In showbiz, education is always an asset, shares Meghana Gaonkar

Meghana Gaonkar began receiving film offers as early as 18, but her father always emphasised, “Education first.” Honouring his words, she pursued her degree. “My father’s long-standing dream of seeing me as an IAS officer was always at the back of my mind. This PhD is for my father. It means the world to me to have accomplished this and to now have ‘Doctor’ attached to my name,” she beams, having recently been conferred a PhD from Mumbai University for her thesis titled ‘The Metamorphosis of Literature into Cinema: A Study in Adaptation’
‘THERE’S A BIAS AGAINST ACTORS IN ACADEMIA’
She reveals, “My initial proposal was rejected, not for lack of merit, but due to a bias against actors in academia. I remember standing before a panel, and a female professor dismissed my proposal, believing that actors lack the intellectual capacity to pursue a PhD. It was disheartening, but I refused to let it define me. I worked doubly hard, and six months later, my topic was approved,” she recalls.

‘ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT IS NOT JUST PERSONAL; IT’S A MESSAGE TO ASPIRING ACTORS’
“In showbiz, we enter when opportunity strikes, so many dive into films without completing their education. It was tough for me too, especially when I was shooting backto-back, but I made sure I always made time for my studies. I even completed my master’s degree alongside acting career,” she says.