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Across industries, these women are not just breaking glass ceilings; they are reconstructing the very structures of their fields
Women’s Day: For the next generation of female entrepreneurs and entertainers, the message is clear: take up space, own your narrative, and build a future where more women lead, innovate, and inspire.
Women across industries are rewriting the rules, carving spaces for themselves in business, entertainment, and beyond. From co-founding groundbreaking companies to leading storytelling revolutions, they are proving that leadership knows no gender. Their journeys are marked by resilience, vision, and an unwavering commitment to breaking barriers.
Take Meghna Agarwal, co-founder, IndiQube, who recognized a gap in the workspace market and transformed the way businesses approach office spaces. Faced with constant office relocations, she turned the challenge into an opportunity—creating accessible, affordable, and comprehensive workspace solutions. The real estate sector has long been male-dominated, but Agarwal believes that women bring a unique blend of creativity, empathy, and strategy. Her advice to aspiring female entrepreneurs? Trust your vision, build a strong support system, and lift others as you rise.
In the world of entertainment, Sneha Desai, a screenwriter, speaks of the challenges of mastering the craft in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Learning the unwritten rules, understanding legalities, and balancing creative aspirations with commercial realities were hurdles she had to overcome. Yet, her passion for storytelling and persistence helped her find her place. She sees an evolving industry where women are leading from the front, crafting narratives with fresh, layered, and empathetic perspectives. Her message to aspiring female entertainers is clear: hone your craft, take up space, and stand by your voice.
Meanwhile, Jaya Saha, co-founder and head of talent, Collective Artists Network, didn’t set out to break barriers—but she did. Her role in talent management is about more than just negotiations; it’s about shaping narratives and guiding careers. In an industry where women have had to work twice as hard to prove themselves, she believes persistence and alliances are key. Today, women are no longer playing supporting roles in entertainment—they are running the show. Her advice? Own your voice, stay resilient, and be fearless in pursuit of success.
Another game-changer is Shruti Mahajan, a casting director who entered the industry without any formal training. She had to navigate a space that didn’t initially recognize casting as a specialized field. Establishing credibility in a male-dominated industry was an uphill battle, but through perseverance and intuition, she proved that casting is an art that shapes narratives. Today, as women continue to take leadership roles across all aspects of filmmaking, Mahajan encourages aspiring female professionals to trust their instincts, work with integrity, and never let others define their limits.
Breaking new ground in the audio content space, Kavita Rajwade, co-founder, IVM Podcasts (Pratilipi), saw an opportunity in podcasting long before it became mainstream. She had to tackle challenges such as educating audiences, struggling with discoverability, and navigating monetization hurdles. But she remained committed to building an audio-first network that prioritizes deep, meaningful conversations. She sees the industry evolving, with more women shaping narratives and making their mark. Her advice? Start before you feel ready, find a mentor, be financially aware, and stay adaptable.
In film production, Sapna Malhotra, co-founder, Alchemy Films Pvt Ltd, has championed storytelling that challenges norms. Navigating the male-dominated industry required resilience, but she stayed true to her vision. With streaming platforms breaking traditional molds, Malhotra sees a shift toward inclusive narratives, with female-driven stories gaining traction. For the next generation of women in entertainment, she emphasizes the importance of owning one’s voice and telling stories that matter.
From entertainment to wellness, Dr Dhara Panchal, M.D., founder, Nitzana, left a career in medicine to focus on preventive health through nutrition. Transitioning from a structured field to entrepreneurship was a challenge, but her commitment to mindful nutrition and research-driven solutions helped her establish credibility in the food industry. She believes that female-led businesses are driving innovation and prioritizing sustainability, urging aspiring entrepreneurs to embrace challenges and build strong networks.
In luxury and design, Rituu B Jhaveri, founder, Rowa’s Jewels, brought a fresh perspective to the jewelry industry. Coming from a family rooted in the diamond trade, she was determined to create a niche that blended tradition with contemporary artistry. Establishing trust in a male-dominated sector wasn’t easy, but her persistence redefined luxury jewelry. She sees an exciting future where women take center stage in creative industries. Her advice? Hone your craft, embrace challenges, and never underestimate the power of authenticity.
Across industries, these women are not just breaking glass ceilings; they are reconstructing the very structures of their fields. Their stories serve as a testament to the power of resilience, vision, and community. For the next generation of female entrepreneurs and entertainers, the message is clear: take up space, own your narrative, and build a future where more women lead, innovate, and inspire.
