“The gold bracelet my father got at his wedding was sold to send me to America” — Guneet Monga Kapoor on the man who taught her to dream fearlessly!

For Oscar-winning producer Guneet Monga Kapoor, success has never been an individual achievement. In an interview with a publication, she says, Behind every milestone – stands her father, a man whose belief in her was so unwavering that he was willing to sacrifice his own possessions to ensure his daughter had every opportunity to soar.

In a deeply personal Father’s Day conversation, Guneet reflected on the values, sacrifices and life lessons that shaped her journey from a young girl in Delhi to one of India’s most celebrated filmmakers.

One memory, in particular, continues to define her understanding of a parent’s love.

“Jo sone ka kada papa ko shaadi mein mila tha, unhone usko bech kar mujhe America bhej diya.”

The gold bracelet, gifted to her father during his wedding, was sold so Guneet could pursue opportunities abroad. But for her, the gesture represented something far bigger than financial sacrifice, it reflected a father’s absolute faith in his daughter’s future.

Long before studying abroad became a reality, her father had already envisioned it.

“Meri beti America jayegi,” he would often say.

That confidence became the foundation on which Guneet built her life. Describing the influence her father continues to have on her worldview, she shared, “Unhone meri DNA shape ki hui hai. Risk sab accha hai, mere paas bahut paise hain, main bahut abundant hoon.”

She credits him for teaching her to approach life with abundance rather than scarcity, courage rather than fear.

Guneet also revealed that her father never believed in conventional hierarchies within the family. Instead, their relationship was built on friendship and trust.

“My dad and I were buddies, there was no hierarchy,” she said, recalling a childhood where conversations were open and her opinions were valued.

His parenting style, she added, was unconventional and empowering.

“Papa ne bahut dabang upbringing ki hai meri.”

Whether it was encouraging her ambitions, supporting her independence or refusing to let societal expectations define what a daughter could achieve, he consistently pushed her to think bigger than her circumstances.

That trust extended to every phase of Guneet’s life, including one of her most unconventional career choices. Before becoming a producer, she worked as a DJ, often performing late into the night and returning home in the early hours of the morning. While many parents may have questioned the profession or worried about the lifestyle that came with it, Guneet’s father stood firmly by her side.

Among the many lessons he imparted, one has stayed with her through every phase of life.

“Mann mat maarna kabhi.”

The simple advice, to never suppress one’s desires, dreams or spirit became a lifelong mantra. Today, Guneet believes it is one of the key reasons she developed the courage to take risks and forge her own path in an industry known for its challenges.

She also recalled a particularly unusual lesson about money that reflected her father’s larger philosophy on life.

“Agar paise khatam ho rahe ho na life mein, toh saare kharch dena, bachana mat.”

What may sound counterintuitive on the surface was actually a lesson in faith and abundance. Her father taught her not to live from a place of fear, but from a place of trust in her ability to rebuild, create and move forward.

Looking back today, Guneet sees a common thread running through every lesson, sacrifice and conversation she shared with her father: belief. Whether it was selling a cherished wedding bracelet, declaring that his daughter would one day study abroad, or encouraging her never to shrink her dreams, he always chose possibility over limitation.

As the filmmaker celebrates Father’s Day, she does so with immense gratitude for the man who gave her much more than opportunities. He gave her confidence, courage and an unshakeable sense of self-worth.

And perhaps that is why, years later, Guneet can say that her father didn’t just support her dreams, he helped shape the very person she became.