Monal Gajjar Embarks on New Journey as Film Producer with Ambitious Plans
Renowned actress Monal Gajjar, celebrated for her performances in critically acclaimed films such as Vash Level 2, Kasoombo, and Shubh Yatra, has officially stepped into the role of a film producer. With a diverse career spanning Gujarati, Telugu, and Tamil cinema, Monal is now set to produce three films in collaboration with her cousin, Ankur Adhiya, scheduled for release in 2026.
From Actor to Producer: A Personal and Professional Evolution
Monal revealed that one of the films has already commenced production, marking the beginning of this exciting new chapter. The journey started two years ago when she first encountered a story penned by writer Jay Bhatt. "At that time, I gave ₹11 as a token amount and decided that this movie is something I must do myself," she shared. After exploring options with various producers without success, her cousin stepped in, leading to their joint decision to produce the film independently. "When you have your family's support, a new venture feels easy," Monal added, highlighting the importance of familial backing in her entrepreneurial leap.
Balancing Dual Roles: The Challenges and Rewards
Discussing her upcoming film, which co-stars Gaurav Paswala, Monal acknowledged the complexities of juggling acting and production responsibilities. "Balancing acting and production can be hectic. As a producer, you are involved in every decision, and I have been handling it for a month," she explained. However, she finds solace in the shared responsibilities and family involvement, noting that while there is pressure, it brings immense satisfaction as an artist. "Managing acting isn't difficult as the responsibilities are shared and my family is involved. There is pressure, but it's very satisfying for me as an artiste," she emphasized.
A Mission to Amplify Women's Voices in Cinema
As a producer, Monal is driven by a clear vision: to champion stories centered on women and empowerment. "My sole focus would be to back stories related to female voices and empowerment," she stated. She aims to shift the narrative focus from the traditional hero's journey to authentic, society-reflecting tales, particularly drawing from unexplored Gujarati literature and folklore. "I want to bring out real stories which are a true reflection of our society. Also, I feel that Gujarati literature and folklore are unexplored, and I want to tap into that," Monal elaborated.
Furthermore, she is committed to creating a supportive environment for women in the industry. "My aim is to create a safe space for women artistes. I also want to give opportunities to female directors," she affirmed, underscoring her dedication to fostering gender inclusivity behind the scenes.
Commitment to Professionalism and Transparency
Monal is determined to uphold high standards of professionalism in her production ventures. "My priority is maintaining absolute professional transparency by ensuring every verbal agreement is documented and formalised through contracts and NDAs (non-disclosure agreements)," she declared. Having witnessed the financial uncertainties of the Gujarati film industry as an actor, she pledges to ensure punctual payments and cultivate an ego-free, collaborative atmosphere. "I aim to foster a supportive, ego-free environment where budgets are clear, and collaboration is rooted in mutual growth. I am here to learn alongside my team and ensure that no artiste or technician suffers," she added.
Expanding Horizons: From Gujarat to Global Markets
Her production strategy extends beyond personal projects, focusing on character-driven narratives that offer fresh perspectives. "We are prioritising character-driven narratives that meet the industry's need for fresh perspectives, like a teen girl's experience of first love or a mature woman falling in love again," Monal explained. She aims to attract talented writers and directors to create diverse, high-quality content with strong female leads.
Looking ahead, Monal and her team have set their sights on international expansion. "Our goal as producers is to look beyond Gujarat and explore international markets, shifting away from one-off projects towards a consistent, professional pipeline. This steady approach will allow us to face the challenges of global distribution with a clear, long-term strategy," she concluded, outlining a visionary path for her production house in the evolving landscape of cinema.
