Guneet Monga recently shared her thoughts with Karan Johar about the impact of Indian cinema on a global scale and her experiences in film production. One of her most notable projects is the film The Lunchbox (2013), featuring the talented Irrfan Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and Nimrat Kaur. During their conversation, the topic of alleged tensions between Irrfan and Nawazuddin came up.
Monga acknowledged that there were moments of tension but emphasized that it was part of the creative process. She explained, “Both have their unique ways of working. The tension and love between them are reflected in the script. It was wonderful to watch them perform, bringing their characters to life.” She praised Irrfan for his portrayal of a strict yet lovable character and noted that Nawazuddin’s role required him to be an appeaser.
Reflecting on the experience, Monga said, “Working with them was magical. I feel thankful that we were able to create such a beautiful film together. On and off the set, there are always dynamics happening!” She clarified that the tensions weren’t a big deal, viewing it as part of their artistic journey. “Both are incredibly talented actors, and we saw that in their performances,” she added.
When asked if these tensions affected her, Guneet replied, “Not at all. We had teamed up with Nawaz before, and this was our first work with Irrfan. In independent films, how much can you really be upset with each other, especially when funds are low?” she laughed.
Monga also spoke about Karan Johar’s support for the film. She shared how he not only helped present the film in India but also contributed creatively with its tagline, asking, “Can you fall in love with someone you have never met?” After their initial discussions, she requested a broader release for the film, aiming for over 500 screens.
Guneet Monga’s insights reflect her gratitude and excitement for the collaborative efforts that brought The Lunchbox to audiences worldwide.
