BUILDING HER BRAND WITH LUXURY AND SPIRITUAL CHARM

In a conversation with Fortune India Exchange, Philanthropist and rising entrepreneur ZARINE MANCHANDA shares her remarkable life story and unique branding concept in her quest to help India’s poorest as the Mother of Millions

- ZARINE MANCHANDA

Let’s start at the beginning. Tell us about your family and your upbringing.

I was born in Himachal Pradesh, near Dharamshala, the home of the Dalai Lama. My childhood was wonderful, I was very blessed growing up with the finer things in life and many luxuries; my father was a Minister and successful businessman. My mother raised me to have good values and strong morals.

What prompted you to move to Mumbai?

Like so many girls in India, I grew up mesmerized by Bollywood and the glamour of the movie industry. I insisted on making it on my own, and so the interesting thing is that I left a Princess Life with my family to pursue my dreams.

You now run a respected charity foundation in Mumbai. How did you pivot from the glamour industry to your social work and philanthropy?

After experiencing disappointments and frustrations trying to crack into Bollywood, I made a life-changing decision after a lot of soul-searching and introspection.