Global IndianstoryThe ‘write’ way: Soundarya Balasubramani demystifies US immigration for Indians in her new book

The ‘write’ way: Soundarya Balasubramani demystifies US immigration for Indians in her new book

Written by: Bindu Gopal Rao

(May 30, 2024) A published author, ex-product manager, and the founder of The Curious Maverick, Soundarya Balasubramani has just come up with her second book Unshackled. Soundarya Balasubramani’s diverse experiences, from growing up in Chennai to studying at Columbia University, living in cities like New York and San Francisco, and engaging with people from over 20 countries, have shaped her impactful work today. Her book, Unshackled, simplifies the complex US immigration process for high-skilled immigrants. It provides practical guidance and engaging stories on navigating the U.S. immigration system, specifically for high-skilled immigrants seeking visas like the O-1A and EB-2 NIW.

The American Dream

Having lived in New York, Seattle, San Francisco, and briefly in Hawaii she has experienced both corporate life (as a Product Manager at Salesforce) and the founder life (since she quit my job at the end of 2021). She has also lived in four community houses in California in the past four years, which has exposed her to people from 20+ countries, and many more walks of life.

Soundarya Balasubramani

“The exposure I have received since immigrating to the US is invaluable. It made me more confident, fearless, and challenged me to constantly step out of my comfort zone. Most recently, I went on a country-wide book tour for my second book, Unshackled, where I visited four states and eight cities in 21 days. For someone who was terrified of speaking on stage, this tour pushed me to limits I could have only imagined and made me better. While there is a lot to be said about the downfalls of America — including its outdated immigration system, excessive consumerism, expensive healthcare, and more — I am grateful to this country for the exposure it gave me,” she tells Global Indian.

Rewind

Growing up in Pattaravakkam, a suburb about 15 km northwest of Chennai where Balasubramani spent her formative years, her childhood was about all things quiet and quaint. A topper at school and at NIT Trichy, she followed up her early achievements with a course at Columbia University for grad school. “Moving to America changed my life,” she smiles.

Her first taste of the US came even before grad school, when she spent a summer interning at UW Madison at the age of 16 after her sophomore year of high school. That was a window into what life in America could look like — and she absolutely loved it. “So, I came back in 2017 to begin my master’s in management sciences at Columbia University,” she says.

The ‘Write’ Way

When Balasubramani was just 16 she started her blog Curious Maverick and even at that age she always knew that if she ever started something of her own someday, that would be the name of her venture. Circa 2023 and she finally started The Curious Maverick LLC when she decided to venture into writing and entrepreneurship full-time.

She quit her job in late 2021 and spent most of 2022 exploring and researching. “By the end of the year, it was clear to me that my next calling is to write a book for high-skilled immigrants in America, and hopefully create a small and positive dent in that domain. I set up the company as soon as I landed in India and spent most of 2023 publishing the book and building the online Unshackled community for talent visa aspirants,” she says.

Her new book Unshackled is your answer to the question, ‘What would a book on legal immigration in America look like if it was friendly, engaging, and human?’ While immigration would rank as one of the more boring and complex topics one could think about, Balasubramani knew she could make it more fun if she approached it from a storytelling aspect. “Whether we like it or not, we must go through immigration to live and work in America. Sadly, most international students and immigrant workers are not well-educated on this topic and are unaware of many creative and legal options out there, including the O-1A and EB-2 NIW visas.”

Balasubramani and her co-author, Sameer Khedekar wrote Unshackled to demystify a complex system and give people a ‘map of the territory’ when it came to high-skilled immigration. The book is filled with gripping stories, beautiful visuals, and actionable guidance. “This is the book I wish I’d read when I moved here,” says Balasubramani. And the validation came from a reader who told her, ‘Honestly, I wish this book was given to me along with my visa stamp at the U.S. consulate.’ As immigration changed her life for the better, she wrote her first book ‘Admitted’ with the hope to not just promote talent mobility, but also educate students on the journey they were about to embark on so they take better decisions while applying to universities in a foreign country. She self-published the book and has sold 3000-4000+ copies in the past few years.

Valuable Lessons

Quiz her on some lessons that she has learnt till date, she says that it is important to take more risks early on when you don’t have a dependent or family. “Too many people in their mid-20s miss that precious window when they can take risks without impacting too many people. They then look back 10 years later and wish they’d been more courageous early on. Invest in long-term relationships, especially with people who make you better. I only began doing this in the past three years and now I cannot imagine life without my support system. Focus on making money without it becoming your primary focus,” she says. And by building a tight-knit support system she has overcome many challenges as well. And over the last four years her life has changed because of the presence of people.

