The AboutHer Show with Sangeeta Relan

In this episode of The AboutHer Show, author and conservationist Arefa Tehsin shares her extraordinary journey of writing 19 books for children and adults, growing up in the wild with renowned naturalist Dr Raza Tehsin, and using storytelling as a powerful tool for nature conservation. From the internationally acclaimed The Witch on the Peepul Tree to the globally celebrated The Elephant Bird, Are...

Award-winning author and historian Mallika Ravikumar joins The AboutHer Show to talk about writing history for young minds, women’s voices in literature, and her deep love for trees. Winner of the Atta Galatta Bangalore Literature Festival Award for Best Children’s Fiction 2023 and the Binod Kanoria Children’s Book Award 2023 (Young Adult), Mallika shares her journey from law to literature, her fa...

In this episode of The AboutHer Show, bestselling authors and podcast co-hosts Kainaz Jussawalla and Anjali Kripalani bring their unfiltered voices, wit, and wisdom to a conversation that explores the road less travelled, both personally and professionally. From navigating unconventional careers and cross-cultural influences to embracing bold storytelling and tackling societal expectations, they r...

Dr Shalini Mullick has spent years healing bodies through medicine, and now she heals hearts through fiction. In this intimate conversation, she opens up about her journey as a doctor-turned-author, what inspires her women-centric narratives, and how she continues to balance two fulfilling identities with grace. From the power of empathy in storytelling to the silent struggles women face while emb...

In this inspiring conversation with Manisha Kalra, Founder of City Girls Who Walk Delhi and a media professional with over 9 years of marketing experience, we dive into how a simple idea became one of Delhi’s most empowering women-led movements. From building sisterhood among strangers to creating safe, joyful offline spaces in an increasingly digital world, Manisha shares insights on community le...

In this powerful episode of The AboutHer Show, Shaili Chopra, award-winning journalist and founder of SheThePeople. TV opens up about her journey from the newsroom to nation-building through storytelling. She talks about the turning point that inspired her to create India’s first platform dedicated to women’s voices, the challenges of balancing purpose and profit, and her latest mission, normalisi...

In this episode of The AboutHer Show, we explore the remarkable journey of Karen Anand, one of India’s most respected names in the culinary world. From her early life in London and Paris to building a multi-city food enterprise back home, Karen’s story is one of grit, evolution, and cross-cultural influence. We delve into what it means to be a woman entrepreneur in a male-dominated industry, how s...

In this episode of The AboutHer Show, I speak with Risha Chaurasia — a Gen Z powerhouse who published her first novel at just 11 and hasn’t looked back since. Now 18, Risha is also the founder of The Youth Story, a platform that highlights young changemakers and their stories. We dive into her journey as a writer, her passion for impact, how she balances creativity with her pursuit of a finance ca...

In this episode of The AboutHer Show, Rachna Chhachhi, founder of RachnaRestores® and The Kindness Practice Foundation, shares her journey from the corporate world to global wellness. She talks about her healing philosophy, “Heal from whatever they say you can’t,” the growing burnout among professionals, and how nutrition, mindfulness, and purpose-driven ESG can redefine health, leadership, and we...

In this episode of The AboutHer Show, Manisha Bhatai, CEO and Founder of Abhinandan Educational and Welfare Society, shares her inspiring journey of building a social enterprise rooted in education and empowerment. She talks about her “education for life” philosophy, overcoming gender barriers, balancing purpose and personal life, and the changes she’s witnessed through Abhinandan’s work. Manisha...

In this episode of The AboutHer Show, we explore the crucial yet often overlooked theme of women’s financial literacy and independence. Joining us are two financial powerhouses — Nitika Khiwani Sood, Partner at Khiwani Sood & Associates and Independent Director, and Ankit Jain, Co-founder of Mercurius. From unpacking the influence of family and culture on financial habits to proposing policy-l...

In this episode, we speak with Vrushali Samant, author, director, and media professional, about her journey across books, films, and journalism. She shares what inspires her storytelling, the difference between novel and screenplay writing, and how life stages like motherhood influenced her career rhythm. We discuss body positivity, adapting books to screen, working in indie vs mainstream, and lea...

