Women’s Day Special: India’s 10 Most Inspiring Women Leaders

Volume VI

On the occasion of Women’s Day, we honour ten exceptional Indian women leaders whose vision, courage, and relentless pursuit of excellence are shaping the nation’s present and future.

Across diverse fields and industries, these trailblazers have broken barriers, challenged conventions, and redefined what leadership truly means. Their journeys are not just stories of success, but powerful testaments to resilience, purpose, and the transformative impact of women who lead with conviction.

Masaba Gupta, Founder – House of Masaba

Masaba Gupta, renowned as one of India’s foremost fashion designers, has carved an inspiring path in the industry, overcoming challenges tied to her mixed heritage with unwavering determination. The daughter of veteran actor Neena Gupta, Masaba embarked on her fashion journey at just 19, debuting with a collection at Lakme Fashion Week. Armed with a degree in Apparel Manufacturing and Design, she initially explored the world of dance, earning accolades in college.

Masaba’s innate flair for fashion, coupled with a passionate attitude, led her to recognize her true calling. Balancing creativity, commercial appeal, and functionality, she founded ‘House of Masaba,’ her eponymous label that has garnered widespread acclaim. Breaking barriers, she became the first Indian designer to host a fashion show on Instagram, showcasing her innovative approach.

Despite initial challenges, Masaba’s persistence and creative prowess have seen her collaborate with renowned fashion brands.

Rupal Sidhpura Faria, Celebrity yoga trainer, Founder – Rupal’s Yogasthenics

Rupal Sidhpura Faria is a celebrity yoga trainer, therapist, and guru, and the founder of Rupal’s Yogasthenics, a curated fitness brand specialising in Pre-Natal and Post-Natal yoga. She practices classical Hatha yoga and runs a school for enthusiasts who wish to train and certify in yoga. Over the years, she has built a reputation not just as a fitness expert, but as a holistic healer and mentor.

Her journey into yoga began at home. She followed in the footsteps of her father, who was her first inspiration, while her mother ensured she attended every rehearsal and practice session during her growing years. Academics never defined her path. Instead, yoga transformed her. After graduation, she knew with clarity that she wanted to become a yoga teacher and therapist.

She completed her intensive Teacher Training Course at The Yoga Institute in Santacruz, Mumbai, an experience she describes as life changing. This was followed by a 14-month internship where she deepened her understanding of yoga therapy and breath alignment with asanas. She later specialised in Prenatal Yoga and continues to update her knowledge with advanced certifications across India, Asia, and Europe.

For Rupal, yoga has been a journey of self-awareness and self-love. It helped her transition from girlhood to womanhood with confidence and inner strength. She firmly believes yoga is not limited to postures on the mat. It is a way of life that shapes who you become beyond practice.

Her work has received wide recognition. She featured on the cover of Women Fitness India’s August 2022 Anniversary Issue and has served as a Fitness Producer and Yoga Expert on major reality shows and OTT platforms, including India’s largest MMA reality series.

Her mother remains her greatest inspiration. Though no longer physically present, her guidance continues to anchor her. Rupal acknowledges facing skepticism, especially in a profession that was once not taken seriously. At times, she experienced discouragement from others, but strong family support and unwavering self-belief kept her steady.

Beyond yoga, she is a baker, an upcoming author, and a retreat curator. She has conducted exclusive wellness retreats, including the Mindfulness in Motherhood Retreat, blending prenatal yoga, Garbh Sanskar, and mindful parenting.

Her philosophy is simple yet powerful: never apologise for success and never feel ashamed of self-care. She believes in emotional balance, learning from situations, controlling reactions, and living by the yogic principle of Maitri, Karuna, Mudita, and Upeksha.

For Rupal, yoga is therapy. She sees the body as a shrine and fitness as an earnest prayer. She believes everyday you wake up is another day you get a chance to evolve, learn and practice. Her mission is not merely to train bodies, but to serve as a catalyst for healing and transformation.

Inderpreet Nagpal, Founder – RummysKitchen

Inderpreet Nagpal is a chef, culinary entrepreneur, and the creative force behind RummysKitchen, through which she curates pop-ups in hotels and restaurants, caters exclusive events, and hosts intimate supper clubs. She is also the founder of the pickle and preserve brand Herbs n Spices.

Her journey with food began in childhood in Amritsar, surrounded by the bold and comforting flavors of North India. As the eldest child in a working household, she stepped into the kitchen early. By the age of 14, she could cook an entire meal independently. What began as responsibility slowly transformed into passion.

