Women in leadership roles are not just symbols of progress—they are catalysts for it. Their presence at decision-making tables is crucial for achieving gender justice and equality, as well as for driving broader social, economic, and political advancements. When women lead, governance becomes more inclusive, representative, and responsive to a wider range of perspectives. A shining example of this is Meghna Ghai Puri—a formidable figure in India’s media and education landscape. As the President of Whistling Woods International (WWI), one of Asia’s premier film and media institutions, she has played a pivotal role in expanding the school’s reach by establishing nine specialized schools within WWI, each addressing different areas of the media and entertainment industry. Her visionary leadership and tireless dedication have not only transformed WWI into a hub of creative excellence but have also earned her a well-deserved place among India’s top women leaders in education. This recognition stands as both a testament to her impact and a motivation for her continued pursuit of excellence.
From the Scratch
Meghna Ghai Puri did not initially envision herself stepping into the film industry. Raised in a protected and grounded environment despite being the daughter of legendary filmmaker Subhash Ghai—widely known as the “Showman” of Indian cinema—she was exposed to the industry as part of everyday life, not as an aspirational fantasy. Her parents ensured that the glitz and glamour remained outside the home, treating her father’s profession as just another job.
Her journey toward leadership began to take shape during her academic years in the UK, where she pursued business management and developed a strong interest in human resources, marketing, and communication. Rather than following a creative path in filmmaking, Meghna gravitated toward people-oriented roles and leadership. Through varied internships, including investment banking, working with a UK-based startup, and gaining hands-on experience across departments on her father’s film sets, she discovered her niche was not behind the camera but in building and leading institutions.
The turning point came when Mukta Arts launched its IPO, and Subhash Ghai decided to bring his long-cherished vision of establishing a world-class film institute to life. Meghna was called back from London to help shape what would eventually become Whistling Woods International. Though she had no formal background in setting up an educational institute, she embraced the challenge wholeheartedly. For her, Whistling Woods was more than a professional commitment—it was her first “baby,” a project rooted in purpose and passion.
As the President
As President of Whistling Woods International, Meghna Ghai Puri plays a multifaceted leadership role, overseeing not only the institute’s educational initiatives but also its core organizational functions—including human resources, safety, business development, and operations. With a firm belief that people are at the heart of any educational institution, she focuses on maintaining a healthy, harmonious environment for students, faculty, and staff alike. Her approach is centered on thoughtful decision-making and sustaining a culture of collaboration and well-being across the organization.
When it comes to competition, Meghna maintains a progressive perspective. She views Whistling Woods as being in competition only with itself, continually striving for improvement rather than comparison. In her view, the creative education sector in India is still developing and in need of more institutions—not rivals. The real challenge, she notes, lies in societal perceptions, where students often feel pressured to pursue traditional STEM careers over creative fields due to family or cultural expectations. Under her leadership, Whistling Woods remains committed to growth, innovation, and contributing to the larger ecosystem of creative education in the country.
On a Personal Note
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Meghna Ghai Puri draws strength and balance from a deeply personal source—Nichiren Buddhism, a philosophy she embraced over 15 years ago. This practice has become a vital anchor in her life, offering her clarity, resilience, and calm amid the complexities of leadership and the dynamic world of creative education. What resonates with her most is the philosophy’s practical nature—centered on action, courage, and human connection.
Her commitment to this practice extends beyond personal growth; it has become a means to empower others as well. Whether leading her team through challenges, fostering collaboration, or making tough yet compassionate decisions, Meghna integrates the principles of Nichiren Buddhism into her everyday leadership. For her, it is more than a belief—it is a transformative daily discipline that helps turn obstacles into opportunities and fuels both personal and professional evolution.
Whistling Woods International
Where Creativity Meets Excellence
What began as a daughter returning from London to support her father’s dream soon transformed into a lifelong mission of purpose and passion. For Meghna Ghai Puri, Whistling Woods International wasn’t just a professional challenge—it became a personal journey of building something meaningful from the ground up. With no blueprint in hand but a deep belief in the power of education and creativity, she helped bring to life an institution that would go on to redefine media and entertainment education in India. And thus, the story of Whistling Woods International began—not just as a film school, but as a vision rooted in innovation, inclusivity, and inspiration.
WWI in a Nutshell
Started in the year 2006, Whistling Woods International offers a diverse range of programs that cater to every facet of the media and entertainment industry. From the core of cinematic storytelling in Filmmaking and the transformative craft at the Actors’ Studio, to the strategic and creative disciplines of Media Communication & Management and Visual Communication Design, each program is designed to nurture talent with a blend of technical skill and artistic insight. The institute also offers specialized courses in Fashion & Costume Design, Animation & Game Design, and Music Production & Composition—ensuring students are industry-ready across both traditional and emerging creative domains.
Preparing Storytellers for a Changing Industry
In today’s ever-evolving film industry—where even star-studded films can falter—preparing students for success means far more than teaching them to direct or act. As Meghna Ghai Puri rightly points out, “You can never predict what the human mind will want tomorrow.” Over the past two decades, rapid transformations driven by social media, digital platforms, and technology have reshaped the rules of storytelling and audience engagement. At Whistling Woods International, the focus is not just on cultivating creativity but on building a holistic understanding of the industry. “We help students appreciate the craft and the power of good storytelling, both from Indian and global cinema,” she explains. Equally important is financial literacy. “Creativity is subjective, but understanding the economics of filmmaking—budgets, profit margins, rights sales—is essential.”
Through a blend of film screenings, masterclasses, and one-on-one mentorship, students are exposed to the realities of the creative world. Highlighting this impact, she shares the story of a recent alumna whose film Mrs. gained critical acclaim, echoing the unexpected success of The Great Indian Kitchen. For Meghna, the foundation of great storytelling lies in empathy—“because truly great stories begin with the ability to understand and connect with others.”
Bridging Education and Employment
Being deeply rooted in the film and media industry certainly gives Whistling Woods International an edge when it comes to student placements and internships—but as Meghna Ghai Puri emphasizes, it’s not just about connections. “Our goodwill plays a role, yes, but if we hadn’t done a good job, no one would hire our students,” she asserts. Over the years, the industry has come to trust the quality of education and talent emerging from WWI. In fact, the alumni network has grown so strong and embedded within the creative ecosystem that the institution often collaborates directly with former students to support new graduates—creating a cycle of mentorship, opportunity, and professional growth.
Pioneering the Future of Media
Whistling Woods International has always been at the forefront of integrating new technologies into its curriculum and operations. With an Emerging Media Lab and active participation in global forums such as the NAB in Las Vegas, where the institution presents papers on cutting-edge topics like AI in filmmaking and virtual production, WWI ensures that its students remain ahead of the curve.
By providing hands-on experience with the latest innovations, Whistling Woods ensures that its graduates are not only prepared for the current landscape but also equipped to shape the future of media and entertainment. Looking ahead, the institute remains committed to advancing its technological capabilities, continuing to lead the way in both education and industry integration.
