Guneet Monga wants Shah Rukh Khan’s hug in person after Oscar win: ‘I am waiting for that’

After the historic Oscar wins for India by the films The Elephant Whisperers and RRR, Shah Rukh Khan was one of many Indian celebrities that sent out congratulations to them. He wrote that he sent big hugs for both the film teams. Producer Guneet Monga thanked the actor for his support, but shared that she wanted the promised hug in person. (Also read: Shah Rukh Khan sends big hug to The Elephant Whisperers and RRR teams for Oscar wins: ‘Truly inspirational’)

After the Oscar win, Shah Rukh had, “Big hug to @guneetm & @EarthSpectrum for Elephant Whisperers. And @mmkeeravaani #ChandraBose ji @ssrajamouli @AlwaysRamCharan @tarak9999 thank u for showing us all, the way to do it. Both Oscars truly inspirational!!” The Elephant Whisperers, which is currently on Netflix, is directed by first-time filmmaker Kartiki Gonsalves and produced by Guneet. It also became the maiden Indian production to win Best Documentary Short. The two women went up on the stage at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles to accept the award.

At a press meet hosted by Netflix to celebrate The Elephant Whisperers in Mumbai, Guneet said she would love to meet up with the actor after he had acknowledged them all. She shared, “Shah Rukh Khan sir tweeted a big hug, Guneet. And my reply was, please in person. So even I am waiting for that.”

Besides Guneet Monga, director Kartiki, the team of Guneet’s production Sikhya Entertainment, including her producing partner Achin Jain were also present. Netflix India’s vice president of content, Monika Shergill was also part of the panel. But the highlight of the evening was the presence of the caretaker couple, Bomman and Bellie, who are featured in the documentary. They care for and raise orphaned elephant calves at the government-run Theppakkadu Elephant Camp in the Nilgiris District.

Bomman said at the event, “I am a Kattuanayakan. I am a protector of the forest. I feel immense pride that the stories of my babies have been put in front of the world. I want to thank Kartiki madam for actually bringing my story and the story of my children to the entire world. That is so important to me, beyond the prize, the pride I feel as a father.” His wife Bellie also echoed his sentiments as they spoke to the media.