In 2020, during the pandemic, life felt “empty and lonely,” Balasubramani recalls. She was living in a small room in San Francisco with roommates she barely knew. “My relationship with my parents was stale at best. I didn’t have friends in the city, and there was no one who I could consistently turn to for support. It was a lonely year.” The turning point in this journey happened when she met someone named Rajesh Setty in 2021. He quickly became a third parent, a best friend, and her teacher. “He showed me what one’s life could look like if it was lived with compassion, joy, and generosity. Thanks to him, my relationship improved with everyone around me, and now I can say with certainty that I have people who care about me in my life (and a wonderful family back in India),” she admits.

Soundarya Balasubramani

Looking Ahead

Driven by the fact that she can take something that is deeply personal to her and try to create something out of that struggle/experience to make others’ lives better, Balasubramani has her aim clear and bright. Right now, her focus is on using her free time to meet people and build more connections in her life. She is planning to begin work on her third book later this year. “It is unlike anything I’ve written before as it is a novel based on a true story. I plan to reveal more about it in the coming months. Overall, I want to publish many more books, create communities, and hopefully spend the later part of my life focusing on philanthropy,” she says.

Follow Soundarya Balasubramani on LinkedIn, Instagram and her website

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Published on 30, May 2024

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Yash Birla: A scion’s 20-year fitness journey

(October 17, 2022) As a student at the University of North Carolina — Chapel Hill, a young Yashovardhan Birla set out one day to explore the gymnasium. Unlike his peers, the then 23-year-old was a teetotaller and definitely didn’t enjoy heading down to the bar every evening. At the gym, however, the lively atmosphere, the positive vibes and seeing others sweating it out, left a lasting impression on his mind. “This is inspiration,” the youngster told himself and began working out with total dedication. Ten days later, he felt a difference in his physique. Self-driven and passionate “Once I start seeing something get better, I don’t like to regress. The intention was to be fit and healthy and also to look and feel good about myself. From there, it progressed into a lifelong passion. I kept working out and now, as I speak to you after all these years, I’m still doing the same thing,” smiles Yashovardhan 'Yash' Birla, the Chairman of the Yash Birla group, as he speaks to Global Indian. [caption id="attachment_30681" align="aligncenter" width="703"] Yash Birla is a leader, fitness enthusiast and an author.[/caption] Yash Birla needs no introduction. The diligent leader, fitness freak and author, who is

age-30681" src="https://stage.globalindian.com//wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Yashovardhan-Birla1.jpg" alt="Fitness | Yash Birla | Global Indian" width="703" height="703" /> Yash Birla is a leader, fitness enthusiast and an author.[/caption]

Yash Birla needs no introduction. The diligent leader, fitness freak and author, who is known to spend most of his time in spiritual silence, has now come up with another book titled ‘Building The Perfect Body’ which takes its readers through his entire fitness journey.

“I have always admired people who are deeply passionate about fitness, just like me,” says the 55-year-old. “My source of inspiration has always come from within, since the very beginning. I am my own competition and have always worked hard to become a better version of myself,” remarks Yash.

Eight years in the making

The idea, he explains, emerged eight years ago, when his “friend, Ms Shobhaa De, suggested I write a book on my fitness journey.” When the writing began, “she realised there was so much more to my life that people should know about, apart from my fitness journey,” Yash says. The idea changed at that point and the book which came out of it was ‘On a Prayer’.

A partial photo shoot had been done, however – the pictures are in his book Building the Perfect Body. And so, the thought of writing a book on fitness persisted in his mind. Work commitments had also piled up for the scion of the Birla family and it was only about a year-and-half ago that he actually began working on the book.

[caption id="attachment_30683" align="aligncenter" width="616"] Fitness | Yash Birla | Global Indian Yash Birla is the author of Building The Perfect Body[/caption]

Keep it simple: Discipline and a healthy diet

“Natural, vegetarian and healthy food has enough protein to help you reach your fitness goals and sustain your body,” Yash says. The industrialist tries to stay away from ‘Tamasic’ foods like meat, fish, onion, garlic and mushrooms, among other things. He sticks instead with a healthy, ‘Satvik’ diet. “One can also try Ashwagandha, which is a highly regarded herb in Ayurveda and contains around four grams of protein per 100 grams.

Dietary supplements and injections, however, are a strict no-no for Yash Birla. “People cannot maintain their bodies properly and are only inviting harm upon themselves,” he says. “I have been into fitness for over two decades now and consistency, dedication and a healthy diet routine are the pillars in my journey.”

Early influences and tragedy at 22

Yash was only 22 when tragedy struck the Birla family. His father Ashokvardhan Birla, mother Sunanda and sister Sujata died in a plane crash in Bengaluru in 1990. Yash married Avanti a year later. His grandmother, Gopi Birla, played a vital role in Yash’s life, starting from his early childhood. She continues to hold an important place in his life, even though she is no more.

