Westminster alumna Supriya Sobti Gupta has recently been awarded an India Achievers Honours in the Media and Journalism category for her contribution to investigative documentary filmmaking in India. This category recognises students and alumni who have made a path-breaking contribution in the field of media and journalism, demonstrating a commitment to democratic values, unbiased reporting and innovation.
Supriya graduated from Westminster with a degree in Television Production BA Honours in 2005. Supriya's journey in pursuing a career in investigative journalism was both challenging and rewarding. Despite initial resistances, she demonstrated resilience and determination, securing a role at the BBC during her first year of university, a pivotal moment for her career path. Her subsequent collaborations with leading broadcasters worldwide further underscore her success and impact in the field.
Supriya later returned to Mumbai in 2009 with a focused determination to tell bold stories from her home country of India. She soon found herself producing Bad Boy Billionaires: India, a 2020 investigative docuseries about the rich and notorious tycoons of the country, which remains one of the most widely watched documentary series from India to date. Soon after, Supriya made her directorial debut in 2023 with a Netflix true crime sports documentary titled Caught Out: Crime. Corruption. Cricket, which was shortlisted for the prestigious Grierson Award.
Alongside her accomplishments in docuseries production and directing, Supriya founded Media on Wheels (MOW) Productions, a production company that focuses on stories that entertain, inspire and cause an impact. MOW produces news packages, documentaries and corporate films which share unique voices from those who are largely unheard within India and Asia that carry the potential to generate international recognition.
The Achievers programme champions exceptional Indian talent nurtured within the UK, celebrating those who have pursued British academic programmes. This prestigious initiative fosters a thriving community of global achievers whose contributions shape not only the relationship between the UK and India, but also the global discourse on critical socio-economic issues. Led by students and alumni themselves, Achievers is organised in partnership with the British Council in India and in association with the UK Government’s Department for Business and Trade.
About the award, Supriya commented: “I am deeply honoured to be recognised as an Achiever in the Media and Journalism category. This achievement holds special significance for me, as it validates not only my dedication and hard work but also my unwavering passion for storytelling.
“Choosing to pursue a degree in journalism and TV Production at Westminster was a decision I made against the advice of many. I was cautioned about the challenges of building a career in journalism, including the time and effort required to see a return on my investment. However, I listened to my inner voice and followed my dream.
“Finding a job at the BBC during my first year at University set me on an incredible path. I am proud of the ground-breaking documentaries we have created and the recognition my work has received. I wouldn't change a thing about my journey and am eternally grateful to all the friends, colleagues and mentors in the UK who continue to support me along the way.”
Supriya’s achievements directly contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4: Quality Education, 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions and 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Find out more about the Television Production BA Honours course at the University of Westminster.
Related articles
