My Story: A Dream Come True
Growing Up: The Dreamer and Drama Queen
Mine is truly a dream-come-true story! Growing up, I was a big dreamer and quite the drama queen—at least at home. At school, I was the shy, coy girl with just a handful of close friends. Yet, I excelled in academics as a straight-A student, won state-level athletic medals, and shone as a house prefect and performer in dance and drama. These formative years shaped my resilience and creativity, laying the foundation for the journey ahead.
College Days: Discovering My True Self
Studying at St. Xavier’s College, Bombay, opened up a world of opportunities. It was here that I began to discover who I truly was, stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing the possibilities that came my way.
Early Beginnings: Acting, Radio, and Theatre
While in my second year, I acted in an AIDS Awareness Docu-Drama called Roshni for Doordarshan, playing the protagonist. That became my steppingstone into the professional world. Soon, I found my calling in radio and theatre. By 1998, I began as a Radio Jockey at 107.1 FM, and in early 1999, I started performing professionally in English, Marathi, and Hindi theatre, gracing iconic stages like Prithvi Theatre in Mumbai.
Radio and Beyond: Mastering the Art of Engagement
Over the past 26+ years, I’ve worn many hats:
- Radio Jockey: Six-plus years at 107.1 FM and stints with WorldSpace Radio and Internet Radio taught me the power of content and connection.
- Event Host and Content Provider: Since 1999, I’ve hosted over 6,500 events for global and Indian brands, from government protocols to Bollywood, corporate, fashion, sports, and cultural events.
- Prestigious Collaborations: I’ve had the honor of working with dignitaries like Indian Prime Ministers, Bollywood legends, global leaders, and transformative changemakers.
Television Highlights
My television journey took me to iconic platforms:
- ESPN-STAR SPORTS: Anchored during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2003, working alongside cricketing legends like Harsha Bhogle and Sunil Gavaskar.
- Zee Trendz: Covered the Milan Fashion Week (2004, 2005) and hosted a fashion travelogue in Italy.
Zee Music: Hosted Artist of the Fortnight, gaining insights into the perseverance of India’s music icons.
Mentoring and Teaching: Making a Difference
Fueled by a desire to make a difference (MAD) in people’s lives, I ventured into teaching:
- At Xavier’s Institute of Communication (XIC): I conducted workshops on Announcing, Broadcasting, Compering, and Dubbing.
- At S.P. Jain School of Global Management: Despite not holding an MBA, I taught Business Communication and Soft Skills in Dubai and Singapore, a career-defining milestone.
Pageantry and Coaching: Empowering Transformations
Winning Gladrags Mrs. India-World 2006 and Best Model was a personal triumph, but it was just the beginning. I became a Personality Coach for Channel V’s Super Singers and groomed contestants for the Miss Mumbai Pageant, helping them shine with confidence.
Entrepreneurship: Building Dreams with OrangeTalks and CCH
In 2007, my husband Retd. Cdr Bimal Raj and I co-founded OrangeTalks LLP, mentoring aspiring leaders and businesses to unlock their potential.
In 2023, I launched Charizmatic Communicators Hub (CCH), where we empower individuals to master impactful communication, build authentic connections, and grow personally and professionally. At CCH, it’s about transformation—equipping clients with the mindset, heartset, and skillset to thrive in all areas of life.
Motherhood and a Fresh Start
Motherhood in 2009 shifted my focus to family, but by 2017, I returned to my career with renewed vigor. By 2018, accolades reaffirmed my belief in the power of Attitude, Skills, and Knowledge (A.S.K.).
Today: Empowering Lives Globally
With 26+ years of experience, 6,500+ events, and 200,000+ lives impacted, my mission is to create an ARMY of a Billion+ Assertive, Charismatic, Emotionally Intelligent, and Effective (ACE2) Communicators. Together, we aim to transform our nation into the Swarna Bhoomi Bharat it is destined to be.
The Journey Continues
My dream today is grander than ever: to empower a billion+ people to live abundant, productive, and meaningful lives, becoming Beacons of Light for millions.
As the poem says:
“The woods are lovely, dark, and deep. But I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep.”
And so, my journey continues—with endless possibilities ahead and a heart full of gratitude for the lives I touch along the way.