“I grew up listening to a lot of stories from her, and they were all spiritual, religious, mythological, and even comical. To this day, I recall a lot of her stories and share them with my children as well,” says Yash.One of the stories that he fondly recalls is the one called “Jamai Raja,”(son-in-law). “I remember that it was a funny story, and I used to make her repeat it at least once a week. I really loved my story-time with her and we created some amazing memories.” Through his grandmother, Yash became a stickler for a strictly vegetarian diet. At one point, however, when Yash began eating eggs, she made her disappointment known.

[caption id="attachment_30684" align="aligncenter" width="669"] Yash Birla | Fitness | Global Indian Yash Birla is also a spiritual seeker[/caption]

Life as the Birla scion

It’s no surprise that Yash’s exposure to business started very early in his life. “I admired my father and the work he did. I wanted to be like him,” says the industrialist, who believes in doing everything to the best of his ability, without attaching himself to an outcome. “The journey is beautiful and the destination is immaterial. I don’t agree with any position that is attributed to me, because the journey goes on and on.”

Despite the privileges of being born into one of India’s biggest business families, Yash has faced more than his fair share of challenges. “Every business has its ups and downs, just like life. There’s always something to take from failure and it’s up to us to learn from it and grow,” he says. These situations compel us to remorse and self-reflection and force us to seek creative solutions.

Running a business means it’s not “just about yourself,” says the business magnate. “You’re responsible for other people and affected by markets and the economy. You’re only one part of the whole thing and can affect everything else around you. You have to learn to take responsibility and move ahead.”

The spiritual seeker

Yash has a deeply spiritual side and has practiced many forms of meditation – transcendental, Kundalini and Sahaja Samadhi. “It’s not about luck, or destiny, but I’m a staunch believer in karma,” he says. “It’s a seed that must sprout. Our actions may not lead to decipherable results but every action has an equal and opposite reaction.” When we face the results of our actions, he says, we call it destiny.

“It’s not about a reward-and-punishment system, it is just a way of evolving, progressing and achieving more,” Yash maintains. “We might have to face the consequences of our actions but we can master the latter and attain something greater.”

[caption id="attachment_30685" align="aligncenter" width="715"] Yash Birla | Global Indian | Fitness Yash Birla is an industrialist who is into ayurveda and meditation[/caption]

Expansion plans

There is always scope for something new, says the industrialist, although the Yash Birla group has a strong presence in varied segments, including steel and pipelines, education, health, Ayurveda and manufacturing tools.

“We always try to expand into new and innovative ways within our business and experiment as well. As a businessman, you need to be alert to new opportunities, have the passion to grab them and the creativity to make something of them,” he says.

Follow Yash Birla on Instagram

Reading Time: 6 min

Out-of-the-box living! Dhara Kabaria & Sonali Phadke create container homes you can relocate with

(April 7, 2022) Designing and architecture were her first love. But her passion heightened multi-fold after Pune-based Dhara Kabaria chanced upon upcycling during her master’s degree in alternative use of materials and designs at the Kent Institute of Art and Design in the UK. “It was a turning point for me,” Dhara tells Global Indian. The zeal for creative reuse gave birth to Studio Alternatives, a design agency that finds its roots in sustainability. But what sets them apart is their expertise in container architecture. And their endeavour to promote recycling into the mainstream with Alternative Reuse and Upcycling Foundation, a nonprofit. Dhara and her co-founder Sonali Phadke make beautiful living spaces from recyclable shipping containers. The duo, who first met in 2014, fell in love with container architecture right after their first project. “We were already designing with upcycled material but had never explored containers. So, when approached to work on a home made from shipping containers, we took it as a challenge. We knew that it was popular in Europe, but India was yet to explore its potential,” pipes Dhara whose interest was piqued after the successful debut. [caption id="attachment_22714" align="aligncenter" width="571"] Dhara Kabaria (L) and Sonali Phadke (R)[/caption]

tial,” pipes Dhara whose interest was piqued after the successful debut.

[caption id="attachment_22714" align="aligncenter" width="571"] Designer Dhara Kabaria | Sonali Phadke Dhara Kabaria (L) and Sonali Phadke (R)[/caption]

A project that changed it all

The duo took some time to understand the nuances, and it was after a year of setting up the entire system, they nose-dived into container architecture. “For us, it started as an exploration - to understand the dynamics of container upcycling,” says the designer who calls creative reuse not just their business but also a lifestyle.

The debut project gave way to varied spaces made out of shipping containers - homes, schools, restaurants, cafes, and technical spaces. With more people turning towards sustainable living spaces, Dhara and Sonali had more inquiries coming in. “If we got only 100 queries in 2015, it has now increased to 10,000. The graph is going high. People are now inquisitive about this alternative way of living,” adds Dhara, who works with a small team of skilled workers like fabricators, carpenters, and painters.

