Dr. Zarine Manchanda’s story is one of reinvention, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to impact. Born in the breathtaking landscapes of Himachal Pradesh, Zarine was raised with dreams as expansive as the mountains around her. From the very beginning, her ambitions were not bound by conventional expectations – she envisioned a life of influence, beauty, and meaning.
Her earliest dream took her to the bustling heart of India’s entertainment industry, Mumbai. Immersed in the world of Bollywood, she honed her confidence, public presence, and ability to connect with people on a deep emotional level. While she embraced the glamour of cinema, Zarine soon realized her truest calling extended beyond the spotlight. The stage taught her storytelling, resilience, and grace, but destiny was preparing her for a larger stage, one where her compassion, intellect, and vision would inspire millions.
From Spotlight to Service
For many, leaving Bollywood would be an end. For Zarine, it was a beginning. She recognized that fame was transient, but service had the power to leave a permanent mark. Embracing her spiritual roots and humanitarian instincts, Zarine pivoted from performing scripted roles to writing her own – through philanthropy and entrepreneurship.
Her commitment to service was never about handouts; it was about transformation. From food and healthcare distribution to long-term empowerment initiatives, she sought to uplift marginalized communities in ways that fostered dignity and independence. Her foundation quickly became a beacon of hope for women, children, and underprivileged groups. Media fondly christened her the “Princess of the Poor” and the “Mother to Millions”, acknowledgments that reflected her rare blend of empathy and effectiveness.
The Powerhouse Entrepreneur
Zarine’s ventures in business were not separate from her philanthropic mission, they were extensions of it. Today, she stands as a formidable entrepreneur whose portfolio spans hospitality, lifestyle, beauty, and luxury services. But unlike conventional business leaders, Zarine defines success not merely in profit margins, but in the values her enterprises embody.
Every company she builds carries the DNA of excellence fused with responsibility. For her, entrepreneurship is not just about growing companies but creating legacies. Each challenge becomes an opportunity, each success a platform to uplift others. By blending innovation, resilience, and social consciousness, she has redefined what it means to be a modern entrepreneur in an era that demands businesses to stand for more than wealth creation.
Championing Women’s Empowerment
As a woman in leadership, Dr. Zarine Manchanda knows firsthand the barriers that exist in male-dominated spaces. Rather than allowing them to limit her, she transformed those challenges into stepping stones and now works tirelessly to help other women do the same.
Her advocacy for women’s empowerment is both practical and inspirational. Through mentorship, training, and leadership opportunities, Zarine ensures women not only enter boardrooms but thrive in them. She is also a vocal proponent of diversity and inclusion, consistently emphasizing that the strengths women bring—empathy, strategic insight, and emotional intelligence are invaluable to shaping better businesses and societies.
Her own journey serves as proof that women need not conform to outdated molds but can create new paradigms of success that balance strength with compassion.
Honours and Accolades
The world has taken note of Zarine’s extraordinary impact. Her awards and recognitions span across business, philanthropy, and leadership:
- 2020 – Selected as one of Fabulous 50 Women by Femina and listed in India Today’s 45 Most Influential Indians.
- January 2021 – Honoured with The Economic Times Award for Business Expansion and Times of India Young Philanthropist Award.
- 2022 – Awarded the Power Woman Award for Iconic Young Entrepreneur & Philanthropist of the Year by Midday Magazine at the Governor’s House in Mumbai.
- March 2022 – Named Young Entrepreneur of the Year in Delhi and appointed Regional Director (Mumbai) for BRICS.
- June 2023 – Appointed Chairperson & Editor in Chief by India’s National Council of News & Broadcasting for Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, and Goa.
Each accolade is more than a personal milestone – it represents a victory for the communities she uplifts and the women she inspires.
Building an Empire with Purpose
At the heart of Zarine’s work is her ability to fuse purpose with profit. Through the Zarine Manchanda Foundation, she has created pathways for sustainable change. From distributing essentials to launching skill development initiatives, her foundation empowers individuals to rise above cycles of poverty and dependence.
Her business ventures reflect the same philosophy. Whether opening new luxury services or expanding into lifestyle brands, she ensures each decision aligns with her values of ethics, compassion, and excellence. In doing so, she has built an empire that not only generates wealth but also reshapes lives.
Leading with Values
In a business landscape often driven by competition and numbers, Zarine stands out for her value-based approach. Honesty, integrity, spirituality, and belief in good karma form the cornerstones of her leadership.
These principles guide not just her corporate strategies but her everyday interactions. By embedding ethics into the DNA of her empire, Zarine has cultivated trust, loyalty, and admiration – proving that leadership grounded in values is both morally fulfilling and commercially sustainable.
Beyond Gender Barriers
Zarine has long challenged stereotypes about what leadership should look like. For her, true leadership is not about gender but about vision, resilience, and compassion. She emphasizes that when women rise, entire societies rise with them.
Her fight for diversity and inclusion extends beyond rhetoric. Through active mentorship and advocacy, she ensures that women gain not only access to opportunities but also the confidence and skills to excel in them. By breaking molds, Zarine is creating new possibilities for women leaders everywhere.
Wisdom for the Next Generation
To the younger generation, especially young women in business, Zarine offers clear and powerful advice: pursue passions with conviction, remain anchored in values, and collaborate instead of competing. She stresses that innovation must not be about following trends but about anticipating needs and creating real solutions.
Her message resonates deeply in a world where many chase quick success. For Zarine, true leadership is about leaving a lasting, positive impact on people and communities.
A Legacy in the Making
Dr. Zarine Manchanda’s journey is still unfolding, but her legacy is already clear. From Bollywood to boardrooms, from philanthropy to global leadership roles, she has consistently demonstrated that vision paired with compassion can change the world.
Her growing influence within platforms like BRICS and the media sector positions her as a global voice for ethical leadership, women’s empowerment, and purpose-driven business. Yet, she remains grounded in her mission: to inspire future generations to dream boldly, break barriers, and lead with heart.
For Zarine, success is not measured by how much she achieves but by how many doors she opens for others. And in that lies the true essence of her legacy – a legacy of purpose, empowerment, and timeless impact.