Her curiosity went beyond recipes. She observed butchers to understand cuts of meat, experimented with spices, and mastered traditional pickle making. After marriage, travel broadened her palate. She began recreating restaurant-style dishes at home and realized she had a natural instinct for flavors and balance.

After becoming a mother, she took her first entrepreneurial step by offering traditional Punjabi brunches. The response was overwhelmingly positive. Soon, she began conducting cooking classes for young brides and students preparing to move abroad. Even as life took her through different cities and careers, including roles as a Montessori teacher and later a school principal, food remained her true calling. She continued catering, teaching, and nurturing her brand alongside her professional commitments.

Recognition followed. She won a cook-off on a Sanjeev Kapoor show, was featured on Khan Sisters, and participated in a cook-off with Saif Ali Khan. Media appearances, celebrity clientele, and a growing social media presence helped her establish credibility and visibility in the culinary space.

Encouraged by friends and patrons, she formally launched Herbs n Spices, her pickle and preserve line. Starting with classics like mango and lime, she expanded into innovative offerings such as prawn stuffed chilies. Orders began arriving from across India, reflecting both nostalgia and curiosity for bold flavors.

The pandemic marked a defining chapter. With restaurants shut, she introduced weekly gourmet menus from her kitchen. High-end dishes, curated weekend specials, and indulgent offerings like jumbo crabs quickly became sought after. Bollywood personalities and food enthusiasts alike became loyal patrons.

She briefly ventured into running a restaurant in Goa, gaining firsthand experience in large-scale culinary operations. Eventually, she returned to Mumbai, where she now focuses on curated pop-ups and collaborations with leading hotels and restaurants, most recently at Novotel.

For Inderpreet, food is not merely sustenance. It is creativity, memory, and joy plated beautifully. Beyond her culinary work, she expresses her artistic side through art and craft. She enjoys designer gift wrapping, knitting, stitching, and embroidery. Creativity, for her, flows seamlessly between the kitchen and her craft table.

Her journey reflects independence, adaptability, and a willingness to evolve. It stands as proof that when passion meets persistence, opportunities multiply.

Dr. Maheshwari “Rachna” Lakhani, Aesthetic Physician, Gynaec Cosmetologist, & Nutritionist

Dr. Maheshwari “Rachna” Lakhani is an Aesthetic Physician, Gynaec Cosmetologist, and Nutritionist whose work is rooted in one guiding belief: true beauty and confidence emerge from balance within. Her journey into aesthetic medicine was never about changing appearances. It began with a deeper intention to help individuals, especially women, feel healthy, confident, and comfortable in their own skin.

While practicing medicine, Dr. Lakhani observed a recurring pattern. Women often approached her with concerns related to skin, hair, weight, or intimate health, but beneath these symptoms lay hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, stress, and diminished self-confidence. Treating the surface alone felt incomplete. This realization led her to aesthetic medicine, where science and precision meet empathy and artistry, allowing her to enhance natural features while preserving authenticity.

Her work naturally expanded into gynaec cosmetic treatments, an area closely linked to women’s intimate health and emotional well-being, yet rarely discussed openly. Dr. Lakhani was driven to create a safe, respectful, and stigma-free space where women could seek care without hesitation. Alongside this, she pursued nutrition, understanding that lasting results in aesthetics and wellness are impossible without nourishing the body from within. Today, her practice integrates aesthetics, gynaec wellness, and nutrition into a holistic approach that treats root causes rather than symptoms.

Her journey, however, has not been linear. Marriage, a complicated pregnancy, and a life-threatening health phase forced her to pause her studies and career. During this time, she chose to become a full-time homemaker, dedicating herself to family while quietly holding on to her dreams. Years later, when life offered her another chance, she chose courage over comfort and returned to her studies. Restarting was challenging, but deeply empowering.

Dr. Lakhani draws inspiration from her elder sisters, her brother, and most profoundly, her husband, whose unwavering belief in her gave her the confidence to begin again. Their support reinforced her belief that when a woman is supported, she does not merely succeed, she rises.

Beyond her clinical work, she conducts corporate nutrition workshops, participates in health camps, and remains deeply committed to community outreach. A fitness enthusiast and Kathak dancer, she believes movement is as essential for mental clarity as it is for physical health. She is also a devoted mother to a 15-year-old daughter, leading by example in health and resilience.

Her story stands as a powerful reminder that a delayed dream is not a denied dream. Sometimes, success arrives only after one has learned to survive.