Designer Dhara Kabaria | Sonali Phadke

The spaces are constructed at their studio in Pune and are later mounted onto trucks and delivered to sites. Container architecture is not only sustainable but also portable. “What makes them different from regular spaces is the advantage of portability. One can rent land in any part of the country, and get these structures installed on site,” says Dhara, who believes that it provides a “sense of freedom” to anyone who isn’t keen on staying in one place for long. “You can either move the home with you or sell it,” she informs.

[caption id="attachment_22710" align="aligncenter" width="684"] Designer Dhara Kabaria and Sonali Phadke A home made from shipping containers[/caption]

While regular homes turn into a stack of debris after demolition, containers spaces can be transferred, sold or recycled. “The flexibility it provide is unlike any,” adds the 44-year-old who has till now worked on 25 projects in container spaces. “We have used 70+ containers which are available in two sizes- 20 feet and 40 feet,” she reveals.

Converting containers into living spaces

But how does one transform shipping containers into living spaces? “We first buy containers from JNPT port in Navi Mumbai, transport them to our studio. We then clean and make them rust-free. Each space is customised, so we design the space, work on fabrication and insulation, electrical work, plumbing, doors and windows. But what sets us apart is that these spaces are made in three-four months,” says the designer. They also monitor the site where it is installed. “The water points and sewage systems are put into place accordingly,” adds Dhara. She reveals it takes between one to 10 days to install a home at a site dependant on complexity.

The biggest enemy of steel containers is the heat, and Dhara and Sonali have found a solution for it too. “We add a second roof and try to keep good ventilation with the help of windows and green terraces. Also, the placement of the house on the location helps in beating the heat,” says Dhara who has constructed homes and spaces which work even without an AC in Maharashtra’s heat.

[caption id="attachment_22711" align="aligncenter" width="717"] Designer Dhara Kabaria | Sonali Phadke The interior of a home made from shipping container[/caption]

Her own home in Pune is the perfect example. She began with two 20 feet containers as her favourite project. “I am biased towards it. When we had started, many wanted to see how a home would look and feel inside. So, we made a two-storeyed home, and used 65 percent reclaimed material like wood for windows and doors. We even added a motorised openable deck. We have now added another container, so now it’s a lego-like house,” beams Dhara with pride.

While the trend is catching up, Dhara feels it has a long way to go. “The cost of making a sustainable home is equal to or more than a regular home as steel is expensive. Affordability is often a concern,” she adds.

The turning point

Happy to explore the possibilities of container architecture, the Katni-born girl was raised in Bhavnagar in Gujarat. It was during the construction of her home in Class 10 that she was enticed by the art of designing. “My dad was a civil engineer and I would often see him having long discussions with architects in our house. That got me interested in architecture and design,” says the designer who enrolled at CEPT, Ahmedabad. “It was the best training ground as I was introduced to weaving, woodwork, and traditional prints,” says Dhara who met her guru Dashrath Patel, the legendary interior designer during the course. “Under his guidance, I flourished. He not only guided me on my thesis but also took me under his wings as an apprentice,” reminisces Dhara.

[caption id="attachment_22712" align="aligncenter" width="502"] Designer Dhara Kabaria | Sonali Phadke Sonali Phadke (L) and Dhara Kabaria (R)[/caption]

Later, she went to the UK for her master’s, and upon her return continued working with Patel for a few years, explored other design firms and later launched Studio Alternatives. Sonali, on the other hand, is an alumnus of the Ecological Society Pune. Her family business in composites and plastics triggered her initial interest in reusing waste.

Dhara now plans to make “upcycling mainstream,” and is keen to make people aware of sustainability, and how certain materials can be given a second lease of life instead of ending up in landfills. To bridge the gap, Sonali and Dhara have started the Alternative Reuse and Upcycling Foundation, a nonprofit which promotes a more effective way of handling and using waste and scrap. “The first step is to create awareness through small campaigns,” concludes Dhara, who revels in family time, and travelling.

Follow Dhara Kabaria on Linkedin and Studio Alternatives on Instagram

Reading Time: 6 min

Vandana Suri is empowering women to ‘drive’ progress through Taxshe

(January 29, 2023) With her initiative Vandana Suri, is making a world of difference to the lives of women. The awardee of Global Sustainable Development Goals and Her (2019) for her entrepreneurial venture, Taxshe, Vandana has been empowering women with an exclusive all-women driver-on-demand cab service in Bengaluru and NCR. “We train women how to drive and set them free. The more women are on road, the safer is the ecosystem. We train them to be independent,” she tells Global Indian. The venture had been doing well until the pandemic hit hard. The transportation industry was worst-hit. Taxshe felt the blow too. Uncertainty loomed large when Vandana paid salaries for eight months without any business. With a debt of ₹70 lakh, the entrepreneur was not the one to give up, she was resolute. [caption id="attachment_34373" align="aligncenter" width="692"] Vandana Suri[/caption] As things started getting back to normal, her resoluteness, patience and faith started bearing fruit. Her business started blooming again. “Lot of things have changed and it brought new perspective to our work. It’s really taking shape very well now,” she says. “In the last one year we have trained 1500 women in driving and have also come with a franchise

ess, patience and faith started bearing fruit. Her business started blooming again. “Lot of things have changed and it brought new perspective to our work. It’s really taking shape very well now,” she says.

