Monika Varma Samtani

Monika is an Independent Producer and Emerging Talent Manager/A&R. She began her career in the 80s as a radio DJ in England and became the first South Asian TV news anchor for CBS Washington, DC in the 90s. Monika founded the South Asian House initiative as a hub to connect and elevate diverse creatives at music and film festivals.

As Founder of Ms. Media, she has worked as a publicist and EP for Oscar-qualified impact films and talent. Monika produced documentaries highlighting girls’ education in underserved communities, winning several film festival awards. During Covid, she was instrumental in gaining global recognition for "Power of Priya", India’s first female animated superhero named UN Women's 'gender equality champion', and “the Brown girl superhero the world needs right now” by The Washington Post.

Monika has a deep passion for discovering and championing untapped talent, leveraging her wide network, relationships, and experience to support the growth and success of artists. She is the producer and curator of Soundvilla, the Official South Asian Music Showcase presented by South Asian House at the SXSW Festival Austin and London 2025, and is moderating a South Asian Music panel in Austin with industry leaders.

Monika has been a cover feature on multiple trade magazines about her work, and is a SXSW and TEDx speaker.