passion for being a champion of young creatives, welcoming diverse voices to the table of collaboration, and the myth of networking. Plus:

Anita Dongre on Designing a Life She Loves Oct 2, 2023 31:46 Her designs have been worn by the likes of Beyoncé and Priyanka Chopra. Anita Dongre talks shop with fellow designer Masaba Gupta about everything from balancing the exercise of one’s creative muscles with running a business, as well as the unique way her family fits into her career, and the things that simply can’t be learned in Fashion School. Plus, what the moment was like when she learned

Faye D'Souza is Changing News Sep 25, 2023 29:34 Masaba Gupta talks to the award-winning journalist Faye D’Souza about what it has been like to start an independent news portal, as well as what her relationship with news is–for example her take on trigger warnings, and how she protects herself in the face of disturbing news. She also shares her best practice for getting the most out of an interviewee, and who she has had the most fun interviewin

Anoushka Shankar on Creative Fuel Sep 18, 2023 40:03 Masaba Gupta talks to the sitar maestro Anoushka Shankar about her long and storied career in music, including the thrill of performing live--especially after the pandemic. She also describes what she considers the secret sauce of collaborating with great artists. and recounts a memorable moment and lesson from “Uncle George”, a.k.a The Beatles’ George Harrison. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/pr

Vidya Balan on the Power of Being Unapologetic Sep 11, 2023 45:59 Vidya Balan is living proof that conventions can be broken. When the Bollywood superstar sat down with Masaba Gupta, the two discussed Vidya’s unique career path, as well as how she prepares for, and brings emotional authenticity to, the characters she plays. Vidya also spoke candidly about body positivity in the face of public scrutiny, and how her relationship with her body and fashion (Vidya is

Chef Garima Arora on Being the Culture Sep 4, 2023 30:59 Masaba Gupta talks to Chef Garima Arora, the first Indian woman to win a Michelin star for her Bangkok restaurant, GAA. Garima speaks about her newfound love of working out (and forever love of nachos), experience working at Noma, and philosophies on leadership and culture-building. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sania Mirza on the Match That Changed Everything Aug 23, 2023 37:04 Masaba Gupta talks to Sania Mirza about her glorious tennis career--how it all began, and the sacrifices it took to become the world's number one. Sania muses about her impending retirement, and how motherhood has affected her personal life and her tennis career. She also talks about the life-changing match she played with Serena Williams. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informat

This is How I Masaba Aug 23, 2023 0:49 Designer and actress Masaba Gupta sits down with fellow badass femmes to learn how they do them. These are the inspirational mindsets, necessary daily practices, and only-funny-in-hindsight experiences that have defined, and continue to drive, some of our culture’s most talented people. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How I Masaba

Episodes

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