“In the last one year we have trained 1500 women in driving and have also come with a franchise model for women who have lost their corporate jobs in the pandemic, and want to do something new,” she adds. Currently 13 franchisee partners have signed up with Taxshe. “Four branches are operational and the rest will be operational in the next two months. They are based in Bengaluru, Pune, Gurgaon, Thane, and Hyderabad,” she reveals.

Empowering women forward

“People don’t have to tell me to fight their battles, I do it for them. Since childhood, I’ve been a fighter," the entrepreneur tells. Narrating an incident she reminisces, "A girl in school who was good at karate, wanted to go to an inter-school competition, and our principal refused as there was a drawing exam on the same day. I spoke up for her. During those days, Doordarshan’s serial Rajni sparked in me a desire to stand up for the rights. My mother would say, ‘You have already become Rajni, now stop watching it!’” she laughs.

Starting Taxshe in 2014, Vandana put out her first post on Facebook, asking people whether they could provide references of lady drivers for an all-women taxi service. “To my utter surprise, the post went viral,” says she, “I was overwhelmed with 3,000 calls of potential clients.”

Indian Entrepreneur | Vandana Suri | Global Indian

But the challenge was no woman with driving skills was willing to become a taxi driver. Women from poorer sections could have, but they did not know how to drive. “I became the first driver of Taxshe. I started a chauffeur model, drove other’s cars, picking and dropping their children. It was amazing that parents were so at peace with the idea of a lady driving their children around,” she smiles.

Taxshe, was incidentally triggered by a cab rape incident where the victim’s statement, “If a woman would have been driving me, this would have not happened,” deeply affected Vandana. Women were unsafe, and Taxshe was the answer. “Another major concern was the lack of toilets making it a non-women-friendly profession. So, I designed a flexible business model around ladies where there was no threat from passengers as they were driving children, and they had the luxury of working in the vicinity of their homes. It was business-friendly too as we got contracts for the whole year, thus a yearly income,” she adds.

Spreading the word

Reaching out to slums, talking to women and families, after devoting six months to even a year in proper training, Vandana manages a team of women professional drivers. “When I had sent them for training in driving schools, they were ridiculed. Empowering them, I started training them myself,” says Vandana. Her training sessions are more elaborate and comprehensive than the ones of the driving schools.

[caption id="attachment_34375" align="aligncenter" width="832"] Indian Entrepreneur | Vandana Suri | Global Indian Vandana Suri with members of the Taxshe team[/caption]

Such has been the demand for her service that Vandana likens it to being oxygen masks for children, corporate women and female late-night flight passengers.

Taxshe Breakfree and WOMB – turning drive into movement

Vandana then started a new business vertical – the Taxshe Breakfree that addressed women being stuck at home. “Just like the actor in Titanic who floated across even when the ship sank, we were able to sail across the pandemic. Invariably, we have a very high rating whether it is Taxshe or Breakfree,” she beams.

Getting in touch with educated women who had lost jobs, she roped them in as franchisee partners, and trained them in training others. To great happiness and encouragement ladies like an out-of-work 62-year-old school principal with 35 years driving experience started joining in. “We call her super naani. We have other franchisee partners too who have lost high-paying jobs. They are happy to join Taxshe Breakfree,” adds the social entrepreneur.

Then, another vertical - Women in Mobility Business (WOMB) was started to engage women with a strong network to motivate others to join Taxshe Breakfree. “WOMB women are like backend buddies of franchise partners.”

[caption id="attachment_34376" align="aligncenter" width="843"] Indian Entrepreneur | Vandana Suri | Global Indian Vandana Suri at the SDG award ceremony[/caption]

"We are inviting more and more women to join the mobility business,” tells the entrepreneur who believes that there is a lot that can be done in the mobility industry for ladies. “Mobility should not only be about technology, it should also be about safety. We women are going to talk a different language – that’s the vision,” she says.

The course of life

Born and brought up in Mumbai, Vandana’s family shifted to Bengaluru where she pursued graduation and chartered accountancy. After 25 plus years as an investment banker, she began her first entrepreneurial venture at a real estate consultancy. A year later, she founded Taxshe. “It was like a calling in life,” says Vandana.

