Wow, 25 years. It seems like just yesterday I was a nervous wreck backstage, wondering if I’d ever find my place in this crazy, beautiful world of showbiz. And now, here I am, celebrating two incredible milestones: 25 years in the industry and 25 episodes of my podcast, “The Show Must Go On.” It’s a surreal feeling, looking back at the journey, the highs, the lows, and everything in between.
Young and dreaming: My early days on stage…
My relationship with the stage started early. I think I was in fifth grade when I first auditioned for a play. The feeling of stepping into the spotlight, even then, was electrifying. It was a stark contrast to my everyday life, where I was just an average student, often overshadowed by my high-achieving family. On stage, I felt… different. Confident!. Myself. That feeling, that connection with an audience, has stayed with me all these years.
Of course, the journey hasn’t been a smooth one. There were stumbles, moments of self-doubt, and even a particularly mortifying experience at a beauty pageant that almost made me swear off the stage forever. I remember the lights, the questions, the sudden blackout… it was brutal. But, as my parents wisely pointed out, no one remembers the stumbles, only the comebacks. And they were right. I dusted myself off, enrolled in a workshop with the legendary Satyadev Dubey, and slowly, painstakingly, rebuilt my confidence. That experience taught me the invaluable lesson of talking to non-living things – a skill that has served me well in every aspect of my career!
Theatre days: My early days on stage…
From theatre to fashion shows, I explored different avenues, eventually finding my niche in anchoring. It was a different time then. Female anchors were rare, often relegated to news reading or pageant winners. I was a model, coming into the industry at a time when event management was just beginning to take shape. It was a blessing, a perfect storm of opportunity and timing. I hustled, I networked (though I didn’t realize I was doing it!), and I learned to connect with people from all walks of life, from corporate clients to wedding guests. This experience laid the foundation for my future as a luxury wedding planner and a creative show director. I emphasise being a creative director for events, as with the inception of Swaaha weddings and experiences, I was very clear to bring in a major outlook in the creative approach on the social experiences. Fortunately, I kept getting clients who believed in me and allowed me to bring in the freshness in their events by adding unique ideas to their celebration. Hence, musicals became a key part of the journey of private events.
Finding my voice 2001: My journey into anchoring.
One of the biggest turning points in my career was working with Wizcraft. It opened doors I never thought possible, allowing me to travel the world, experience different cultures, and hone my skills on a global stage. I’ve had the privilege of interacting with some of the biggest names in the industry, from Salman Khan (yes, the hair-sniffing incident did happen!) to Shah Rukh Khan. These experiences, both big and small, have shaped me, taught me, and pushed me to grow. It gave me a taste for international weddings and ignited my passion for creating truly unique experiences, whether it be for a luxury wedding or a more intimate affair.
Then came marriage, and a whole new set of challenges. Suddenly, the phone stopped ringing. The industry, it seemed, had decided I was “settled down,” my career over. It was a shock, a painful realization of the biases that still existed. But, as always, I refused to be defined by limitations. This setback, as painful as it was, became the catalyst for something even bigger: Swaaha Weddings.
Swaaha Weddings 2011: My passion project.
Swaaha wasn’t just a business; it was an extension of my passion, a way to create magical experiences for couples on their special day. It was also a challenge, a whole new learning curve. But I embraced it, poured my heart and soul into it, and built it into what it is today. As a destination wedding planner, I understand the intricacies of planning celebrations across different locations and cultures, including Middle East weddings. My work with Swaaha has allowed me to collaborate with some of the most talented creative directors in events. And then came Nautanki Company, a space for pure, unadulterated creativity. It’s where I can experiment, push boundaries, and bring my wildest visions to life.
Nautanki Company 2021: Unleashing my creativity.
And now, “The Show Must Go On.” This events industry podcast is a passion project, a way to share the stories of resilience, creativity, and sheer grit that define this industry. It’s a celebration of the human spirit, a reminder that even when things get tough, the show must go on. Reaching 25 episodes feels incredible. It’s a chance to connect with listeners, share experiences, and inspire others to chase their dreams, no matter the obstacles.
Looking back, I’m filled with gratitude. For the opportunities, the challenges, the mentors, the friends, and even the setbacks. They’ve all played a part in shaping me into the person I am today. The journey has been long, winding, and sometimes unpredictable, but it’s been worth every minute. And I know, deep down, that this is just the beginning. The show will go on. And I can’t wait to see what the next 25 years bring.