MUMBAI: Over the years, many Bollywood actresses have stepped into the business realm, successfully establishing themselves as influential entrepreneurs. From investing in innovative startups to building impactful brands, these women are paving the way for future generations to dream big and pursue their passions fearlessly. Let’s delve into the journeys of some of these trailblazers who are redefining what it means to be a woman in business and inspiring others become powerful leaders in the industry:
Shilpa Shetty: As a prominent actor and entrepreneur, Shilpa Shetty is deeply involved in the startup ecosystem. She’s an early investor in the skincare and wellness brand Mamaearth and the agri-tech startup Kisankonnect. Shilpa also launched her fitness and health app Simple Soulful, and owns a luxurious seafood restaurant named Bastian, which has become a favourite among Bollywood celebrities. Recently, Bastian expanded to Hyderabad as well.
Mouni Roy: Entrepreneur and actress Mouni Roy owns the restaurant Badmaash, which offers an authentic Bollywood vibe alongside Indian cuisine and spicy concoctions. Located in Mumbai, Badmaash combines traditional Indian flavours with a contemporary twist, creating a culinary experience that also reflects Mouni's vibrant personality. Currently, the restaurant has two locations in Mumbai and has expanded to four branches in Bangalore.
Kriti Sanon: Kriti Sanon launched her production house, Blue Butterfly Films, with a mission to tell heartfelt stories. She also founded a skincare brand called Hyphen, born from her passion for skincare. In addition, Kriti has a clothing line named Ms Taken, targeting youth with casual and semi-formal wear. Further, she also operates a fitness training studio The Tribe, aimed at motivating individuals to achieve their best selves.
Anushka Sharma: Anushka Sharma launched her clothing brand Nush in 2017, focusing on feel-good summer fashion. In 2013, she co-founded Clean Slate Filmz with her brother Karnesh, aiming to tell impactful stories and support new talent. She also invested in Slurrp Farm, a D2C snack brand
promoting healthy vegetarian breakfasts, and also serves as its brand ambassador. Additionally, she partnered with her husband Virat Kohli, to invest in the plant-based meat brand Blue Tribe Foods.
Sonakshi Sinha: Sonakshi is the co-founder of the nail brand Soezi, offering a variety of press-on nails. The brand has launched a dedicated e-commerce store and aims to expand into offline retail, starting from tier 1 cities. Sonakshi prioritizes hiring female employees to empower women and plans to shift her focus from acting to full-time entrepreneurship.
Which of these female entrepreneurs inspires you the most?