“When my mother heard that I was starting a cab business, she fell off her chair,” laughs the entrepreneur. She calls her mother her backend buddy and critic. "Later when my brother Sushil joined in, as co-founder, she was assured that I must be doing well enough for him to join,” Vandana smiles.

Now the entrepreneur's mother is proud of her daughter’s achievements and award - Global Sustainable Development Goals and Her for which she was chosen out of 1,200 applicants. “But she wonders will I ever learn to cook,” grins Vandana, the mother of a teenage son.

[caption id="attachment_34377" align="aligncenter" width="620"] Indian Entrepreneur | Vandana Suri | Global Indian Vandana Suri with her son and mother[/caption]

On rare off days, painting is Vandana’s go to, “I will pursue it after retirement,” she smiles. Of course, music and thumkas aside, she admits to being the first on a dance floor, and the last off it.

Chop Chop Boys and SingleSisterz are her other ventures that she wants to scale up - One trains young lads how to cook and the other helps single women rent together. “We want to work on an alternate family structure so that someone is there to take care of children,” signs off this serial entrepreneur with her pulse on social upliftment.

Follow Vandana Suri on Facebook and LinkedIn
Follow Taxshe on Facebook, Instagram and its website

Reading Time: 5 mins

Anya Chalotra: From Indian roots to Netflix fame and Forbes 30 Under 30 in European entertainment

(November 12, 2024) In 2024, Anya Chalotra earned a prestigious spot on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for European entertainers, a nod to her breakthrough performances and rising stardom. The British-Indian actor, best known for her role as Yennefer of Vengerberg in Netflix’s fantasy TV series The Witcher, has mesmerised audiences worldwide with her talent and distinct cultural heritage. Raised by a British mother and an Indian father, Anya Chalotra grew up in a home that celebrated both cultures. Her upbringing was a rich amalgam of traditions; on one hand, she enjoyed British literature and theatre, which fuelled her fascination with storytelling, while on the other, she was immersed in the world of Bollywood through her father's influence. From a young age, she found herself enchanted by Bollywood's emotional depth and grandeur, often humming tunes from films like Kal Ho Naa Ho and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. This early exposure to Indian cinema kindled her love for acting, shaping her desire to perform on screen. As her career gained momentum in Britain, her unique blend of influences—both British and Indian—set her apart, paving the way for her breakout role in The Witcher and ultimately earning her a spot on

>. This early exposure to Indian cinema kindled her love for acting, shaping her desire to perform on screen. As her career gained momentum in Britain, her unique blend of influences—both British and Indian—set her apart, paving the way for her breakout role in The Witcher and ultimately earning her a spot on Forbes' 30 Under 30 list.

[caption id="attachment_59781" align="aligncenter" width="709"] Indian actor | Anya Chalotra | Global Indian Anya Chalotra in Netflix series, 'The Witchers'[/caption]

Anya’s maiden India visit

In 2019, Anya visited India for the first time, embarking on a heartfelt trip with her father, a native of Pathankot in Punjab. Describing the visit as “special,” she fondly recalled her instant connection with relatives she had only ever known from afar. “It completely got me,” she shared, reflecting on how Indian culture had always felt close yet distant. “Even though we’d never met, we became so close so soon,” she said, noting the warmth and familiarity of her extended family. For her, it was an embodiment of India’s deeply rooted familial bonds, “where your cousins are actually like your siblings.”

While it took over two decades for her to visit her father’s homeland, Anya’s cultural ties had always been nurtured. Growing up, her father introduced her to Bollywood classics like Kal Ho Naa Ho, Main Hoon Na, and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, sparking her passion for acting. Her visit to India further inspired her to take up Hindi classes, deepening her connection to her roots. Shortly after that trip, her career reached new heights with the premiere of The Witcher, a performance that ultimately earned her recognition in Forbes' influential list.

Indian actor | Vengerberg | Global Indian

Growing up in Britain

Born in Wolverhampton, Anya grew up in Lower Penn village in South Staffordshire, UK, where she lived with her parents, and two siblings. She completed her schooling at the St. Dominic's Grammar School for Girls in Brewood, and later trained at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

She discovered her natural flair for performing at an early age. Like every Indian parents, his father too nudged her to sing for her relatives during a family gathering. She was only eight at that time. “We were having a family get-together, and he told me to sing an Indian song. And I knew, right then, that I loved attention,” she recalled.

Punjabis in Britain

Over the years, Punjabis in Britain have not only maintained their cultural identity but also thrived, contributing significantly to the country’s social, economic, and political landscape. From family-owned businesses to leaders in politics, academia, and the arts, British Punjabis have made their mark, blending heritage with a new sense of belonging. Gurudwaras, community centres, and cultural festivals like Baisakhi have become prominent symbols of Punjabi culture, while the community’s values of hard work, and unity have helped successive generations thrive. Today, Punjabis in Britain are celebrated as an integral part of the UK’s multicultural landscape, bridging continents with a legacy of tradition, pride, and progress.

