Thanks for the troll, I was famous by default

I recently blogged about a story related to child abuse in Mumbai brothels, it is a sincere a story and brings out some harsh realities of our society. I personally went through lot of internal conflict before putting it on the blog, considering it was risky but if my stories don’t make you think what is the point of this tremendous reach. Last week the same story was featured on one of India’s popular youth networks, it was all fine till I started getting personally attacked on my social media channels for being politically involved, being a feminist, having a religious preference, they even disapproved my hairstyle :/

The story has an important lesson which should be shared, hiding from reality does not make it disappear. Sad, how some people refuse to see the bigger picture and continue thinking mediocre. 

Life Hack: Trolling by definition, is someone who creates conflict by posting messages that are controversial and personal, they usually attack in groups to upset your sanity.

It was iconic because Anushka Sharma (Virat Kohli), Honey Singh (Bipolar and Alcoholism) and Pooja Kochar (no reason) were trolled on the same day. It is amazing how people miss the point and take off on their own tangent. As an individual I refuse to respond to trolls, but as a brand 30ish stands for authentic story telling, my fight is to keep blogging real and, "this makes your social trolling irrelevant to me". I refuse to feed the troll, and encourage negativity.

  

Shakti - Dear Women, I apologise

As a woman, “I apologise for calling you beautiful before brave” the images actively manifest female embodiment and strength.You are beautiful not like the magazines, but because of the way you think, the way focus, the way you love and stand strong. Shakti is a visual narrative showcasing women being strong in their daily lives.

Life Hack: True Shakti is disruptive.

I have been working since 6 months on project ‘Shakti’, collecting stories of women that epitomise strength in their daily lives. Every photograph holds a story of her background and struggle. It has been very overwhelming for me as a photographer, every time a woman shared  her vulnerability and fears, Shakti grew stronger. I will be continuing to work on this series, and capture stories of women across the globe because some emotions are universal and beyond barriers. There’s no rational reason for me to explore such stories, but I feel very connected with women who need a voice. 

This story has been featured by #Homegrown as a tribute to women on International Women's Day

True Shakti is disruptive

  

Mumbai Fire Brigade: Do you have the fire within?

The stage burst into flames during the “Make In India” flagship event. There were around 25000 people including artists, horses along with top political leaders and film stars in the line of fire. No casualties but a massive loss of reputation for our government. When everyone was running out and being escorted to safer enclosures, the only team that ran inside to face the flames was the ‘Mumbai Fire Brigade’. Fire fighters go through hours of training and rigorous drills to anticipate danger but their real gut is visible when you watch them lead a rescue operation.

Life Hack: When fire ruins a house the most precious things lost are memories. 
Beware, be aware.

This blog is officially endorsed by the Mumbai Chief Fire Officer Prabhat Rahangdale, the Vlog collaboration has been shot at the Mumbai Fire Brigade head quarters in Byculla. 

Safe rescue of trapped people is the first task assigned to the fire fighters, this is extremely risky and life threatening. They stand for courage and sacrifice, 30ish wanted to bring out their story and understand what goes on inside the mind of a fire fighter. We as citizens take fire safety for granted, its time we get more alert.

This video is a part of Mohit Rao’s series on mind reading, in collaboration with 30ish #WhoseMindNext

Great leadership flows from the top, Mr. Rahangdale is a man with a vision and a very progressive outlook towards public service. He has initiated the fire volunteer training with a goal to train 6000 citizens by mid 2016 ensuring that each fire station will have 200 volunteers raring to go. You can also enrol for this initiative, all the details are available on the official site of the Mumbai Fire Brigade.

Special Thanks to Mumbai Fire Department for keeping us safe

  

Rangilo Rajasthan

Every city in Rajasthan holds a colour within Jaipur is pink, Udaipur is white, Jodhpur is blue and Jhalawar is purple. Rangilo Rajasthan captures the vibe of a hidden jewel, Nawalgarh. There is so much drama in rustic backdrops and timeless art. 

Life Hack: Every wall has 2 stories, a story they tell and a story they hide

I am fascinated by arches, doors, floors and wall paintings. Rajasthani architecture is a blend of Hindu and Mughal cultures, this photoblog is a visual narrative of my travelogue.  I am taking a risk by introducing a hidden shade of Rajasthani heritage through their frescos. They are gorgeous and full of life, you just need to have a “bawli”(crazy) imagination. 

Welcome to Rangilo Rajasthan - Watch Photoblog

  

Strong, like a girl - A blogger's vision

Here’s a simple dream, a crisp white shirt, bag full of books and endless possibilities. I write this article as a woman, who was once a girl.