Mala Kashyap, Strategic Marketing & Business Development Leader

Mala Kashyap is a Strategic Marketing and Business Development Leader currently working as a Fractional CMO and Consultant. With close to two decades of experience across media, fashion, beauty, F&B, luxury, and e-commerce, she partners with founders and leadership teams to build brands, drive growth, and create meaningful, experience-led businesses.

Her career has never followed a linear path, and that has become one of her greatest strengths. She began in media and advertising, drawn to storytelling and culture, before gradually transitioning into roles that required sharper commercial and strategic thinking. Some of her most defining career shifts, including moving from fashion into hospitality, were unplanned. These transitions reinforced her belief that real brand-building happens where people, service, and consistency intersect.

Over nearly two decades, Mala has worked with organisations such as Condé Nast India, HT Group, Nykaa Fashion, and Gourmet Investments under the Bharti Group umbrella. Her experience spans media, luxury, lifestyle, digital commerce, and experiential brand-building. She has led integrated brand and growth initiatives, built long-term strategic partnerships, and driven impact during pivotal moments, including Nykaa’s IPO journey. Her work in hospitality has included launching restaurants and shaping experience-led brands that balance operational strength with customer-centric storytelling.

Today, she works closely with founders and leadership teams to translate vision into clear strategy and sustainable growth, always maintaining a people-first philosophy. For Mala, strategy is not only about numbers and expansion, but about alignment, culture, and long-term value creation.

Her inspiration comes from the women she grew up around, particularly her grandmother, mother, and sisters, who embodied strength, care, and quiet confidence long before empowerment became a widely discussed theme. Observing them shaped her early understanding of leadership and resilience. Professionally, she has also been influenced by women-led environments at ELLE, Vogue, and Nykaa, where collaboration, clarity, and empathy defined leadership. These experiences strengthened her sense of self and continue to shape how she leads.

Beyond her professional life, Mala is deeply drawn to theatre and the performing arts. She enjoys travel and cultural discovery, and she paints as a form of personal expression. Creativity and curiosity remain central to both her personal and professional evolution.

Her message to aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals is to remain grounded and honest. She encourages them not to wait for the perfect plan, as it rarely arrives on schedule. Growth often comes from unplanned moves, uncertain phases, and the willingness to show up consistently. She believes in staying curious, building genuine relationships, and allowing integrity to guide decisions.

For Mala, success is not defined by titles alone. It is measured by trust earned, teams aligned, and relationships sustained. She believes strongly in the power of community and collective progress. Sustainable growth, in her view, is never built in isolation. It is shaped through collaboration, shared ambition, and the discipline of consistently showing up for people. That belief continues to guide her work and the impact she strives to create.

Palak Baid, Founder – Cin Cin Events

Palak Baid is the founder of Cin Cin Events, a boutique luxury event and wedding décor company known for creating elevated, design led celebrations.

Her love for planning events and curating immersive experiences began at a very young age. What started as a personal passion gradually shaped into a professional calling. She pursued Event Management in Sheffield, UK, which laid the foundation for her career in the global events industry.

Palak began her professional journey in Dubai with Qode Luxury PR and Events, where she worked on high profile events for renowned brands such as Christian Louboutin, Sephora, COS, and Jager Al Couture. She later moved to Mumbai and joined Magnanimous, contributing to large scale events for brands like Vogue, YPO, and leading skincare companies. She then went on to start the events vertical at Schbang, gaining further strategic and creative leadership experience.

Post Covid, she worked with Shaadi Squad on high profile weddings, including the wedding of Farhan Akhtar and Shibani Dandekar. After eight years of hands on experience across luxury events, corporate showcases, and celebrity weddings, she took a bold step and founded Cin Cin Events. Her company focuses on bespoke wedding décor and luxury celebrations that blend aesthetics, precision, and thoughtful design.

Her biggest inspiration has always been her brother. His never give up attitude and unwavering belief in her dreams gave her the courage to pursue her ambitions wholeheartedly. Having someone who believes in you deeply, even during moments of self doubt, shaped her confidence and drive.

Working in the events and service industry comes with its own realities. While it may appear glamorous, it requires constant coordination and negotiation within a largely male dominated vendor ecosystem. In the early stages, being taken seriously as a woman posed challenges. However, she believes that consistent quality work builds credibility over time, and that reputation ultimately speaks louder than bias.

Outside of work, Palak enjoys traveling to new destinations, exploring different cuisines, swimming, and spending quality time with her husband. As newlyweds, this phase of life holds special meaning for her.

Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple and honest: there is never a perfect time to start. At some point, you must take the leap, commit fully, and remain consistent.

One of her most meaningful milestones was designing and executing her own wedding décor with her team. It was a full circle moment that reaffirmed her passion and reminded her why she chose this path.

Sandhya Veermal, Real estate professional

Sandhya Veermal is a real estate professional specializing in the Dubai property market, with a strong focus on premium residential and commercial properties. She works closely with investors and homebuyers, helping them identify the right opportunities in one of the fastest-growing real estate markets in the world.

Her entry into real estate was intentional. She recognized it as a traditionally male-dominated industry where women were often underestimated. Rather than seeing that as a barrier, she saw it as motivation. She believes real estate is not about gender. It is about market knowledge, negotiation skills, communication, confidence, and most importantly, trust. With that mindset, she stepped in determined to prove that women can close large deals and build lasting client relationships just as effectively.

Starting in a competitive international market like Dubai was not easy. Building credibility required consistent effort, strong networking, and a deep understanding of market trends, regulations, and investment dynamics. Over time, she learned that clients value honesty and transparency above everything else. By prioritizing these principles, she built long-term trust with clients and brokers alike. Each transaction strengthened her expertise and resilience.

Today, she proudly represents Dubai real estate and confidently guides investors through the process. One of her key aspirations is to build a strong identity in India so that Indian investors feel comfortable working with someone who understands their mindset, financial concerns, and long-term goals. She aims to bridge the gap between India and Dubai real estate by offering both local understanding and international market expertise.

She draws inspiration from self-made women who refuse to let society define their limits. Her own journey of growth and resilience fuels her ambition. In the early stages of her career, she often had to prove her capability repeatedly. Some did not take her seriously at first. Instead of reacting emotionally, she strengthened her knowledge base and focused on delivering results. Today, she confidently handles negotiations and closes high-value deals, earning the trust and respect of her clients.

Beyond real estate, she enjoys exploring the Dubai lifestyle and sharing insights about investment opportunities, travel, and the advantages of living in the city. She actively invests in personal development and networking, believing growth is continuous.

Her message to aspiring entrepreneurs is clear. Do not allow society to define your limits. If you believe in your vision, pursue it with confidence. Hard work, patience, and self-belief create opportunity. Especially for women, financial independence and courage are powerful tools. Step forward, take calculated risks, and never underestimate your potential.

For Sandhya Veermal, success is not just about closing deals. It is about building trust, creating impact, and inspiring other women to step into spaces where they feel underrepresented. Her journey is still unfolding, and she believes the most powerful chapters are yet to come.

Neha Gund Jetwani, Advocate & Founder – Neha Gund & Associates

Neha Gund Jetwani is an Advocate and the Founder of Neha Gund & Associates, a litigation based law firm in West Delhi.

Her journey into law was shaped by a strong sense of justice and a deep desire to stand for those who struggle to stand for themselves. Litigation appealed to her because it is a field that demands courage, strategic thinking, preparation, and conviction. She saw it not just as a profession, but as a discipline that would shape her character and sharpen her resilience.

From beginning her career as a junior to establishing her own independent practice, her path has been built on consistency and perseverance. Litigation, she believes, is far from glamorous. It requires long hours of preparation, emotional strength, and patience. Over the years, she has handled civil disputes, matrimonial matters, consumer cases, and advisory work. Each matter has strengthened her advocacy skills and reinforced her commitment to ethical practice.

She draws inspiration from strong leaders such as Indira Gandhi, whose decisiveness and resilience continue to motivate women across professions. As a woman litigator, she has experienced the subtle challenge of having to prove her credibility repeatedly. Courtroom dynamics, late working hours, and societal expectations often add layers of pressure. However, she views these challenges as refining forces. They build confidence, sharpen presence, and ultimately shape professional identity.

Her message to aspiring professionals is clear and grounded. Stay consistent. Stay ethical. Never underestimate your potential. Success is not an overnight achievement. It is earned daily through preparation, discipline, and integrity.

For Neha Gund Jetwani, success is not measured only by courtroom victories. It is measured by the trust her clients place in her and the integrity with which she practices law. That trust, she believes, is her greatest achievement.