[caption id="attachment_59783" align="aligncenter" width="602"] Indian actor | Anya Chalotra | Global Indian Anya with her parents[/caption]

Shining in all three seasons of Netflix’s ‘The Witcher’

Yennefer of Vengerberg is a name that needs no introduction for fans of The Witcher. The saga began as a short story submitted to a Polish magazine in 1986, evolved into a multi-book series throughout the '90s, was adapted into a video game in 2007, inspired various comic book iterations over the past decade, and finally became a TV series for Netflix in 2019.

Yennefer of Vengerberg is a complex, powerful sorceress in The Witcher universe, known for her fierce independence, intelligence, and magical prowess. Born with physical deformities and enduring a difficult childhood, she transforms into a formidable and enchanting figure, both beautiful and skilled in magic. Her character’s journey from hardship to strength, and her intense bond with Geralt of Rivia, makes Yennefer one of the most intriguing and beloved figures in the series.

Indian Actor | Anya Chalotra | Global Indian

Anya Chalotara was a relative newcomer when she got the role on the grand scale fantasy drama and that too opposite ace actor Henry Cavill who played the role of Geralt. However, instead of struggling under the weight of the role's legacy, the actor embraced the challenge putting her heart and soul into the character of ancient sorceress that she portrays.

In the series, she is the youngest member of the Council of Sorcerers and one of the most powerful mages, slaying monsters, saving lives, and transforming from a hunchbacked farm girl into a charming diva.

“Yennefer is almost 100 years old, so it falls to me to find the middle ground between being someone who has seen a lot of the world and someone who is figuring things out on the go simply because the world around her is constantly changing,” she remarked talking about her character.

Journey in acting

Before starting her career on screen, Anya had starred in several stage productions. In 2017 she was nominated for the stage debut award for best actress for her performance as Hero in a production of Much Ado About Nothing at Shakespeare’s Globe, London. Thereafter she performed in several stage productions.

Her first on screen role came in 2018 when she portrayed Jennifer Ashman in the BBC comedy-drama, Wanderlust. The same year, she appeared as Lily Marbury in BBC’s adaptation of Agatha Christie’s The ABC Murders, and then casting for other on-screen productions followed.

[caption id="attachment_59805" align="aligncenter" width="795"] Indian Actor | Vengerberg | Global Indian Anya during one of her shoots[/caption]

Striding past challenges

Anya Chalotra had to audition thrice for the role in The Witcher. “Every time I auditioned, I became hungrier for the role,” said the actress who considers the opportunity to play the role an ‘absolute gift’. The Witcher novels were written with white characters. However, looking at her talent the makers selected her for the role of Yennefer despite her being an actor of colour and far younger than the fictional character.

Although it was a moment of elation for her, she faced ridicule by many fans of The Witcher novels. They thought the choice of Yennefer’s character was not a good one. Many fans labelled her as ‘incapable’ or ‘inexperienced’ for such a plum role. Anya had to shut her social media accounts to escape the negative words of people who were writing her off even without seeing her work.

“I wanted my journey to be very different. I wanted to allow the character to evolve organically, without any pressure, and I know that the only way to do that was to shut off my social media,” she explained. For all the eight months of filming of the first series she was not on Instagram and Twitter. She wanted to woo her fans by her good performance and hence just focused on her work, and stayed positive.

Indian Actor | Anya Chalotra | Global Indian

The hard work, focus, and dedication paid off when the first season aired. At the premiere of the first season, the Indian-origin actor proudly showcased her heritage by wearing a Manish Malhotra sari.

Today, Anya Chalotra and Yennefer are virtually inseparable in the minds of The Witcher fans, with Anya having filmed the first three seasons across the world. She is now busy shooting for Seasons 4 and 5, set for release later this year and in 2025. The actor’s success reflects the growing influence of the Indian diaspora in global entertainment, showcasing how diverse cultural backgrounds can enrich storytelling on the world stage.

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Pawan Mishra, the NRI who has the security ‘Mantr’ to keep Australia safe and secure

(April 20, 2022) In August 2003, when Pawan Mishra landed in Sydney, all that he had was $1,600 in his pocket (a loan from a friend), and dreams of making it big on foreign soil. Like any youngster who was about to start life from scratch, Pawan too was nervous, wondering what was in store for him. His only support was his wife Keemti, as the couple made their way Down Under. [caption id="attachment_23484" align="aligncenter" width="298"] Pawan and his wife, Keemti[/caption] Down under, literally A rental bond, two weeks rent for a studio apartment and used furniture – they were left with $200. Thus, every penny had to be spent wisely. Cutting corners, back then, their idea of a romantic dinner was a Burger King meal with unlimited coke. They shared a burger, and gulped down three to four glasses of coke to fill their rumbling tummies. Affording another meal was out of the question. Years of unending struggles and challenges later, Pawan went on to establish a multi-million-dollar business empire of eight companies, six providing security. With over 200 employees, he protected and safeguarded Australians and their establishments by providing highly-trained security personnel and state-of-the-art gadgets for fool proof

ith over 200 employees, he protected and safeguarded Australians and their establishments by providing highly-trained security personnel and state-of-the-art gadgets for fool proof security

