Special Editions
Breaking Barriers: Women Entrepreneurs in India Who Will Inspire You in 2023
Published
3 years agoon
Nomita Jeswani, Mumbai Uncensored, 1st November 2023:
From the time when women weren’t even allowed to step out of the house and were just expected to take care of their house and family to the time now when women have started building their own businesses and achieved great heights, India has progressed a lot.
Today, women have made their mark in every industry, and they continue to expand with each passing day. They managed everything like warriors, even though breaking through all the taboos and patriarchy and coming forward was not an easy journey. They fought, they fell but never stopped and now are soaring in beautiful colours.
If you also want to start up something new but still lack the motivation, here is a list of such Women Entrepreneurs in India who will inspire you in 2023. Check it out!
- Janvi & Helly Jogatar

Janvi and Helly Jogatar are two sisters who came together to create TIESTA, a unique footwear company that believes in the power of customization. Helly, a seasoned fashion consultant brings her expertise to the table when it comes to creating stunning designs and improving the customer experience. Meanwhile, Janvi, who has a specialization in shoe design from FDDI, is responsible for the brand’s marketing, collaborations, and PR.
At TIESTA, they believe that no one size fits all. They specialize in creating luxury women’s footwear that is customized to fit perfectly. From Euro 32 to Euro 46, we cater to all sizes and types of feet, including those with broad, narrow, arch, flat, or LLD issues. Their customization options are endless, making it easy for customers without sacrificing comfort or quality.
With a full in-house staff of designers and producers, they have the assurance to create and deliver the most ideal and comfortable shoes. Also, they are a vegan, PETA-approved business that is committed to maintaining India’s long-standing legacy of shoemaking while also giving their craftsmen access to health benefits and a wonderful working environment.
Their brand’s overarching theme is MOVE YOUR WAY | MOVE WITH TIESTA. They recognize that everyone is different and has unique needs and believe that there is a certain freedom in embracing that diversity without making any compromises.
- Nidhi Shah

Nidhi Shah who was a teacher in an IB school went on a hunt for the perfect school for her six-year-old daughter, Amyra. However, the more schools she visited, the more uneasy she became about sending her to a guided and instructed environment. She feared that her unique interests and passions would not be nurtured and that she would be forced to adhere to a strict curriculum that might not cater to her learning style. she didn’t want her to lose her freedom to explore and experiment and worried that her pace of learning wouldn’t be respected.
So, she and her husband made the unconventional decision to embrace unschooling or self-led learning. They didn’t want to force our daughter into a conventional system that didn’t prioritize her individuality. Instead, they allowed her to learn at her own pace, follow her interests, and explore the world around her organically.
Their learning journey took them to off-grid places, where they learned about farming, waste management, and simple living from various tribes. They also explored different subjects like math, science, Hindi, art, and more, without a fixed curriculum or routine. They found that trusting the process and respecting our daughter’s pace has been the key to her learning success.
They faced criticism from those who do not understand their approach to learning. But they believed that their role as parents is to provide a safe and loving environment that allows their daughter to grow and learn in her unique way.
Overall, they are happy and content with the journey and hope to continue to support and nurture their daughter’s interests and passions, as she continues to grow and learn in her own way.
- Shruti Verma

Shruti Verma, the Group CEO & Co-Founder of Skoodos & Skoodos Ventures, Spherion Solutions Private Limited & SELIN Club, boasts over nine years of experience in the educational sector. Her career is characterized by an unwavering dedication to making quality education universally accessible. Holding a Master’s degree in International Business and International Marketing from the University of Jaen in Spain, she has leveraged her education to meticulously oversee execution and marketing strategies, resulting in the exponential growth of her companies.
Shruti’s journey in education was ignited by a profound belief in its transformative potential. Following her Master’s degree, she identified the need for innovation in the education sector. Leveraging her substantial background in management and marketing, she co-founded Skoodos with the goal of marrying business expertise with a commitment to egalitarianism, ensuring quality education for all.
Navigating the ever-evolving educational landscape has posed challenges, from staying ahead of industry trends to scaling operations while maintaining an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction and educational excellence. These challenges have only reinforced her commitment to delivering the best possible educational experience.
Her entrepreneurial journey has imparted valuable lessons on the significance of market insights, customer-centricity, and adaptability. She emphasizes aligning a company’s growth trajectory with the dynamic demands of the industry, coupled with unwavering dedication, resilience, and adherence to core values.
Shruti’s message to aspiring entrepreneurs in the education sector is clear: never lose sight of the transformative impact your efforts can have. Challenges are opportunities for learning and growth. Stay committed, resilient, and passionate about your cause, for in education, you possess the power to change lives.
- Parul Kakad

Parul Kakad, known as “mumbaimummy,” is a revered mom influencer and the mother of four beautiful children. She embarked on a remarkable journey to celebrate the essence of motherhood through her platform. Little did she know that this endeavor would blossom into a thriving venture. With over four years of experience as a content creator, Parul has discovered that content creation encompasses much more than meets the eye.
Parul’s venture began with the encouragement of friends who recognized her unique position as a mother of four and her ability to share her experiences on motherhood and children. Their suggestion led her to embark on her path as a mom influencer, embracing the world of content creation.
For Parul, inspiration arises from the small moments in life that can influence one in both positive and negative ways. These moments serve as the seeds of thought and catalysts for change. They inspire her to choose her path of personal growth. The journey has had its share of difficulties, and as a woman, Parul understands the power of transforming challenges into strength.
Beyond her thriving business, Parul is on a self-healing journey. She recognizes that to help others heal, she must first heal herself.
Parul imparts a valuable message to aspiring women entrepreneurs: happiness resides within. Find your happy space, dedicate time to self-care, seek balance, and extend a helping hand to fellow women. The journey is not about competition but rather about collective growth within the realm of collective consciousness. Parul Kakad’s journey is a testament to the strength of embracing the little things in life and channeling them towards personal and collective empowerment.
- Payal Narang

Payal Narang is a Jolly Phonics Trainer and Teacher by profession who has done her education in child Psychology She started her journey in 2012 when she moved to India and was surprised that hardly any schools here had a phonics program.
She then started by spreading awareness about it and providing private classes to kids. By her instruction, children as young as 3-3.5 years old were able to begin reading on their own.
She started it small by providing home tuition to children. Since she always wanted to have a business, eventually she grew and was able to establish her centre with three classrooms and three teachers. Although the pandemic was a bit scarier for her, it led to better days as now her business has expanded, and she provides classes both online and offline and has a wider set of students
- Alpana Deo

Alpana Deo is a Houston-based teacher, author, blogger, voice-over artist, and podcast host. Her passion for writing started early on in her life, but it wasn’t until she became a mother that took her first steps into publishing. Writing for the Austin South Asian Local Newsletter was just the beginning, and soon enough, her blog “Mothers Gurukul” was born. With very little knowledge of website maintenance and SEO, she took the plunge into the blogging world, and today, she is proud to be recognized as one of the Top 200 English Blogs in India.
“Along with writing, I am also passionate about the voice-over industry. I won the Orange Flower Runner-up award in 2022 for the most empowering category. So after my second pregnancy, with limited free time, podcasts came to my rescue. To fulfill my love for public speaking and desire to help other moms, I started my English Show, Mother’s Gurukul Podcast, for other parents.” said Alpana Deo.
Alongside writing, she has a strong passion for the voice-over industry. she is blessed to be fluent in English, Hindi, and Marathi, which has allowed her to summarize many audiobooks in these languages. In 2022, she was honored to receive the Orange Flower Runner-up award in the “most empowering” category for her voice-over work. And in 2021, she launched her Hindi podcast “Baton Baton Mein,” where she talks about simple yet overlooked topics that are part of our daily lives. She also had the opportunity to interview various celebrities from different fields, including Lataa Sabberwal, Rekha Diwekar, and Dr. Swati Lodha.
As a voice-over artist, Alpana Deo has summarized numerous audiobook summaries in Hindi and Marathi. She firmly believes that with a strong desire and willingness to give one’s best effort, anyone can tilt the odds in their favor. Alpana considers every step taken towards her goal as a milestone. Despite facing visa limitations that barred her from working for a decade, she explored her hobbies and turned them into a career. Alpana acknowledges that although she has acquired a lot of knowledge, there is still a lot more to learn. Nevertheless, looking back, she feels content with her journey.
- Dr. Zahra Hussain

