From Jaipur with love — building a romantic life in Australia

Screenwriter, Mithila Gupta thought her life would mimic her beloved Bollywood films — full of swooning and drama. But something was stuck, and she was an adult before she could embrace her vibrant Indian heritage.

Screenwriter, Mithila Gupta grew up obsessing over Bollywood heart-throbs, thinking she would meet her own prince in a movie perfect meet-cute, involving serenades and moonlight.

Her parents had left their home in Jaipur, India, to move their daughter to Australia, with hopes of more opportunities.

Mithila's parents succeeded in building a life in Australia, though the family had periods of isolation and longing for home.

Mithila became a screenwriter, and worked on Neighbours to introduce the first Indian family to Ramsay Street.

As covid loomed, her father became ill, and Mithila found herself losing hope in dating apps, while she searched for a partner.

During Melbourne's lockdown, her father’s face-reading — a skill he learned when he was young in north India — helped Mithila find her way to the love she had yearned for.

This episode of Conversations touches on origin stories, life stories, loss, reflection, migrant life, personal stories, grief, immigration, Bollywood, Shahrukh Khan, Jaipur, Four Years Later, SBS, screenwriting, show runner, Mithila Gupta, Indian heritage, and Neighbours.

Conversations draws you deeper into the life story of someone you may have heard about, but never met. Journey into their world, joining them on epic adventures to unfamiliar places, back in time to wild moments of history, and into their deepest memories, to be moved by personal stories of resilience and redemption.

Hosted by Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski, Conversations is the ABC's most popular long-form interview program. Every day we explore the vast tapestry of human experience, weaving together narratives from history, science, art, and personal storytelling.

Conversations Live is coming to the stage! Join Sarah Kanowski and Richard Fidler for an unmissable night of unforgettable stories, behind-the-scenes secrets, and surprise guests. Australia’s most-loved podcast — live, up close, and in the moment. Find out more at the Conversations website.

• No. of episodes: 2,000
• Latest episode: 2025-10-09
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