Whistling Woods International empowers creative talent with scholarships, mentorship, and inclusive education, led by President Ms. Meghna Ghai Puri.
Ms. Meghna Ghai Puri
In a recent interaction, Ms. Meghna Ghai Puri, President of Whistling Woods International, highlighted how WWI nurtures its students’ creative growth through industry-aligned education and hands-on mentorship
1. Whistling Woods International has been in the news for its recent collaboration with the IE Screen Foundation to launch a new scholarship initiative. What was the motivation behind this collaboration?
At Whistling Woods International, our endeavor has been to nurture talent. Over the years, we have met some of the most remarkable students that have had the passion, potential, and determination and to further encourage, guide and support these students, we provide several scholarships.
Our partnership with the IE Screen Foundation is rooted in a shared vision - a vision of making world-class creative education more accessible, more inclusive, and more empowering. What truly resonated with us about this collaboration was their deep understanding of the industry’s evolving landscape and their commitment to championing diverse, fresh voices in storytelling.
The IE Screen Foundation Scholarship is an important addition to our scholarship ecosystem - specifically designed for our students from Filmmaking and Screenwriting. These are bright, driven individuals who deserve a platform but face economic barriers. Through this initiative, we aim to ensure that financial limitations never stand in the way of artistic ambition.
For us, it’s about sending a clear message that at Whistling Woods, if you have the talent, the passion, and the vision - we will stand with you, every step of the way.
This is how we build the future of Indian cinema - one empowered storyteller at a time.
2. What are the primary criteria that Whistling Woods reviews when collaborating on scholarship programs?
At Whistling Woods International, every scholarship represents a commitment - to nurture talent, remove barriers, and empower futures. We approach every partnership with the same care and intentionality that defines our institution.
We seek collaborators who share our values of excellence, inclusivity, and long-term impact. Our key criteria include:
- Creative Merit & Academic Potential
We look for students who don’t just display technical skill, but bring with them a distinct voice, a fresh perspective, and the ambition to grow
- Holistic Financial Need
True need goes beyond numbers. We evaluate the full picture - family background, life circumstances, and personal challenges - to ensure that support reaches where it’s needed most
- Aligned Values
Our partners must share our belief in democratizing education and in creating a space where diverse voices can thrive
- Transparent, Student-First Selection
We insist on fairness, clarity, and integrity in how recipients are chosen. The process must always put the student first.
Because at Whistling Woods, we don’t just support students - we champion dreams, ensuring that talent and passion- not privilege defines success.
3. What are some of the other scholarships programs offered by WWI across various courses and programs?
As an institution, we are committed to making quality education accessible to all, and to bridge the gap, we offer a range of impactful scholarship programs that empower students from diverse backgrounds. Our comprehensive scholarship portfolio includes:
- Mohammed Rafi Music Scholarship
Launched on Mohammed Rafi’s 100th birth anniversary at the Cadence Music Festival in May 2025, this annual award supports a deserving WWI School of Music student, celebrating his enduring musical legacy - Lata Mangeshkar Scholarship
Introduced in June 2016 as a 100% fee waiver across two- and three-year programs, this prestigious scholarship honours Lata Mangeshkar’s impact on Indian music - Amitabh Bachchan Scholarship - Sponsored by Mr. Anand Pandit
Endowed jointly by filmmaker Anand Pandit, this annual scholarship supports outstanding filmmakers or media students. Awarded on Teacher’s Day from 2016 onward, it commemorates the cinema icon’s legacy - Dilip Kumar Scholarship
A merit-based tuition scholarship introduced in 2014 for acting and filmmaking diploma students. Awardees are selected based on entrance performance and sustained academic excellence - Subhash Ghai Vidya Daan & Sunanda Murli Manohar Scholarships
Granted at WWI events to standout students, including those affiliated with the Salaam Baalak Trust (NGO)-adding another dimension to the institute’s philanthropic support
These along with many other scholarships that we provide, don't just cover a percentage of the tuition fees - they provide access to our entire ecosystem of learning, including our exceptional industry connections, extensive alumni networks, state-of-the-art facilities, and ongoing mentorship that extends well beyond graduation. Each program is thoughtfully designed to identify and nurture specific types of talent across the full spectrum of creative disciplines that WWI excels in.
4. How do you see initiatives like these impacting accessibility of education, especially for students who may not have the financial means to approach WWI?
Our scholarship initiatives embody access, equality, and empowerment. For many students, especially first-generation artists, these programs transform dreams into thriving and successful careers. At WWI, we believe talent and passion should be the true measure of success. With world-class faculty, strong industry connections, a comprehensive curriculum, and a dynamic learning environment, we’re not just educating students-we’re shaping a more diverse, inclusive, and future-ready creative industry.
5. Beyond financial support, does WWI also offer mentorship or career guidance support for students once they are part of WWI various programs?
At Whistling Woods International, we believe true success comes from nurturing the individual not just creatively, but emotionally and professionally.
Beyond financial support, we offer ongoing mentorship, career guidance, and a deeply supportive ecosystem. Our faculty are industry experts who mentor students well beyond the classroom. Our alumni, a powerful network of over 4,200 professionals worldwide, regularly returns for advice.
Furthermore, from internships to masterclasses and career counselling, our Student Services team ensures every student is prepared-not just to enter the industry, but to lead it.
6. What is the total percentage of students that qualify for scholarship and financial aids. Can you discuss some numbers?
Each year, we extend scholarships to over 120 deserving students across our programs - representing 15–20% of our annual intake.
Our selection process is holistic and rigorous, combining academic and creative excellence with a clear assessment of financial need. Final selections are personally overseen by our Dean, Mr. Ravi Gupta, to ensure fairness and integrity.
These scholarships don’t just fund education - they unlock opportunity, enabling students from diverse backgrounds to contribute fresh perspectives and strengthen the future of the creative industry.
7. As a prestigious institute for Filmmaking, Acting, Technology and Mass communication how do you ensure that WWI stays the first choice for students interested in creative and media fields for growth of great new talent from all walks of life.
At Whistling Woods International, our mission has always been clear to shape the storytellers, visionaries, and leaders of tomorrow. We don’t just teach creativity; we immerse students in it, equipping them with the tools, mentorship, and industry exposure to thrive from day one.
Every program is built in collaboration with top industry minds and backed by state-of-the-art infrastructure. Our faculty are not just educators, they’re creators and changemakers guiding students through real-world challenges.
What truly sets us apart is our commitment to access and inclusion. Through scholarships, mentorship, and strong industry ties, we ensure that talent from every walk of life has the opportunity to flourish. WWI isn’t just an institute, it’s a launchpad for the future of India’s creative and media landscape.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