A Physiotherapist by profession and a Fashion Jewellery Business owner by passion has been running her clinic as a full-time physiotherapist for the past 11 plus years and parallelly owns an online jewellery brand where she sells her designs via Instagram, their website and does alot of exhibitions all over India.
By the brand name of Cherry Blossoms Designs, she has made a successful business along side her fulltime medical practice. Her designs are worn by various celebs like the ravishing Sunny Leone, Jasmine Bhasin, Tina Datta, Elnaz Norouzi, Nikki Tamboli any many more and famous singers like Purva Mantri, Shalmali Kholgade and the most amazing Neha Kakkar! Neha has worn her jewellery in almost every episode of the current season of Indian Idol and many other shows she did.
Being a successful doctor, she was questioned a lot for venturing into the jewellery business, but she was so passionate about it that she did it anyway and is currently running a successful jewellery business! Not only is she a doctor and an entrepreneur, but also a mother of 2 beautiful small children. She has proved to be a great inspiration for all women looking to start or run an existing business and most importantly follow their dreams.
- Ramana Shah

HolidayArt, is a travel company founded by Ramana Shah in 2017. It is a travel company that specialises in hosting domestic and international tours across the globe.
From working in corporate jobs with Kingfisher Airlines to unwillingly working in the banking sector after its closure, Ramana has gone through a lot of struggles to earn her bread. Leaving the job and returning to travel industry almost after 6 years was not an easy task for her until her friend encouraged her to start up something of her own. And this came with the idea of starting her own travel company named HolidayArt. Doing it single handed especially when she was the first girl child in the family to start a business was difficult, but she was supported strongly by her friends and family. Her father being the most inspirational for her. She believes in going an extra mile for their customers. Customer delight is their mantra.
Her journey of ups and downs didn’t end up here. It was the pandemic that led to the downfall of her career again, but she didn’t lose any hope. She took it positively. She took the time of 2 years of zero business to learn more about travel and tourism and rebuilt. With tourism getting back to normalcy they are rising to achieve new heights.
- Sneha Paliwal

Sneha Paliwal‘s journey as an influencer began six years ago when she made her debut on Instagram as one of the first mommy bloggers. She stumbled upon this profession by chance when she started posting candid pictures of her daughter and herself on the platform after quitting her job and becoming a homemaker. Her posts quickly gained popularity among users, resulting in an increase in her followers.
Over time, Sneha’s social media presence grew by leaps and bounds, and businesses began to take notice. Today, she commands a following of more than 150,000 people on her Instagram page @highstreetmommy, and has collaborated with over 800 brands, including established names such as Myntra, Amazon, and Flipkart. Her stellar work in the industry even caught the attention of Bollywood actress Sunny Leone, who interviewed her for Hauterfly.
Sneha’s rise to success was anything but easy, especially since she was a newcomer to the industry without any connections. She persevered through the challenges of managing a nuclear family and shooting with children, and managed to strike a balance between her personal and professional life with remarkable skill. Her journey serves as an inspiration to many, and her success story stands as a testament to the power of hard work and dedication.
- Garima Gupta

Garima Gupta is a creative visionary, driven by her passion for designing unforgettable experiences for her clients. As the founder of Brand Kundal, based in Gurugram, Haryana, she is dedicated to creating exclusive bags and potlis that cater to the demands of the affluent clients she serves.
Garima’s journey began when she realized the need for exclusive bags and potlis in her own big family. She created her first design, which was coordinated perfectly with the wedding theme, and it became a turning point in her life. After the initial success, Garima decided to take it more seriously and enter the wedding industry.
Today, Garima’s vision for Kundal is to become a brand known for its exclusivity, available not only in India but also for international clients. She aims to give each product a modern twist while retaining the Indian heritage, creating designs that are contemporary and edgy.
Garima believes that every bag tells a story, and she wants to take the traditional need for potlis and clutches to another dimension by adding her unique touch. With her creative soul and dedication to her craft, Garima is sure to continue making waves in the industry and creating unforgettable experiences for her clients.
- Shraddha Sancheti

Shraddha Sancheti is a formidable force behind the House of Dhaatu, inspiring women worldwide. Her brand showcases stunning jewellery designs while embodying inclusivity and affordability. They idea appeared from a deep understanding of the disappointment that customers feel when they cannot afford a piece they adore. She created a space where anyone can purchase unique, affordable jewellery without sacrificing quality or design.
Shraddha persevered through the pandemic, leading her team with grace and respect for their safety and well-being. Her ambition came true as a result of her persistent dedication and devotion. Her ability to keep going in spite of difficulty serves as an example for people hoping to fulfil their aspirations.
She proves that the world needs more women like her, who harness their passion and turn it into a force for good. Her success serves as a beacon of hope for all those who seek to make a positive difference in the world. She is a true inspiration, and the House of Dhaatu is a testament to her indomitable spirit.
- Prof. Dr. Neha Yadav

An Assistant Professor of Marketing at FLAME School of Business in Pune, Prof. Dr. Neha Yadav has always been interested in researching women’s issues, particularly around feminine hygiene products. She was fascinated by the story of Aditi Gupta, the founder of Menstrupedia, an innovative menstrual education platform. Despite coming from a conservative background, Gupta was shocked by the lack of awareness around menstruation and founded Menstrupedia to educate and empower women.
Through her work, Gupta has challenged societal taboos and rituals surrounding menstruation, inspiring women to break free from outdated beliefs and perceptions. As a social entrepreneur, she has faced resistance and criticism but has persevered with strength and courage.
Prof. Dr. Yadav sees Gupta’s story as an inspiration for women entrepreneurs who are dedicated to social causes. She believes that these entrepreneurs have the power to bring about significant changes in society and looks forward to seeing the impact they will have on a larger scale.
- Chayanika Moulik

Chayanika Moulik is not just an artist, she’s a visionary. With a professional and educational background in Graphic Design and Literature, she has always pursued art in some form or the other, be it digital or traditional media.
She conducts art workshops named Art & Chai across the country where she shares her passion with others and helps them explore their creative side. The idea behind her workshops is to create a space where beginners can aspire to become artists and grown-ups can paint freely like a child.
Chayanika’s passion for art and her desire to share it with others is truly inspiring. Through her workshops, she helps people find a method in madness and calm amidst chaos.
- Dr. Rucha Rawal

An Assistant Professor in a renowned institute in Anand, Dr. Rucha Raval is also a mom blogger. She started blogging after her son, Parv’s birth. She believes to provide the information to moms-to-be and new moms from her own experiences. She also makes interesting content on mom and kid’s fashion.
She was pursuing her PhD when she concieved. Although it was very difficult, but with the support of her husband and parents and her dedication, she managed to complete her degree after her child’s birth. She has her unique style of parenting and believes more in providing practical knowledge and so does not force her child into the stereotyped education. Her content provides useful tips to the parents while dealing with the children.
- Arpita Mukherjee

