OUT OF THE ORDINARY

A teacher who quit her job to participate in a reality cooking show and became India's first MasterChef. A skydiver who performed a parachute jump in a sari. A doctor who began empowering couples to become parents via IVF years before it was a thing. Bollywood's first stunt woman who began her career at the age of 12. The pages ahead bring you stories of women who dared to step out of their comfort zones to do something for the love of it - and did it very well! Be inspired!

- Primrose Monteiro-D'Souza, Kalwyna Rathod, Kayal Arivalan

SANOBER PARDIWALLA

BOLLYWOOD STUNT WOMAN

Sanober Pardiwalla cannot keep still. Bollywood's ace and first - stunt woman is constantly in the spotlight for her daring stunts and her can-do-it attitude. Her days are filled with activity, whether with movie projects or with her celebrity training schedule - and she is passionate about her interior designing career as well.

I was just 12 when I auditioned to stand in for Aishwarya Rai. I was a gymnast and a black belt in karate with very sharp reflexes. That first day on the set, I instinctively understood what facing the camera was all about, the light and the shadows, the concept of retakes. I loved it all and, though I was very young, I knew I could make this passion my profession. It was and is like art to me.

My grandfather and mother have been my biggest supporters. Although I was really young, they believed in me. Initially, my mom thought it was a passing phase but, the more they saw me doing the most high-risk stunts effortlessly - I had the confidence to say 'no' in front of a hundred people if it was not safe - they realised they should encourage me. And, touch wood, they always have.

I have spent over 22 years in the industry and done over 200 films. I do all the high-risk stunts myself, but I also train actors on fight sequences.