The landscape of business, much like the tides of the sea, is ever-changing and increasingly being shaped by women who are carving out new paths for themselves. Gone are the days when women were merely seen and not heard in the boardroom; today, they are commanding attention and respect as entrepreneurs, harnessing their passions and proving their mettle. Among these trailblazers are familiar faces from Indian cinema, actors who have taken the leap into entrepreneurship with fervor and ambition. This exclusive report delves into the stories of such women, including Richa Chadha, Sonakshi Sinha, Sunny Leone, and Gabriella Demetriades, as they share their journeys with mid-day.com.
Richa Chadha – Pushing Buttons Studios
Richa Chadha, an acclaimed actor known for her powerful performances, has transcended the role of just performing in front of the camera. She and her partner, Ali Fazal, have established Pushing Buttons Studios, not as a mere production house, but as a fertile ground for creators looking to craft compelling stories across varied formats, from films and web series to documentaries and shows. Winning two awards at Sundance for their first independent film was a stark acknowledgment of their studio’s success. But, the duo’s ambitions are loftier; they aim to create art that not only breaks creative barriers but is also financially viable. The challenge of independent filmmaking in India, with its rigid distribution models, hasn’t deterred them. Richa and Ali bring to their studio a wealth of experience gleaned from years in the Hindi film industry and Ali’s foray into Western cinema.
Sunny Leone – Star Struck
Sunny Leone’s venture into the world of cosmetics with her brand Star Struck stems from a personal anecdote where her complex image limited endorsement opportunities. Instead of viewing this as a setback, Sunny took it as a call to action. Establishing a cosmetic brand allowed her to marry her appreciation for the beauty space with an earnest desire to understand the industry. Five years into her journey, the competitive landscape hasn’t dampened her spirit. Instead, she sees the potential for women to excel in any field, dismissing gender barriers as nonexistent for those willing to hustle and learn.
Sonakshi Sinha – Soezi
For Sonakshi Sinha, beauty and grooming have always been integral to her acting career, with a particular focus on the challenges of nail beauty. Together with her partner Srishti Raai, they identified a niche in the market: press on nails. This led to the creation of Soezi, an enterprise that promises convenience without compromising style. Sonakshi’s entrepreneurial vision is not bound by her acting schedule, as she navigates the intricacies of daily business decisions. Her ambition is to redefine what it means to be a woman in business, proving that creativity, empathy, and passion are indeed the “superpowers” of successful entrepreneurship.
Gabriella Demetriades – Deme
When Gabriella Demetriades noticed a void in the Indian fashion industry for premium cocktail and party wear, she seized the opportunity to fill it with her brand, Deme. Aspiring to create a premium fashion label from India with a global reach, Gabriella has spent years cultivating the right team and strategies. In business, as in life, perseverance is key, especially when facing the inevitable downturns. Raised to view herself on equal footing with anyone, regardless of gender, she dismisses the misconceptions about women in business, reinforcing the idea that daily, women are disproving these stereotypes through their achievements.
The common thread that binds these actors turned entrepreneurs is their unyielding determination to rewrite the script of their careers. Each has taken their cue from the bright lights of cinema to the bold world of business, proving that when it comes to their aspirations, the sky is truly the limit. As they share their stories with mid-day.com, one thing is clear: they’re no longer just bringing something to the table. They own the table, and they’re inviting others to join them at it.