On this special World Mental Health Day episode, we bring together two powerful voices in mental health: Dr Amrit Pattojoshi, a leading neuropsychiatrist, and Dr Aninda Sidhana, an experienced mental health professional. Together, they unpack the stigma that still surrounds mental health, explore the gender differences in seeking care, and share insights into how advances in psychiatry and therapy...

In this episode, I sit down with author and editor Uttama Kirit Patel to talk about her powerful debut novel, Shape of an Apostrophe. We explore the story of Leena Solanki, a woman who never wanted children, now pregnant and grappling with grief, family expectations, and difficult choices. I loved unpacking the themes of motherhood, silence, cultural taboos, and the weight of obedience in South As...

In this inspiring conversation, I speak with Ambika Anand, a celebrated TV anchor, fashion consultant, and creative storyteller. From starting her career in hardcore business journalism to becoming one of India’s most recognisable lifestyle and fashion voices, Ambika shares her journey of reinvention, bold choices, and staying true to her passion. She reflects on the evolution of Indian audiences,...

In this episode of The AboutHer Show, I speak with Aditi Singh, Chief Strategy Officer at Satin Creditcare, recognised among the Global 200 Women Power Leaders (2024) and Asia’s 100 Power Leaders in Finance (2022).Aditi shares her journey into the corporate world, the challenges she faced as a woman leader, and the role of mentors in shaping her path. She opens up about balancing work and life, ha...

In this episode of The AboutHer Show, I sit down with Bhakti Mathur—a private banker turned executive coach, bibliotherapist, and yoga expert. From navigating a bold career transition to weaving her diverse passions into a holistic practice, Bhakti opens up about the power of stories, the impact of mindfulness, and the courage it takes to reboot life in midstream. We also dive into her beloved Amm...

In this episode of The AboutHer Show, we dive into the inspiring journey of Vineet Panchhi, a former corporate professional who chose to step away from the structured certainty of the business world to embrace the fluid, unpredictable, yet deeply fulfilling path of creativity. From selling shoes and working in HR to setting up his own studio, Vineet’s life has been marked by constant reinvention a...

In this inspiring conversation, Udita Bansal, founder of trueBrowns, takes us through her entrepreneurial journey, what sparked her decision to start a brand, the gaps she wanted to address in fashion, and how she merges Indian heritage with a modern global outlook. She shares how trueBrowns champions inclusivity by celebrating every body type, the thought behind expanding into men’s wear and jewe...

In this episode of The AboutHer Show, I have a conversation with Samina Mishra, documentary filmmaker, writer, and teacher, whose work centres around children, media, and the power of storytelling. We explore how her journey into storytelling began, her approach to writing authentically for children, and the ways she has sought to challenge stereotypes in content for young audiences, especially gi...

In this episode of The AboutHer Show, I’m joined by author, columnist, and digital marketing consultant Karan Puri to discuss his creative journey and the art of storytelling. He reflects on how his voice as a storyteller has evolved and shares insights into blending food, fiction, and history in his latest book, Tales Between Tastes, along with his approach to crafting historical fiction for chil...

In this episode of The AboutHer Show, I’m in conversation with Saheba Singh, designer, entrepreneur, performer, and author of All Kinds of Stupid. We talk about the deeply personal roots of her book, the intersections of her creative identity, the importance of vulnerability, and how she processes life through her art. Saheba also opens up about the mental health of women creators, the role of men...

In this engaging episode, I engage in a thought-provoking conversation with content creator and author Pooja Marwah to explore her journey from a pivotal life moment to becoming a powerful voice in storytelling. We dive into her insights on content strategy, personal branding, writing for digital and print, and using AI as a creative ally. Whether you're a budding creator or a curious listener, th...

In this episode, I’m in conversation with Rajiv Inamdar, a seasoned international corporate executive and author of The Itinerant Executive. We explore the defining moments that shaped his global career, how his cross-cultural transitions informed his leadership style, and what inspired him to pen his debut book. Rajiv opens up about finding his writing voice, the role his wife played in his journ...

In this engaging episode, I speak to Jyotsna Mohan Bhargava, a seasoned journalist, columnist, and author, about her life behind and beyond the headlines. From entering the newsroom at a young age to navigating a career in a male-dominated industry, Jyotsna shares candid insights into her journey, the mentors who shaped her, and the barriers she continues to challenge. We explore themes of resilie...