Arpita Mukherjee is a mom influencer by the name @ikabir_yadav on Instagram past two and a half year. Her journey began five years ago on the popular short video app called “Tik Tok”. With the followers more than 1 million and a verified pet’s account, the platform provided her with the opportunity to work with celebrities including Siddharth Malhotra, Bpraak, Karanvir Bohra, Awez Darbar and also got featured in TheBetterIndia.
Taking a break from the platform due to her miscarriage, little did she know that her journey on the platform was destined till there only because of the disappearance of the app, erasing all her hard work. She always missed being an influencer, but motherhood became her priority specially in the times of pandemic.
Being blessed by having a great husband and friends who didn’t let her journey as an influencer end and motivated her to continue. She had a comeback on the social media, this time as a mom influencer. She now creates relatable, sarcastic, and funny reels on motherhood with 65000 followers and a reach of 136 million views. She has also collaborated with over 100 brands, including Myntra, Amazon, Firstcry, Fisher Price, Baby Chakra and POGO, and featured on the social media platforms of many prestigious brands. Balancing two kids and two pets has been challenging for her but she has been enjoying a fantastic journey so far.
- Nabila Malim

Nabila Malim is a remarkable entrepreneur who has carved her own path in the business world. She is the proud owner of two distinct firms: The Learning-Fitness-Hobby Centre (LHF Centre) and Hibah~Gifts|Beauty|Decor.
LHF Centre stands as a holistic destination, offering a diverse range of academic, fitness, and hobby classes. From maths, sciences, language lessons, and personality development courses to computer skills, her center provides a comprehensive learning experience. Fitness enthusiasts can find an array of exciting options available, namely Yoga, Zumba, Pilates, Swimming, Bellydance, and more, catering to both children and adults. The center also offers a plethora of hobby classes, such as dance, art and craft, and candle making, fostering creativity and personal growth.
On the other hand, Hibah~GBD embodies Nabila’s passion for customized natural skincare products. This venture specializes in curating hampers that combine natural skincare, haircare, bodycare essentials, select makeup items, and scented candles. Each gift hamper is made with pure dedication to provide premium, personalized experiences while promoting the use of skin-friendly and eco-conscious products.
Her journey began at a young age when she discovered her love for teaching. Encouraged by her own teachers, she embarked on a path of continuous learning and growth, acquiring certifications and honing her skills to offer comprehensive courses. As a woman entrepreneur, she faced many challenges, balancing her business ambitions with family responsibilities, particularly as a mother. However, her unwavering patience and determination allowed her to persevere and succeed.
Throughout her entrepreneurial journey, Nabila has encountered people who doubted her abilities due to her gender. Yet, she remained steadfast in pursuing her passions and integrating her loves into her business ventures. For her, these endeavors are not merely about earning money but about following her true calling and expressing her boundless passion. With strategic planning and bravery, she encourages women to embrace their entrepreneurial spirit and create their own success stories, never letting gender stereotypes hold them back.
- Meghna Sompura

Meghna Sompura, the visionary force behind Adorn Art Creations, operates as a versatile Mix Media Artist. Her passion lies in artistry, and she seamlessly navigates various mediums, including acrylic paints, watercolors, textured art, clay work, resin art, and alcohol inks. Meghna’s creations extend into home decor and gifting, where her work brings joy and adoration to those who encounter it.
Her journey in the world of art began with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from Sir J J School of Arts, Mumbai. Art and music have always held a special place in her heart, deeply rooted in her family’s artistic heritage. Meghna’s ancestry boasts sculptors and artists, nurturing her love and affinity for artistic expressions.
Inspiration comes from her father, Bhupendra Sompura, a music composer, her multi-talented uncle Suresh Sompura, and life coach Manali Mehta. Despite her remarkable journey, Meghna has faced her share of difficulties, including personal traumas and battles with depression and anxiety. She encountered obstacles and setbacks, but her unwavering spirit led her to establish her small art business, starting from scratch and handling every aspect independently.
Beyond her business, Meghna also takes on the role of a legal and accounting administrator for a NYC-based company to support her art venture. A devoted single mother of a 20-year-old multi-talented daughter, Maitri Joshi, who has been a shining light of positivity and inspiration in Meghna’s life. Maitri has been a constant source of support, always standing by her mother’s side in every aspect of life and now in her business.
For aspiring women entrepreneurs, Meghna emphasizes the importance of financial independence, resilience, and the belief that age is no barrier to starting anew. She encourages women to harness their capabilities, multitasking skills, and unwavering determination, ensuring that success becomes their lifelong companion.
- Unnati Shinde

Unnati Shinde, the Creative Head at Studio Link Pvt Ltd, oversees the operations of the design specialty studio established in 1978 by her late father, Mr. Vivek Shinde, and her uncle, Mr. Atmanand. Pioneers in Publicity Designing for Bollywood Movies, the studio boasts a longstanding history and has become a creative hallmark in the industry. With a portfolio that includes renowned films in Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Punjabi, and other languages, they have created posters for iconic movies like Aashiqui, Angoor, Karan Arjun, and the web series Aashram, among others.
Born into a family of artists, Unnati holds a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from L.S Raheja School of Art. With exceptional artists as parents and a rich family heritage in various art fields, the choice to pursue a career in art came naturally to her.
Her journey has been inspired by her parents, especially her father, Vivek Shinde, and her mother, Lina, both remarkable artists. Uncles Ashish Sompura and Atmanand have also played influential roles. Legends such as Picasso, Monet, and Van Gogh hold a special place in her artistic inspirations.
Beyond her role in the design studio since the past 17 years, Unnati is a fine artist with exhibitions at prestigious galleries like Jehangir Art Gallery and Nehru Centre. She also manages a small business, the ‘Busy Bags Project,’ offering handcrafted tote bags with quirky designs. Additionally, Unnati serves as a Telepathic Animal Communicator, acting as a messenger between animals and humans, addressing lost cases, emotional trauma, and general communication.
For aspiring women entrepreneurs, Unnati encourages them to follow the mantra of Dream-Believe-Achieve. She emphasizes trusting the process and having faith in the entrepreneurial journey.
- Rashi Hiten Savla

Rashi Hiten Savla is a professional fashion designer with a BSc in fashion design. Additionally, she is a passionate jewelry company owner and handcrafted accessories maker. During the pandemic, she started creating handcrafted accessories at home and decided to launch her own jewelry brand on Instagram called @Belle._co05. Belle means beautiful, and as someone who has always been fond of creating new designs, it seemed like the perfect fit.
Starting her own brand was not an easy task, but Rashi was supported by her parents, who always encouraged her to move forward and make her brand a success. After just one year, Belle._co05 became a successful business, and Rashi’s passion had turned into her profession. Her handcrafted accessories were worn by many celebrities, including Charul Malik, Annerivajani, Priyanka Udhwani, and Shivani Patel, among others. Additionally, Rashi has showcased her designs in many exhibitions across India.
Now, Belle._co05 is set to launch on Amazon and Flipkart, and Rashi’s dream is to make her brand popular all over India. She wants to make her family feel proud and sees this as just a small milestone towards achieving greater success. Rashi’s brand, Belle._co05, has transformed her life, and she feels ecstatic watching her small business grow. As someone who has always been passionate about creating new things and turning them into reality, Rashi believes that reaching one’s goals is possible if they dare to dream big.
- Shreya Patodia

Shreyaa Patodia is a visual artist based in Jaipur known for her mixed-media textured artworks. She has done her graduation and post-graduation in Visual Arts from Jaipur only. Just like any other middle-class Indian family, her family too thought that art can just be a hobby not a career option, but she managed to convince them. Her paintings have been exhibited at many reputed art galleries in India and her works are also in the collections of private collectors.
Shreyaa primarily uses mixed media and experiments with numerous mediums to create paintings with a variety of textures and patterns. The usage of textures along with various mediums like Black Japan and Mineral colors is the signature style that attracts. She uses textures and bold brush strokes to create a visual aesthetic to convey her thoughts. She also creates Mural/Wall Art and adds a creative appeal to commercial and residential spaces with her artworks. Her artworks are inspired by the characters, and stories from mythology, her travel experiences, and the people she meets.
Working as a freelancer since 2015, her initial days were quite tough when she could not find potential clients or art galleries. Facing though a lot of ups and down, she finally came up with her brand called Mityaa by Shreya. Mityaa by Shreyaa is a one-stop art solution for businesses and individuals.
Mityaa by Shreyaa is her attempt to make art accessible to all. Through her paintings, she hopes to connect with others and share her experiences. She, therefore, offers her artwork affordably so that anybody can have a piece of art in their home. And at Mityaa, she produces customized artwork to provide clients with their ideal pieces of art.
- Durga Thackeray

