Title: Rising Star: Mumbai Teen Maleesha Kharwa Captures Hearts as Model and Influencer
By Hemanshi Kamani
MUMBAI, Sept 18 (Reuters) – Maleesha Kharwa, a 15-year-old model and Instagram influencer, has captured the attention of the fashion world with her striking looks and infectious smile. Hailing from a waterfront slum in Mumbai, Maleesha’s story is one of resilience and determination.
Three years ago, Maleesha caught the eye of an American tourist who stumbled upon her neighborhood. Since then, her life has taken a transformative turn. While her family still resides in a hutment surrounded by garbage, they have also rented a one-room apartment nearby, complete with its own toilet and running water.
Maleesha’s journey as a model took a significant leap forward in March when she was chosen as the face of Forest Essentials, a luxury Indian cosmetics brand, for their Yuvati campaign celebrating young Indian women. Prior to this, she graced the cover of Cosmopolitan India magazine with the empowering strap line: “Guts! Guts! Guts!”
Despite her growing fame, Maleesha remains committed to her education, focusing on her studies until she completes school. “I feel good because I look different on camera and in real life,” she shared with a Reuters photographer at her home, which is adorned with posters of her achievements.
Maleesha’s success story has drawn comparisons to the Oscar-winning film “Slumdog Millionaire” set in Mumbai. It also reflects changing attitudes in a country where fair skin has long been glorified as the ideal standard of beauty in advertising, popular culture, and Bollywood films.
Forest Essentials recognized the potential in Maleesha’s unique beauty, much like American actor and choreographer Robert Hoffman did when he spent time with her and her family in 2020. Hoffman, knowing the power of the internet, helped Maleesha launch a “Go Fund Me” campaign.
Embracing social media, Maleesha is now a rising social media influencer, garnering a following of 367,000 on her Instagram account, where she often uses the hashtag ‘the princess from the slum.’
Despite the hardships she has faced, including the loss of her mother at a young age, Maleesha remains cheery and polite. She exudes a voice filled with happiness that belies the challenges she has overcome.
Maleesha’s story is an inspiration to many, reminding us of the transformative power of opportunity and determination. Her rise to fame signifies a step towards inclusivity and the celebration of diverse beauty standards in the fashion industry.
Reporting by Hemanshi Kamani, writing by Tanvi Mehta; Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore