She didn’t just break into rooms , she built them. Monika Varma Samtani went from being one of the first South Asian anchors in American newsrooms to founding Ms. Media, Shop The Films,and curating platforms like South Asian House at SXSW and Soundvilla, where global creators meet opportunity.

In this episode of Chai with Champs, Monika reveals the mindset it takes to start over, the courage to choose storytelling in a family of doctors, and the strategies behind curating artists for festivals and cross-cultural platforms. From what makes her stop and say “this person has something special” to how indie filmmakers can actually stand out with their submissions, she pulls back the curtain on access, representation, and building a true cultural legacy.

Chai with Champs is the Center Stage for South Asian Cinema Follow us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithchamps/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RitikaAgrawalll

[00:00] - Welcome to the Episode

[01:04] - Who is Monika Varma Samtani?

[06:24] - Choosing a Career Your Parents Never Imagined For You

[14:00] - How to Pick the Right Opportunities

[20:15] - Networking Secrets: How to Find Your Tribe & Get in the Right Rooms

[24:45] - Want to Be at Soundvilla 2026? Here’s Who Gets In

[33:00] - Publicity Hacks Every Indie Filmmaker Needs to Know

[39:00] - Exclusive: The Tech Platform That Could Fix Filmmaking Funding Crisis

[41:00] - Spill the Chai: Chai with Champs Rapid Fire Round!

[46:35] - The Advice She’d Give Her Younger Self

[48:15] - Bringing South Asian Cinema To Center Stage