A 24-year-old pen drawing artist & fashion designer, Durga Thackeray creates mandalas, Zen tangles, and architectural drawings in Mumbai. She has been associated with art past 14 years and now creates her pieces under two brands.
Being from an artistic family herself, she lives for art more than for selling it. Initially, she stated by conducting workshops and brand collaboration. She created an art film based on her work as an artist and was featured in & on the cover of Rathala Review magazine and continued by starting her own YouTube & more. She ultimately launched her fashion label a year ago.
She believes one does not need huge investments & business models to build a brand. Start small, make do with whatever resources you have & work towards your passion with consistency & discipline is the ideation that she follows.
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Special Editions
Success Stories: Top 10 Physiotherapists Transforming Lives Across India
Published
5 hours agoon
September 3, 2026By
reporter
ndia’s physiotherapy landscape is undergoing a remarkable transformation, driven by passionate professionals who are redefining recovery, mobility, and quality of life. From sports rehabilitation to neurological care and post-surgical recovery, these experts are not just treating conditions—they are restoring confidence and independence in countless lives.
This special edition, “Success Stories: Top 10 Physiotherapists Transforming Lives Across India,” celebrates the journeys of these inspiring healers whose dedication, innovation, and patient-centric approach continue to set new benchmarks in modern rehabilitation care.
Dr. Barkha Jasani, Physiotherapist, Founder – Lifetime Physio Care

Dr. Barkha Jasani is a physiotherapist and the founder of Lifetime Physio Care. With a passion for rehabilitation and holistic healing, she has dedicated her career to helping people recover stronger, move better, and lead healthier lives.
Born and raised in Rajkot, Gujarat, Dr. Jasani completed her Bachelor of Physiotherapy from RK University. Ever since childhood, Mumbai had been a dream city for her, and that dream came true when she moved there for her internship at Brahma Kumaris’ Global Hospital & Research Centre, managing BSES M.G. Hospital. Soon after, she joined Qi Spine Clinic, where she discovered her passion for spine rehabilitation. Although she initially planned to pursue a master’s degree, family responsibilities took priority. What began as a job eventually became an eight-year journey of learning, growth, and transforming countless lives. After working independently as a freelance physiotherapist for the last two years, she went on to establish Lifetime Physio Care.
Interestingly, physiotherapy was not her original plan. Her mother and masi always wanted her to pursue healthcare, while her father strongly believed physiotherapy would be the right path. Looking back today, Dr. Jasani considers it one of life’s greatest blessings. What began as a decision guided by family eventually became her purpose.
Her greatest inspirations have been her godfather, mother, and masi, along with the unwavering support of her family and friends. Losing her mother was one of the most difficult chapters of her life, but the love and strength she received from those around her helped her overcome the loss and move forward with resilience.
As a woman, balancing professional aspirations with personal responsibilities has not always been easy. Yet, she believes that patience, perseverance, and self-belief make it possible to navigate even the toughest phases of life.
Beyond physiotherapy, Dr. Jasani enjoys dancing, singing, music, drawing, swimming, travelling, spending time in nature, and experimenting in the kitchen. She believes life should be enjoyed fully and that personal passions help maintain balance and happiness.
Her message to aspiring professionals is simple: give your work your heart, mind, and soul. Stay committed to the process, trust the journey, and focus on showing up consistently. Success, she believes, is built quietly through patience, hard work, and faith in oneself.
For Dr. Barkha Jasani, success is not a destination but a continuous journey of growth. Every challenge has made her stronger, every experience has taught her valuable lessons, and every patient she helps reinforces her purpose. Above all, she believes in staying grounded, enjoying the journey, and never losing faith in oneself.
Special Editions
Change Makers: Celebrating the Success Stories of 10 Iconic Women Achievers
Published
22 hours agoon
September 2, 2026By
reporter
In a world that’s constantly evolving, these 10 inspiring women are leading the charge, breaking barriers, and redefining success on their own terms. From business and innovation to social impact and leadership, they represent the spirit of modern Indian womanhood—fearless, visionary, and unstoppable.
As part of our special 2026 edition, Mumbai Uncensored proudly honours these remarkable achievers whose journeys inspire a generation and embody the true essence of Nari Shakti.
Namita Thapar, Executive Director – Emcure Pharmaceuticals

Namita Thapar, CEO of Emcure Pharmaceuticals, is a renowned Indian entrepreneur celebrated for her impactful contributions to the healthcare sector. Her notable appearance on Shark Tank India has further cemented her status as an inspiring figure for budding entrepreneurs.
Hailing from Pune, Maharashtra, Namita Thapar belongs to a Gujarati family. Despite her affluent background, she has diligently carved a successful career path. Her academic journey includes a commerce degree from Pune University, a Chartered Accountancy degree from ICAI, and an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business.
Namita began her professional journey as the Business Finance Lead at Guidant Corporation in the US. After gaining valuable experience, she joined her father’s company, Emcure Pharmaceuticals, as the CFO in 2007.
Under her leadership, Emcure Pharmaceuticals has seen remarkable growth, expanding its presence to 70 countries.
Smita Ahuja, Talent strategist

Smita Ahuja represents a rare balance of style, intelligence, and substance. Moving seamlessly between strategic leadership and a vibrant personal life, she brings both instinct and precision to everything she does. As a talent strategist working across APAC, she plays a key role in shaping hiring ecosystems and integrating AI-driven frameworks into modern recruitment.
Her journey began in agency recruitment within the oil and gas sector, a field she entered without prior knowledge. Despite the steep learning curve, she quickly rose to become a top performer. That phase shaped her core belief: success is not about knowing everything at the start, but about learning faster than anyone else.
Over time, her role evolved beyond recruitment. She began training teams, building systems, and eventually designing AI-led frameworks to help recruiters stay relevant in a rapidly changing landscape. Working across diverse markets like India, Japan, Australia, and Singapore, she developed a strong ability to navigate cultural nuances and connect insights across regions.
One defining moment in her career involved mentoring a candidate who lacked confidence despite strong potential. With guidance and encouragement, the candidate secured a role at nearly three times her previous compensation. More importantly, she gained belief in her own worth. Moments like these define Smita’s idea of impact.
As a woman in leadership, she has navigated expectations and challenges with clarity and resilience. She believes in setting boundaries, staying authentic, and choosing growth over validation.
Outside work, she embraces fashion, travel, food, and learning as essential parts of life. For her, success is not static. It evolves with experience, impact, and personal growth.
Swheta Mutreja Aggarwal, Founder – @kookie_cake_crumble

