How I Masaba

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 additional perspectives to the rollicking discussion. New episodes weekly. Listen here

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.

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.

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.

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 their spirit that I saw in them.”Nair also talks about her upcoming film about the artist Amrita Sher-gill, who Nair describes as “a bit like me. She has straddled two worlds to make a unique vocabulary of her painting.”

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.

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 on the hot button issue of nepotism in Bollywood.

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.

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 nerves in tense moments during a match.

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: what it’s like working with Anna Wintour (and the seemingly rare expression Megha is able to elicit from her iconic mentor and boss).