India, July 3 -- For years, some of the most consequential conversations between India and Hollywood haven't unfolded on stage, but backstage. As a member of the International Emmy Awards Board and the first Indian on the board of New York's Fashion Institute of Technology, Kavita Gupta has quietly built a reputation as one of the entertainment industry's most influential connectors. Whether championing Vir Das before International Emmy decision-makers, introducing emerging Indian actors to global creators, or bringing together filmmakers, and investors, Kavita has spent years creating opportunities that often begin with a single conversation. Excerpts from a chat with her:

One of the things I am most proud of is being a bridge between i...