Swheta Mutreja Aggarwal is a baker and chef whose journey is deeply rooted in passion, memory, and purpose. As the founder of @kookie_cake_crumble, she has transformed her love for baking into a growing brand built on authenticity, creativity, and continuous learning.
Her inspiration comes from her father, who played a defining role in shaping her relationship with food. Growing up, the kitchen was her happiest space. Watching her father cook fresh meals for the family every evening instilled in her not just skills, but a deep emotional connection with cooking. What began as admiration slowly evolved into a calling.
Although she completed a diploma from Sophia’s School of Polytechnic nearly two decades ago, she did not initially pursue baking professionally. It was only just before the lockdown that she chose to return to her passion, enrolling at the School for European Pastry to refine her skills through an eggless baking course. The lockdown, while challenging for many, became a turning point for her—allowing her brand to take shape and grow steadily.
Swheta strongly believes in lifelong learning. Her culinary journey has taken her across the world, learning authentic cuisines from their roots—Sri Lankan cuisine from Bentota and Colombo, Thai from Pattaya, Italian from Venice, ramen from Sydney, and regional Indian cuisines from Srinagar and Pahalgam. Each experience has added depth and diversity to her craft.
Today, alongside running her baking venture, she is also a food consultant, working with catering businesses and helping brands grow. Her professional journey is further strengthened by nearly three decades of experience in PR and marketing, which has enabled her to understand branding and business growth from a strategic perspective.
Her journey, however, has not been without challenges. As a woman, she has often faced discouragement and limiting beliefs—being told to remain confined to working from home or doubted for her ability to build something larger. There were moments of self-doubt, but she chose to rise above them, driven by her father’s belief in her and her own determination to fulfil that dream.
Beyond her professional life, she is a devoted mother to two children and shares her home with a beloved pet. She has also been actively involved in school initiatives as part of the PTA, reflecting her commitment beyond her career.
Her message to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple and heartfelt: pursue what you truly love, give it your full dedication, and trust the process.
Interestingly, her entrepreneurial spirit began early at just 16, she was already supplying cookies to Akbarallys and later to Rashmi Uday Singh’s store at Crossroads, marking the beginning of a journey that would come full circle years later.
Elisha Rajpal, Magician & Young Social Activist

For Mumbai-based student Elisha Rajpal, a personal hobby has always been a vehicle for social good. Her journey as a changemaker began at the young age of 12 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Turning a personal skill into a public fundraising initiative, she taught peers to solve the Rubik’s Cube, collecting donations directed entirely toward cancer charities. The viral effort caught widespread media attention, earning her nationwide coverage on ABP News.
Since then, Elisha has traded her Rubik’s Cube for a deck of cards, using magic as her primary tool to drive community impact. Her performances have taken her across diverse platforms. She regularly volunteers at local government schools, leveraging interactive magic to teach foundational logic to underserved children. Beyond the classroom, her talent has brought her to major high-profile events, where she performs live sets to anchor fundraisers for premier organisations like the Helping Hands Foundation.
Elisha has even taken her magic to care centres, hosting specialized events for mentally challenged children. Navigating a room with such heavy cognitive and behavioral differences is incredibly difficult, yet her unique power and gift lie in her ability to connect deeply with people in need, giving them her undivided time and empathy.
Now, Elisha is taking her mission global. Through her newly launched Instagram handle, she is shifting the spotlight from personal applause to collective action. She utilizes her digital platform to teach an international audience how to weaponize their own unique hobbies to champion critical human causes like women’s rights, child safety, and educational equity.
Elisha serves as living proof that individual passions can be selflessly deployed to create systemic change. She is leading a new generation of youth leadership—proving that the real magic lies in making the world a better place.
Meera Chalke, Wedding Photographer, Founder – Picture It by Meera

Meera Chalke is a wedding photographer and the founder of Picture It by Meera, a Mumbai based wedding photography brand known for capturing honest emotions and timeless stories through a deeply personal lens. Over the last decade, she has documented weddings across India as well as internationally in destinations such as the US, Canada, Europe, the UK, and Indonesia.
Her journey into photography began during her sister’s wedding in 2011, when she found herself drawn not just to the celebrations, but to the emotions quietly unfolding within them. Coming from a creative background with a B.Sc. in Animation and specialization in VFX, she naturally developed a strong sense of visual storytelling and artistic perspective.
In 2013, she co-founded a wedding photography company, where she learned the foundations of both photography and entrepreneurship. From handling clients to building systems and understanding the realities of running a business, those years became an important phase of growth. However, life took an unexpected turn after her separation in 2017. Instead of stepping away, she chose to rebuild herself and start again with clarity and resilience. That fresh beginning eventually became Picture It by Meera, a brand built entirely on courage, consistency, and self-belief.
Through years of dedication and genuine human connection, her work gradually evolved into a trusted name in the wedding industry. Beyond photography, Meera enjoys learning about entrepreneurship, mindful living, sustainability, and travelling. Observing people, cultures, and emotions continues to shape her creative process and storytelling style.
She believes one of the biggest strengths an entrepreneur can develop is the ability to solve problems with empathy and resourcefulness. According to her, skills can always be learned, but the ability to make life easier for others leaves a lasting impact.
For Meera, success is not just about building a business. It is about discovering strength through the process. What began as a career slowly became a journey of rebuilding herself, and in chasing her dreams, she ultimately found a stronger version of who she is.
Dr. Manjula Thakur, MD Dermatologist

Dr. Manjula Thakur is an MBBS doctor and MD Dermatologist currently practicing in Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh. Alongside her clinical practice, she actively conducts weekly health camps in the rural areas of Bastar, where access to healthcare services remains limited. Her approach to medicine is deeply rooted in compassion, with a strong belief in treating one patient at a time while making healthcare more accessible to underserved communities.
Coming from a middle class family, Dr. Thakur always dreamed of becoming a doctor. She is the first generation doctor in her family, driven by a desire to serve society and create meaningful impact through healthcare. In a family and community where girls often get married in their early twenties, her parents stood firmly by her dreams and supported her education and ambitions wholeheartedly. She believes she is where she is today because of their love, sacrifices, and unwavering encouragement.
Her academic journey reflects dedication and perseverance. She cracked NEET in 2013 and completed her MBBS from Government Medical College, Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh. Later, she successfully cleared NEET PG in 2022 and pursued her MD in Dermatology from Chhattisgarh Institute of Medical Sciences, Bilaspur. Today, she serves as a Senior Resident at her alma mater, Government Medical College Jagdalpur, giving back to the same institution that shaped her journey.
Her greatest inspiration comes from her family and her fiancé, who is an ophthalmologist. Their sacrifices, values, support, and resilience continue to motivate her personally and professionally.
As a woman in healthcare, balancing academics, high patient loads, emotional pressure, and personal responsibilities has not always been easy. However, these experiences helped her grow into a stronger, more resilient clinician and gave her a deeper perspective on life and patient care.
Beyond her profession, Dr. Thakur enjoys maintaining a healthy lifestyle, travelling, playing badminton, and exploring new cuisines and places. She has also contributed academically by publishing research papers in international journals and delivering talks at national and state level conferences.
She believes that being a dermatologist in India comes with its own challenges, especially in educating patients against misinformation spread by unqualified practitioners and misleading social media trends. Through her work, she aims to create awareness and ensure patients receive ethical, evidence based treatment and guidance.
For Dr. Manjula Thakur, success is not defined by status or achievements alone. She believes true success lies in health, peace of mind, and the ability to make a positive difference in society. Treating patients and serving communities keeps her grounded, grateful, and deeply connected to her purpose.
Special Editions
The Power List : Top 26 Indian Entrepreneurs Defining The Future in 2026
Published
1 day agoon
September 2, 2026By
reporter
In a dynamic era of entrepreneurial innovation, Mumbai Uncensored proudly unveils ‘The Power List: Top 26 Indian Entrepreneurs Defining the Future!‘ This exclusive feature shines a spotlight on visionary minds reshaping India’s business landscape and setting new standards of success.
From disruptive startups to established enterprises, these 26 entrepreneurs exemplify the spirit of innovation, resilience, and forward-thinking leadership. Join us as we delve into the journeys of these trailblazers who are not just shaping industries but also shaping the future of entrepreneurship in India.
Nikhil Kamath – Founder – Zerodha

Nikhil Kamath is the co-founder and CEO of Zerodha, an online stock brokerage firm that’s reshaping the way people invest in India. Zerodha’s user-friendly platform has democratized investing, making it accessible to individuals across income levels. Kamath’s dedication to leveraging technology for accessible investing and his advocacy for financial literacy has been instrumental in making investing more efficient and accessible for the youngest entrepreneurs in India in 2024.
Namita Thapar, CEO of Emcure Pharmaceuticals

Namita Thapar, CEO of Emcure Pharmaceuticals, is a renowned Indian entrepreneur celebrated for her impactful contributions to the healthcare sector. Her notable appearance on Shark Tank India has further cemented her status as an inspiring figure for budding entrepreneurs.
Hailing from Pune, Maharashtra, Namita Thapar belongs to a Gujarati family. Despite her affluent background, she has diligently carved a successful career path. Her academic journey includes a commerce degree from Pune University, a Chartered Accountancy degree from ICAI, and an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business.
Namita began her professional journey as the Business Finance Lead at Guidant Corporation in the US. After gaining valuable experience, she joined her father’s company, Emcure Pharmaceuticals, as the CFO in 2007.
Under her leadership, Emcure Pharmaceuticals has seen remarkable growth, expanding its presence to 70 countries. In FY21, the company reported a profit of Rs. 418 crore on a revenue of Rs. 6091 crore, showcasing Namita Thapar’s pivotal role in its success.
Ghazal Alagh, co-founder of Mamaearth

Ghazal Alagh, an accomplished entrepreneur and co-founder of Mamaearth, spearheads India’s natural skincare movement. Her entrepreneurial journey was ignited by a personal quest for safe products for her son, propelling Mamaearth into a household name and recently into the public market. Ghazal’s story is a testament to transforming personal challenges into business triumphs, making her a guiding light for aspiring entrepreneurs nationwide. Her commitment to sustainability and toxin-free products has set a new standard in the beauty industry, earning Mamaearth widespread acclaim.
Digvijay Thakur, Founder – Laxmibai Enterprises

Digvijay Thakur is an entrepreneur and the founder of Laxmibai Enterprises, a technology solutions company specialising in CCTV surveillance, security systems and home automation. A Computer Engineering graduate, he chose to take the entrepreneurial route at just 22, driven by the belief that real-world responsibility can offer lessons that no classroom can replicate.
His entry into the security technology sector was shaped by both his technical background and his interest in an industry with strong growth potential. Rather than following a conventional career path, Digvijay wanted to build something of his own and learn by taking on the realities of running a business—from customers and suppliers to finances, projects and decision-making. This conviction led to the launch of Laxmibai Enterprises in July 2024.
Building the company from scratch has given him hands-on experience across virtually every aspect of the business. From product sourcing and vendor negotiations to sales, project execution, installation and after-sales support, he has been closely involved in building the company’s operations. What began as a young entrepreneur’s decision to take a different path has grown into a business that has generated more than ₹2.5 crore in revenue while remaining loss-free since inception.
The company has undertaken projects across educational institutions, factories and new construction developments, providing end-to-end security and technology solutions. One of its largest projects involved installing security systems across 600 units, requiring extensive planning, procurement, coordination and execution. Alongside this growth, Digvijay has focused on building a dedicated team covering sales, procurement, project execution, installation and customer support.
His journey has not been without challenges. Coming from a non-business family and without long-term mentors, he had to learn many aspects of entrepreneurship independently. His age was sometimes a hurdle when dealing with prospective clients and business partners, but he chose to overcome those perceptions through confidence, consistency and results. Even after graduating with a 9.6 CGPA, his decision to pursue entrepreneurship was viewed by some as risky or unconventional. He remained committed to his own vision.
One particularly difficult period came when he experienced an entire month without a single new sale. Rather than treating it as failure, he used the experience to refine his sales approach, improve his pitches and remain persistent. His consistency soon paid off when he secured one of his biggest clients.
Beyond business, Digvijay believes in giving back to the community. He has contributed to initiatives with the Kartavya Animal and Social Welfare Society and participated in marathons supporting social causes. Fitness also plays an important role in his life, teaching him discipline and consistency while helping him maintain balance.
His message to aspiring entrepreneurs is straightforward: do not wait until you feel completely ready. Experience is often created by starting, making mistakes, learning, adapting and continuing forward. Age should not be viewed as a limitation—it can be the starting point.
For Digvijay, success is not simply measured by revenue. He believes sustainable, financially disciplined growth, genuine customer value and long-term relationships are equally important. By focusing on transparency, fulfilling commitments, consistent after-sales support and earning trust, he has built a business driven not merely by transactions but by referrals, repeat clients and lasting relationships. For him, the journey is proof that a young entrepreneur can build something meaningful by combining technical knowledge with courage, discipline and an unwavering willingness to learn.
Karan Bhatty, Founder, Millow

Karan Bhatty is the Founder of Millow.io, a technology-led background verification and risk intelligence company focused on helping organizations make faster, more informed and trust-driven business decisions. With expertise spanning employee background verification, due diligence, HR risk mitigation and technology-enabled trust solutions, Karan is focused on transforming how companies approach hiring, leadership assessment and business risk evaluation.
As the driving force behind Millow, Karan leads the company’s strategic direction across product innovation, client partnerships, growth initiatives and risk framework design. Under his leadership, Millow has evolved beyond traditional background verification models into a modern trust and risk-intelligence partner for India’s rapidly changing workforce ecosystem.
Karan is particularly focused on advancing Millow’s Automated Background Verification (BGV) capabilities, designed to reduce conventional verification timelines from several weeks to under 12 hours while maintaining accuracy, process visibility and structured reporting. He is also leading the expansion of specialized solutions including Senior Management Due Diligence (SMDD) and Integrity Due Diligence (IDD), helping businesses, investors and leadership teams make better decisions around executive appointments, founder credibility and organizational risk.
His expertise includes automated verification workflows, risk-based screening, Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) investigations, senior leadership due diligence, phygital verification operations and trust-focused business strategy.
Karan believes that trust has become a critical business differentiator in today’s environment. His approach combines technology, AI-assisted workflows, direct-source intelligence and human analytical review to create verification systems that are faster, more transparent and more actionable.
He regularly shares perspectives on workforce trends, secure hiring, compliance, due diligence and the evolving relationship between people risk and business risk. His leadership philosophy is guided by trust, transparency, operational discipline and responsible innovation.
Karan’s long-term vision is to establish Millow.io as one of India’s most trusted platforms for automated background verification and risk intelligence, helping organizations verify employees, leaders, vendors and strategic stakeholders with speed, clarity and confidence.
Arjun Shetty, Strength & Conditioning Coach, Cricket Coach, Entrepreneur, Founder – Ace with Arjun

Arjun Shetty is a Strength & Conditioning Coach, Cricket Coach, entrepreneur, and the founder of Ace with Arjun and Hybrid Headquarters. Based in Thane, Mumbai, he has built a growing fitness and sports coaching ecosystem focused on performance, discipline, and long term transformation. Over the years, his journey has evolved from being a passionate cricketer to building a global online fitness business that now impacts clients and athletes across multiple countries.
Sports have always been central to his life. He began playing cricket at the age of 13, where discipline, punctuality, consistency, and respect for the game became deeply ingrained in him through years of training and competition. Cricket was his first passion, but alongside the sport, he also developed a strong interest in fitness and athletic performance.
His professional journey combines both cricket and strength training. Arjun has played competitive cricket at a high level, including List A cricket in Sri Lanka, Mumbai’s reputed A Division cricket, Kanga League A Division, and Times Shield tournaments. Along the way, he had the opportunity to play alongside and against well known cricketers such as Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Shardul Thakur, and Shivam Dube.
Nearly nine years ago, he began coaching people in fitness, initially starting with close friends before gradually expanding into online coaching after the COVID period. What started with a single client eventually grew into a large scale coaching business. Today, he has trained more than 1000 fitness clients and mentored over 100 athletes as a high performance coach. His team has also expanded to around 18 trainers working under his guidance.
Recently, he launched Hybrid Headquarters in Thane with the vision of building a stronger and more sustainable fitness culture in the city. More than just a gym, the idea behind Hybrid Headquarters is to create a community driven environment where people can train with purpose, discipline, and consistency. Through this initiative, he is actively working towards changing the way fitness is approached in Thane by combining athletic performance, structured coaching, and long term lifestyle transformation.
Beyond physical transformation, he believes in creating opportunities for young trainers and aspiring fitness professionals. Through his businesses, he has helped generate careers, employment, and work from home opportunities for many young coaches.
For Arjun Shetty, success is not defined only by money or achievements. It is about consistency, impact, discipline, and building a community that grows together.
Dr. Aqeel Sajjad Reshamvala, Specialised dentist & prosthodontist