Don’t be afraid of your body changing, this is going to make you more beautiful.

Don’t fear uncomfortable attention, you are capable enough to deal with it.

Don’t let anyone make choices on your behalf, you are brilliant.

You are a diamond, a rose, god’s best creation.

You are loved.

 Life Hack: Girls don’t decide to hate their bodies, we teach them to.

A girl’s self esteem peaks at 9 and drops at 12, if she is empowered it jumps at 20 again. As a social experiment I started approaching schools to talk about my vision of promoting ‘Positive Body Image’. Our young generation faces lot of complex self-esteem issues, many of which become apparent during early teens. Involving them in the format of workshops, allows them to experience the power of thinking beyond conventional norms without being too moralistic.

Here’s an interesting incidence, as part of my social initiative I met these absolutely stunning & fiercely intelligent young girls and asked them to select a word that defined them. They picked words like strong, fire, power, smile, beautiful. The most striking quality was that they were completely unafraid and beyond inhibitions. She is not going to turn 25, and suddenly bloom into a confident young woman. We have to assure them at every stage that she is unique, because every girl’s self worth matters.

The only way to develop a healthy attitude towards imperfections is to talk to girls when they are in the most vulnerable age. We teach them a very important lesson, “when you appreciate someone else it doesn’t make you less beautiful”. Women by nature like to deal with difficulty by empathising and supporting each other, thus empower them as groups.

We make decisions our entire life based on these precious years of growth. A self assured child is the most powerful source of inspiration. Let them be ambitious, creative and independent. “You are beautiful not like the magazines, but because of the way you think, the way you love, the way focus, the way you stand strong, the way you bet on yourself”.

Take everything that is bright within you and introduce it someone. As privileged strong women we should take ownership and inspire the next generation to live fearlessly. When girls hold back due to beauty related anxiety, our society misses out.

 

As blogger’s we have to make sure to not dilute our true perspective for sponsored posts. Blogs can be a catalyst to positive change in our society, it’s a tough journey but I am committed. I dedicate this article to our change makers, our dreamers, our visionaries. It’s my passion and mission to make every girl child have the same opportunity, as I did. 

 Who said, "Strong like a Girl" has to be preachy, we have a gangster vibe.

Thank You for supporting our vision.

  

You & Me - The YouTube Route

You will be, what you think. THINK AWESOME!

Do things, before you are ready. Remember the world responds to action, not planning. Here’s a story that will inspire you to jump the curve.

Life Hack: Forget the facts, remember the feeling and chase everything that excites your soul.

When the world was restricted to conventional content (words) a company challenged the big boys.

YouTube seems to have been around forever, but has actually only been around since 2005 before being sold in 2007 for 1.65 billion US dollars. Started by 3 friends who changed the way we consume entertainment. 

In fact YouTube made no profit and violated copyrights until google stepped up and decided to buy the venture and revamp it’s strategy. They realised the potential of content created by user’s and empowered various digital celebrities. Creativity trapped in urban and rural geographies are now free to be heard and viewed by millions by one subscribe option. I endorse everything that support’s progressive growth and potential of human connectivity. 

Yes, we are being mentored by a brand that has changed the way we learn and share information.You & Me will be creating some great original content together. #YouTubeSpaceMumbai is an excellent learning curve for our Vlog vertical, in fact it is going to be a deal breaker for 30ish.

**SUBSCRIBE**

  

Brain Is The New Ass - Breaking Stereotypes

Brain is the new ass, sorry Kim K. Although I am quite sure it's the brain of her entire family that contributes to their stardom. She is the epitome of everything glamorous but are we as women limited to the way we look? I use this phrase as a reality check, we have been living the “sexy lie” for years. Stereotypes are not just unreal but also incomplete, because they never let you complete your real story. 

Life Hack: I was asked to pick a side, I chose to be real. 

What was your biggest learning from last year? I lived on my own terms, tried lot of things that would have scared me in 2014 and lot’s that will freak me in 2016. As I stand on the edge, I would say 2015 taught me to be a tough iron jawed lady. 

My brain is going to be twerked and flashed because an intelligent woman is tenacious and extremely attractive. 2015 was the year of change, making it messy and uncertain but that's the beginning of everything big. Failure is the only thing that will define the way you look at success. When you are in a good relationship with yourself it holds you still, don't let the burden of stereotypes unbalance this equation. 

Discussing women's issues over coffee is not my agenda, everyone has varied boundaries but some issues are universal. I am planting this vision into the real world, its the right time for 30ish to get loud.