Dr. Ayushi Bhardwaj, Homeopathic doctor

Dr. Ayushi Bhardwaj is a homeopathic doctor whose journey into medicine was shaped deeply by her own personal experiences with illness and healing. From a very young age, she struggled with multiple health issues and had extremely low immunity. Frequent illnesses made everyday activities challenging. Attending school, preparing for exams, and even managing routine college lectures often became difficult because of recurring health problems. These struggles became a defining part of her life and eventually guided her toward the medical field.

Her interest in homeopathy began after witnessing the impact it had on her own health. For years she had relied on allopathic medicines, which often left her feeling worse due to side effects and incomplete relief. When she eventually turned to homeopathic treatment, she experienced gradual healing that gave her a new perspective on medicine. That transformation inspired her to study homeopathy deeply so she could understand the science behind the treatment that helped her rebuild her life.

Two major influences shaped her path. One was a close friend of her father who suffered from tuberculosis and experienced a pain free life during his treatment with homeopathy until his final days. The second and most powerful inspiration was her own journey of illness and recovery. Living through years of health challenges made her understand pain, vulnerability, and the importance of compassionate care.

As a woman pursuing this field, she also faced many discouraging voices. People often questioned the relevance of homeopathy, saying there were no opportunities in the field or that patients rarely believed in it. Some even suggested that after completing her studies she would eventually leave her profession and focus only on household responsibilities. Despite these doubts, she continued her education with determination and completed her undergraduate studies with a strong academic ranking. She is now preparing for her postgraduate examinations, determined to continue growing in her field.

One of the most difficult chapters of her life occurred about three years ago when she began experiencing continuous fever that was repeatedly diagnosed as typhoid. At one stage, doctors suspected tuberculosis and suggested preventive medication, which she and her family wisely chose not to take without confirmation. During treatment she developed skin complications that later progressed into severe dyshidrotic eczema. Treatments that followed eventually triggered alopecia universalis, leading to complete hair loss. For a young woman in her early twenties, the experience was emotionally devastating and deeply affected her confidence.

During those difficult years she faced anxiety, emotional distress, and a long period of physical suffering. Eventually she returned to homeopathic treatment under the guidance of a doctor who helped her not only physically but also mentally. Through consistent treatment and patience, she gradually began healing. Today she believes she has recovered nearly ninety percent and continues to work toward complete recovery.

Her journey strengthened her faith in homeopathy and reinforced her purpose as a doctor. She hopes to use her knowledge to help others who struggle with chronic illnesses and side effects of treatments. Her message to aspiring professionals is simple: work with patience, sincerity, and dedication to your field. Every system of medicine has its own value and importance, and true knowledge allows professionals to serve people better.

For Dr. Ayushi Bhardwaj, her personal story is not just about illness and recovery. It is about turning pain into purpose and choosing a path where healing becomes a mission to support others on their journey toward better health.

Shrena Jasani, Founder – Shrena Jasani Consultancy

Shrena Jasani is the founder of a social media agency that helps brands build and grow their digital presence through strategy, content creation, and marketing. With close to 11 years in the marketing industry, her journey has been shaped steadily through learning, experimentation, and consistent effort.

Her interest in media and marketing began early. After completing her 12th grade, she pursued BMM and graduated as a college topper, an achievement that strengthened her confidence in choosing a creative path.

During her undergraduate years, she interned at DSPR, where she gained her first hands-on exposure to marketing and public relations. This experience sparked a deeper interest in the field. She later worked with Condé Nast Traveller, which helped her understand the industry on a larger scale and refine her interests within media and brand communication.

Seeking global exposure, she moved to London to pursue her master’s degree at Cass Business School. There, she studied consumer behaviour and marketing strategy while also completing an internship that provided valuable practical experience. The international perspective she gained helped clarify her long-term direction.

Over time, she began working with businesses on their social media presence. Seeing the measurable impact of her work encouraged her to turn her skills into a full-time profession and eventually launch her own agency.

For Shrena, inspiration comes from self-growth and the belief that it is possible to build something meaningful from scratch. She is also motivated by women entrepreneurs who have carved their own identity despite obstacles. As a woman in business, she has occasionally faced situations where she was not taken seriously at first. However, she believes that consistency and results change perceptions over time.

Outside of work, she enjoys travelling, exploring new cuisines, and spending time with friends and family. Travelling helps her reset creatively. Even in her downtime, she naturally gravitates toward researching marketing trends and learning about people and entrepreneurship because it genuinely interests her.

She does not consider her journey a finished success story; she believes she is still building it. Every milestone feels meaningful because she understands the effort behind it. With the support of her family, team, and clients, she continues to grow both professionally and personally, becoming more confident and self-assured with each step.