Dr. Aqeel Sajjad Reshamvala is a specialised dentist and prosthodontist whose journey into healthcare was shaped by deep personal inspiration. Growing up, he admired the respect his mother received as a doctor and the lives she transformed through her work. That admiration planted the dream of having “Dr.” before his own name. Although he narrowly missed an MBBS seat by a single percentage point, destiny led him to dentistry—an opportunity he embraced wholeheartedly.
That one percent difference secured him a government quota seat at DY Patil University, where he completed his BDS. His perspective on dentistry expanded dramatically during his MDS at the University of Queensland, Australia, an experience that reshaped how he approached clinical challenges and strengthened his commitment to patient care. What began as a redirected ambition evolved into a fulfilling profession, and the rest, as he says, is history.
Throughout his journey, Dr. Reshamvala has been driven by a desire to fulfill his parents’ dream of seeing him succeed. Their willingness to invest their life’s savings into his education remains his greatest source of motivation and gratitude.
Beyond his clinical practice, he finds balance and creativity through sketching, music, and dancing—activities that help him unwind and stay grounded.
His message to aspiring professionals is simple yet powerful: never give up on your dreams. Even when the path shifts or obstacles arise, there is always light at the end of the tunnel—waiting to shine on those who persist.
Dr. Reshamvala credits his education in Australia for broadening his mindset, teaching him to think beyond conventional methods, and approach every case with innovation and precision. His ultimate goal remains clear: to provide his patients with functional, aesthetic smiles that enhance both confidence and quality of life.
Kunal Chalke – Strength & Conditioning Coach, Sports Performance Coach, fitness entrepreneur, Founder of Kraft With Kunal (KWK)

Kunal Chalke is a Strength & Conditioning Coach, Sports Performance Coach, fitness entrepreneur, and founder of Kraft With Kunal (KWK), a fitness and performance coaching brand focused on helping people build healthier lifestyles, greater confidence, and long-term sustainable habits.
Certified by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the Australian Strength and Conditioning Association (ASCA), and the Institute of Nutrition and Fitness Sciences (INFS), Kunal has coached more than 500 individuals globally, helping them transform not only physically but also mentally through fitness and lifestyle change.
Before entering the fitness industry, Kunal had a successful cricketing career, representing Mumbai at the state level in the Under-16 and Under-23 categories. He also represented Mumbai University at the national level for three consecutive years, played A Division cricket for six years, and was the highest run-scorer in the prestigious Kanga League A Division.
During the COVID-19 lockdown, Kunal transformed his own physique through disciplined training and nutrition while sharing his journey on YouTube and Instagram. His transformation inspired many young individuals to prioritize their health and fitness, eventually leading to the creation of Kraft With Kunal.
Committed to leading by example, Kunal has competed in Men’s Physique events, denim modeling competitions, and HYROX fitness races. He has also spent the last three years building a Hybrid Sports Performance Gym dedicated to helping athletes and fitness enthusiasts improve strength, conditioning, and overall performance.
Despite transitioning into entrepreneurship, cricket remains a lifelong passion, and he continues to actively play the sport. The discipline, leadership, and resilience he developed through cricket continue to influence his approach to coaching and business.
Today, Kunal’s mission extends far beyond physical transformation. Through Kraft With Kunal, he aims to inspire people to become healthier, stronger, more confident, and more disciplined versions of themselves while creating a lasting impact on lives through fitness, education, and personal growth.
Dr. Richa Gupta (PT), Physiotherapist, Chiropractor, Osteopath, Founder – AlignBody Physiotherapy Clinic

Dr. Richa Gupta (PT) is a physiotherapist, chiropractor, osteopath, and the founder of AlignBody Physiotherapy Clinic, a rapidly growing healthcare brand focused on restoring movement, relieving pain, and improving quality of life. Through a patient centered and evidence based approach, her clinics offer physiotherapy, chiropractic, and osteopathy services designed to deliver long term recovery and performance enhancement.
What makes AlignBody stand out is its integration of innovation with clinical expertise. The clinic is among the few in India using an AI powered diagnostic tool called Align360, which enables posture screening directly through a mobile device. This technology allows faster and more accurate posture assessments while helping create personalized treatment plans. Her mission through AlignBody is clear: transforming pain into performance.
Dr. Richa’s journey is rooted in resilience and determination. Married at a young age and becoming a mother early in life, she balanced family responsibilities while continuing her education and building her professional identity. She started treating patients from a small setup at home, earning just ₹5000 a month, relying entirely on trust, consistency, and genuine patient care.
Over the years, that small beginning evolved into multiple successful clinics serving a wide range of patients, including professionals, senior citizens, embassy clients, and high net worth individuals. Recognizing the future potential of technology enabled healthcare, she developed Align360 and is now expanding AlignBody through a Pan India franchise model.
Beyond her clinical work, she actively mentors physiotherapy professionals and helps them develop strong clinical and patient management skills. Dancing remains a personal passion that keeps her creative and energized.
Her message to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: start with what you have, stay consistent, and focus on solving real problems. For Dr. Richa Gupta, success is not about overnight growth but about resilience, discipline, and creating meaningful impact through better healthcare.
Aishwarya Jain, Founder – I’m Happiness

Aishwarya Jain works at the intersection of impact, sustainability, and well-being, with I’m Happiness at the core of her professional journey. She is a builder of systems and experiences that enhance quality of life, economically, socially, and emotionally. Through her work, she focuses on cognitive growth, mental well-being, and human-centric development, while also engaging with ESG-led and impact-driven initiatives across food waste management, wellness ecosystems, and sustainable hospitality.
I’m Happiness is a research-led well-being platform and community founded by Aishwarya to make inner well-being practical, measurable, and accessible. The platform works on mental fitness, emotional intelligence, and life skills, translating personal awareness into real-world outcomes such as stronger individuals, healthier institutions, and more conscious systems. Its approach blends psychology, neuroscience, ancient wisdom, and lived experience, ensuring that well-being is not abstract but deeply applicable.
Aishwarya’s professional journey began with a strong educational foundation and early exposure to scale and execution in the food FMCG sector. She played a key role in building and scaling operations from inception into a ₹100 crore enterprise. This experience sharpened her understanding of discipline, systems, and excellence at scale. Over time, however, growth for its own sake began to feel incomplete. This prompted a deeper inquiry into human behaviour, resilience, and the long-term impact of business on people and society.
As her perspective evolved, Aishwarya moved into food waste management, ESG, and impact-led ventures. She collaborated with institutions and global frameworks aligned with the United Nations and UNICEF, and engaged with academic ecosystems such as IIM Ahmedabad. From this convergence of business, culture, and consciousness emerged I’m Happiness as a structured, purpose-led platform.
Through her work, Aishwarya has engaged with children, parents, educators, caregivers, and organisations to strengthen emotional resilience and cognitive fitness. Today, her work also sits at the confluence of luxury, spirituality, and culture. Through her foundation, she curates experiential education platforms that blend ancient wisdom with contemporary insight, designed for discerning audiences who value depth, meaning, and conscious living.
Inspired by Indian philosophy, Aishwarya draws guidance from principles embodied by Lord Krishna, Lord Shiva, Maa Lakshmi, Maa Saraswati, and Maa Kali, representing balance, stillness, integrity, intellect, and courageous transformation. As a woman in strategy- and impact-led spaces, she has navigated challenges by choosing consistency over visibility and quality over urgency.
Outside work, Aishwarya prioritises fitness and running, explores music, researches ancient wisdom, and values meaningful conversations. She acknowledges the encouragement of cultural and business leaders who believe in purpose-driven excellence and cultural stewardship. At its heart, her work is about helping people live every emotion fully, consciously, and without resistance.
Anant Khandelwal, Founder & Director of IWP – Indian Wedding Planners

