In the bustling heart of Mumbai, surrounded by walls adorned with awards and photographs chronicling a remarkable journey, sits Zarine Manchanda—philanthropist, entrepreneur, and political leader. Known affectionately as the “Princess of the Poor,” her story is one of transformation, resilience, and unwavering dedication to service.
Roots in the Himalayas
Zarine’s journey began near Dharamshala, where she was born into a prominent political family. With a father serving as a minister and a mother who was a successful businesswoman, leadership was woven into the fabric of her upbringing. Living close to the Dalai Lama’s residence, she was immersed in an environment where spirituality and service were paramount.
“Growing up near Dharamshala was incredibly formative,” Zarine reflects. “That environment instilled in me values of leadership, resilience, and most importantly, compassion. The spirituality that permeated our surroundings taught me that true success comes from service to others.”
These early influences would prove to be the bedrock upon which she would build her life’s work, though the path to discovering her true calling would take an unexpected route through the glittering world of Bollywood.
The Bollywood Detour
After university, Zarine made the bold decision to pursue her dreams in Mumbai’s film industry. It was a significant departure from her political family background, but one driven by youthful ambition and the allure of the silver screen.
“I was young and had this burning ambition to make it in Bollywood,” she recalls with a laugh. “But the competitive world of cinema tested my patience and perseverance in ways I never imagined.”
While the spotlight ultimately eluded her, the struggle was far from futile. The rejection and challenges she faced in the film industry became the crucible that forged her resilience—a quality that would become instrumental in her later endeavors.
“Sometimes what feels like failure is actually preparation for your true calling,” she observes, demonstrating the perspective that has enabled her to transform setbacks into stepping stones.
Finding Purpose Through Service
The pivotal moment in Zarine’s life came in 2019, when she realized her energy could be channeled into something far more meaningful than personal fame. This epiphany led to the founding of the Zarine Manchanda Foundation in Aarey Colony, marking the beginning of her mission to serve Mumbai’s underserved communities.
The foundation quickly became a lifeline for those in need, providing food, clothing, and essential resources. But it was during the COVID-19 pandemic that Zarine’s commitment truly shone. Despite restrictions and unprecedented challenges, she personally organized over 500 donation programs in just two years.
“Those were challenging times for everyone, but especially for the most vulnerable,” she explains. “It wasn’t just about giving—it was about showing up, being present, and proving that no one is forgotten.”
Entrepreneurial Innovation with Purpose
Zarine’s approach to business reflects her core philosophy of blending purpose with innovation. Her ventures are not merely commercial enterprises but expressions of her values and heritage.
The Zarine Manchanda Café represents her unique vision of combining Tibetan spirituality with premium dining, creating what she describes as “hospitality with soul.” This was followed by Heavenly Flavours, India’s first 7-star cloud kitchen, which set new standards in food delivery services.
Perhaps her most groundbreaking venture was Premium Security Services, through which she became the only woman in India to own a high-end security business. Breaking into this male-dominated industry required determination and a willingness to challenge stereotypes.
In 2023, she added Flavours of Himachal Pradesh to her portfolio—Mumbai’s first 7-star Himachali restaurant specializing in traditional dham cuisine. Each business venture serves as both a commercial success and a tribute to her cultural roots.
Recognition and Responsibility
Zarine’s multifaceted contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including the Nelson Mandela Peace Award, recognition as Young Entrepreneur of the Year, and honors as a Young Philanthropist by The Times of India. Her work has been featured in prestigious publications including Femina, India Today, and Economic Times.
A particularly significant milestone came in December 2021, when she was appointed Regional Director for BRICS in Mumbai by the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This role provided her with a platform to create impact on a regional scale and influence systemic development.
“It’s one thing to help locally, but having a platform to influence regional development—that’s where real systemic change happens,” she notes.
Political Aspirations
In 2024, Zarine took perhaps her boldest step yet by launching the Zarine Manchanda People’s Party, marking her formal entry into politics. For her, this transition represents a natural evolution of her service-oriented mission.
“I realized that to truly represent and uplift Mumbai’s poorest communities, I needed to be inside the system driving reform,” she explains. “Politics isn’t about power for me; it’s about policy that serves people.”
Her political platform focuses on creating systemic change in Mumbai’s social and economic framework, with particular attention to the needs of the city’s most vulnerable populations.
Lessons for the Next Generation
When asked about her advice for women seeking to create change, Zarine’s response reflects the wisdom gained through her diverse experiences. She emphasizes the importance of embracing change and seeing pivots as opportunities rather than setbacks.
“First, embrace change—pivoting can unlock opportunities you never imagined,” she counsels. “Stay grounded in service because success only gains meaning when it uplifts others. Dream beyond limits and challenge every stereotype that tries to box you in.”
Her message about failure is particularly powerful, drawn from her own experience of rejection in Bollywood: “See failure as growth. Every rejection I faced in Bollywood became the foundation for my future triumphs.”
Most importantly, she advocates for finding alignment between ambition and values: “Find your purpose—align your ambitions with your values. That’s where lasting fulfillment lives.”
Looking Ahead
As Zarine continues to expand her ventures, deepen her political work, and maintain her philanthropic focus, her vision remains clear. She sees her role as inspiring others to believe in the power of determination, compassion, and vision to create transformative change.
“Legacy isn’t about what you achieve for yourself—it’s about the change you create for others,” she reflects.
Her final message resonates with the wisdom of someone who has turned personal setbacks into public service: “Remember that moments of loss often shape our greatest triumphs. Your struggles today are preparing you for your purpose tomorrow. Never give up on your dreams, but be open to discovering that your true calling might be even bigger than what you originally imagined.”
From the spiritual heights of Dharamshala to the bustling streets of Mumbai, from Bollywood auditions to boardroom meetings and political rallies, Zarine Manchanda’s journey exemplifies the power of resilience, the importance of service, and the courage to continually reinvent oneself in pursuit of a greater purpose. Her story serves as both inspiration and roadmap for those seeking to transform personal challenges into collective change.