Not just for Australians, but Pawan has won accolades for providing fool proof security to a host of Bollywood personalities including Salman Khan, Sonakshi Sinha, Prabhu Deva, Shabana Azmi, Javed Akhtar, etc who visit Australia for work or pleasure. “Bollywood stars have a huge fan following in Australia and each time they visit, they seek security cover from us,” informs Pawan, who believes in giving a very personalised approach when it comes to security.

A struggle early on

“In the initial years (in Sydney), I put my head down, never got distracted and clocked into work daily. Every day was a struggle and it was the lowest phase of my life. But I was always willing to learn, grow and give my best,” smiles Pawan, MD, Mantr Group of companies, speaking exclusively to Global Indian.

The NRI fell in love with Australia in 1998 when he first pursued his MBA at the University of Technology. Study, working part-time at BP Petrol station, he returned to India after graduation. He found that his father Govind Mishra (living in Hyderabad) was facing a severe financial crunch, and loss in his finance business after his creditors went bankrupt.

With their backs against the wall, Keemti came into Pawan’s life and they got married in 2001, and decided to eke a life in Australia.

“It was a tough decision as we left our three-month-old son Mantr (after whom the company is named) with my in-laws. It was a huge sacrifice for Keemti,” says Pawan, who studied at Sujatha High School and did BCom at Badruka College in Hyderabad.

Working his way up

Arriving in Sydney, Pawan once again joined the BP Petrol station (2003-2004), became “employee of the month” thrice in a year, and in mid-2004, he took up another job at Chubb Security, among the top security firms in Australia as mobile patrol officer. “I worked 90 hours a week for the first three years (at both places),” informs Pawan, who later began sending about 7,000 AUD a month to his parents.

Keemti, meanwhile, took up a job at an Indian grocery store making $5 dollars an hour. She too joined the service station later. When Pawan was promoted as supervisor, and sub-contractor at the security company, he gained further insight into the security business. His fascination for law and order, emerging technologies in security propelled him into launching his own security firm in May 2005. “There was a huge demand for security, and related gadgets as 9/11 in the US prompted the world to take stringent security measures. There was money to be made,” recalls the 45-year-old father of two. His elder son Mantr is in college and the younger one, Dhruv is in school.

A loan of 25,000 AUD from Westpac Bank with a little help from friends got him the necessary approvals. Another friend got him his first 20 hours-a-week security contract. “I didn’t have any credit history. The only loan I could get was a personal loan. Australia is a great country provided you don’t abuse what’s easily offered. My cash flow problem was covered in the initial days with credit cards, though mostly, I paid wages from cash withdrawals at 18 percent interest,” recalls Pawan, who went on to launch two more companies offering the best cleaning solutions for offices and homes in 2019.

He and Keemti obtained seven credit cards to pay wages. “It was a never-ending debt cycle. We were taking too much debt but were unable to raise or save enough working capital,” recalls Keemti, who did master’s in accounting from Barkatullah University in Bhopal. Today, she helms administration and accounting at Mantr Group.

[caption id="attachment_23487" align="aligncenter" width="554"] The Mantr team[/caption]

Slow and steady

“The work we were getting was purely due to word of mouth and performance based. Over the years, we kept getting more and more contracts due to our sheer professionalism. Ever since, the company has seen a ready growth of 20-22 percent every year,” informs Pawan.

His security companies (Lighthouse Protection, Holt Security, CTC Communications, CTC Security, Partisan Protective Services, Statewide Protective Services) provide armed security cover for individuals and establishments, mobile patrolling services, electronic security, traffic controllers, cash/valuables in transit besides offering a host of high-end security gadgets. Over the past 17 years, he was instrumental in delivering services to more than 2,000 patrolling clients, 700 permanent and semi-permanent sites and 16,000 alarm responses. Headquartered in Sydney, the company has three more inter-state offices.

The dislike for credit cards grew and once cash flow was sustainable, this practice was canned. What’s next? “The long term goal is to walk on the path of honesty and integrity to become Australia’s No 1 security company. I have no doubt of it happening,” smiles Pawan.

The couple have created their own haven in a new country. But they visit India twice a year to stay connected with their roots. As for Keemti, she loves cooking and has her own YouTube channel where she teaches vegetarian Indian recipes and conducts online classes.

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