Anant Khandelwal is the Founder & Director of IWP – Indian Wedding Planners, the flagship of AMK Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., and one of the most recognisable names in India’s luxury wedding and hospitality space.
He started IWP with a simple belief: a wedding shouldn’t feel “managed.” It should feel experienced—beautifully, smoothly, emotionally. Over the years, that belief has grown into a design-led, process-driven brand trusted for immersive destination weddings across India and select international locations.
What sets Anant apart is the balance he brings to every celebration: the romance of storytelling with the discipline of execution. From the first concept deck to the final farewell, every detail is planned with intention—so traditions are honoured, emotions are protected, and families feel fully present instead of overwhelmed. Under his leadership, IWP has become synonymous with heartfelt celebrations that look extraordinary and run even better.
Anant’s journey is built on high standards and hard lessons—tight timelines, complex logistics, demanding environments. Each challenge shaped a sharper approach: calmer teams, stronger systems, and a dependable vendor ecosystem that delivers with consistency, wherever the celebration is set.
That same mindset—creativity backed by structure—led him to expand beyond weddings. Through AMK Travels, he curates premium travel and guest experiences. Through Aishka Cares, a social impact trust focused on women’s empowerment, skills training, and education, he translates success into purpose—because he believes hospitality is also about upliftment.
At the core of Anant’s philosophy is one guiding principle: weddings are deeply personal.
“Our role,” he says, “is to make them seamless, immersive, and emotionally resonant.”
For Anant Khandelwal, IWP is more than a company. It is a promise—of taste, of service, of reliability, and of memories that stay long after the music fades. With a growing team and an ever-expanding vision, he continues to raise the bar for hospitality-led luxury celebrations.
Ashwit Khullar, Partner – Vintek Medical Corporation

Ashwit Khullar is a Partner at Vintek Medical Corporation, a company focused on transforming healthcare training in India through advanced medical simulation technologies. His work centers around introducing globally benchmarked simulation systems that allow clinicians, surgeons, and healthcare professionals to train in structured, hands on environments designed to improve clinical skills, build confidence, and enhance patient safety.
Coming from a family deeply connected to healthcare, Ashwit was exposed early to the realities and challenges of medical education. Over time, he realized that many medical errors stem not from lack of knowledge, but from the absence of practical, simulation based training. At a time when simulation learning was still relatively unfamiliar in India, he identified a significant gap between global healthcare training standards and the systems available locally. That realization became the foundation for building and scaling medical simulation infrastructure across the Indian healthcare ecosystem.
His journey in the field spans more than a decade. In the early years, creating awareness around simulation based learning was a major challenge. Convincing institutions to adopt newer methods of training and helping stakeholders understand the long term value of competency based education required patience, persistence, and continuous effort. Today, seeing hospitals and medical colleges actively invest in advanced skill labs and simulation centers is deeply rewarding for him.
Despite the progress, Ashwit believes there is still a long way to go. Simulation training is not yet compulsory across many areas of healthcare education in India, and creating a more structured ecosystem remains one of his biggest goals.
Beyond healthcare, he is also actively involved in supporting his wife’s fashion label, Arpita Sulakshana, while maintaining a strong interest in hospitality, travel, and lifestyle ventures.
His message to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: think long term and stay patient. Meaningful success is built through consistency, adaptability, and relentless execution over time.
For Ashwit Khullar, success is not defined by quick milestones, but by creating meaningful and lasting impact. Being part of the growth of medical simulation in India and contributing to safer healthcare training continues to be one of the most fulfilling aspects of his journey.
MarkXperia, Founder – Pratishtha Pabuwal, Co-Founders – Pulkit Agarwal & Vidushi Sharma

MarkXperia is more than a name—it is an experience where ideas meet execution and brands learn how to be felt, not just seen. Founded by Pratishtha Pabuwal, with Pulkit Agarwal and Vidushi Sharma as Co-Founders, MarkXperia is a creative marketing and brand storytelling company built for brands that want depth, not noise.
At its core, MarkXperia doesn’t sell posts or ads. It builds perception, voice, and recall. The team believes that marketing isn’t about shouting louder—it’s about speaking with clarity, intention, and relevance. Every campaign is designed to create connection, not just visibility.
The company was born out of frustration—frustration with repetitive strategies, surface-level marketing, and brands chasing trends instead of meaning. MarkXperia was created to challenge that norm. The founders knew there had to be a better way, and instead of waiting for it, they built it themselves.
The journey so far has been anything but linear. It’s been messy, sleepless, exciting, and deeply rewarding. From pitching ideas that were initially misunderstood to watching those very ideas turn into successful campaigns, MarkXperia has grown by trusting creativity—always backed by clarity and strategy. Every challenge refined their process and strengthened their belief that storytelling is not fluff, but a powerful business tool.
Their inspiration comes from brands that dare to be different and from people who build quietly but leave a loud impact. One of their biggest challenges has been helping clients understand that storytelling is strategy—not decoration. Once results speak, however, that skepticism quickly turns into belief.
Beyond client work, the team lives and breathes creativity. They observe relentlessly, dissect visuals frame by frame, debate ideas over dinner, and constantly ask one question: How can this be better? This curiosity fuels everything they create.
MarkXperia’s message to aspiring entrepreneurs is clear: don’t chase trends—build a voice. Skills matter, but conviction matters more. Be prepared to be misunderstood before you’re celebrated, because originality often needs time to be recognised.
As for success, the team believes their story is still being written. And if there’s one thing they’re certain of—it’s that they’re just getting started.
Rishi Nanda, Learning and Development professional

Rishi Nanda is a Learning and Development professional who has carved a unique space in leadership training by decoding timeless wisdom from Indian epics for the modern world. He specialises in experiential trainings based on the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Bhagavad Gita, and is also the Co-Founder of “Nibhish – The Epic Game”, a range of card and board games inspired by Indian epics.
His journey began in 2011 with the birth of his daughter, Kiara. Holding her for the first time sparked a question that changed his life: “What do I give my child beyond money?” Seeking an answer, Rishi made a bold decision—he quit his corporate job to rediscover his own dreams, despite financial uncertainty and personal fear. What followed was one of the toughest phases of his life, marked by emotional isolation, self-doubt, and immense struggle. Yet one belief kept him going: “Amrit zeher ke baad hi milta hai.”
A turning point came when Rishi immersed himself in Indian scriptures, dedicating years to studying the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas. Gradually, clarity emerged. He realised that concepts taught through modern management tools already existed in these epics—explained not through frameworks, but through stories. Along with his wife, Mehak Mahajan Nanda, he began designing leadership modules that linked epic narratives to real-life organisational challenges.
After years of rejection, Rishi delivered his first epic-based corporate session in 2017. Since then, his work has expanded exponentially. Today, over 80% of his work is centred on Indian epics, with deliveries across corporates, educational institutions, NGOs, families, and global platforms.
Over the last 11 years, Rishi has facilitated 3,000+ workshops, reached 1,00,000+ participants, worked across 25+ industries, 300+ corporates, 100+ Indian cities, and 15+ countries. He is a Karamveer Chakra (UN-recognised) awardee, author, inter-faith speaker, podcaster, television host, and keynote speaker.
For Rishi Nanda, success is not accidental—it is scripted through clarity of purpose, sacrifice, and unwavering faith. He believes every individual is the central character of their own story—and must dare to write it.
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Alpana Deo
March 22, 2023 at 3:23 pm
Thank you so very much for featuring me and my journey. I hope it will inspire many women to make a career out of their hobbies.
I am honored to share the platform with other talented women.