As the war between Israel and Iran enters its ninth day with intense aerial strikes and mounting regional tensions, Israel’s objective is to weaken the Iranian regime to a point where internal change becomes possible.
On the occasion of International Women’s Day 2026, Malaika Arora, Rasika Dugal and Shweta Tripathi open up about the women who have left a lasting impact on their lives. Malaika lauds the strength of her mother Joyce Polycarp, while Rasika Dugal thanks the fearless creativity of filmmaker Mira Nair and Shweta Tripathi calls the guiding presence of an elder sister Pooja Tripathi a blessing. These reflections celebrate the bonds, lessons and inspirations that shaped these women both personally and professionally. Read on to know what they said in detail.
Malaika Arora
Opening up about her mother’s fierceness, Malaika added, “If there is one woman who has shaped both my heart and my backbone, it is my mother. She has been my biggest strength, my safest place and my constant support system. Growing up, I may not have fully understood everything she did for us, but I always felt protected and loved. There was a quiet confidence about her that made everything around me feel stable, even during uncertain times. My mother taught me what real strength looks like. It isn’t always loud or dramatic. Sometimes, it is simply about showing up every single day, doing your best and holding your head high no matter what life throws at you. She handled challenges with so much grace and dignity that it left a deep impact on me. Watching her made me realise that resilience is built in the small, everyday moments.”
Malaika added, “One of the most important lessons she gave me was independence. She raised both me and my sister to trust our instincts, and to never be afraid of making our own choices. She didn’t believe in limiting dreams. Instead, she encouraged me to explore and to believe in my own potential. When I stepped into the entertainment industry and began carving my own path, it was her faith in me that gave me the courage to move forward confidently. She also taught me the importance of self respect. No matter what situation you are in, you must value yourself. That lesson has stayed with me through every phase of my life…both personal and professional. In an industry that can sometimes be overwhelming, I have always tried to stay grounded, and that grounding comes from her.”
She shared about how her mother Joyce stood strong against challenges. The actress-dancer also noted that she has imbibed that quality from her. “As I’ve grown older, I see more of her in myself. The way I handle challenges, the way I stand strong during difficult times…all of it reflects her influence. Becoming a mother myself gave me a completely new appreciation for everything she has done. It made me understand the sacrifices, the silent worries, and the unconditional love that comes with raising a child. What I admire most about her is her balance of softness and strength. She showed me that you can be kind and still be powerful. You can be vulnerable and still be resilient. No matter how much I grow or achieve, I will always look up to her. She is my foundation and my inspiration. Everything I am today has a part of her in it,” she concluded.
Rasika Dugal
Rasika shared a heartfelt note for director Mira Nair, on the occasion of Women’s Day. She said, “Working with Mira Nair has been so inspiring. I have immense respect for her – not just for her craft, but for the way she is. She is the most wonderful mix of masti and mischief, accompanied by a sharp wit and a uniquely charming sense of humor. I often find myself struggling to ask for what I need for my work. So watching women like her navigate difficult situations, with dignity, clarity, and without the burden of pretending that everything is easy, has been such a learning. There is no performance of effortlessness. Instead, there is honesty, and a generosity of spirit.”
She added, “Mira creates a space of true collaboration. Where there is an acceptance of everyone’s contribution. Where she is not afraid to say, ‘I don’t know, I’m still figuring it out.’ I often marvel at her genuine curiosity for people and her ability to give attention to so many details As she might put it herself – She is too cool yaar.”
Shweta Tripathi
Shweta opened up about her bond with her sister Pooja, Sharing memories from her childhood, she recalled, “Growing up, I quite blatantly copied my elder sister, Didi, in many ways. I remember complaining when she would take photographs of mountains, sheep, and beautiful landscapes instead of taking pictures of me. I was that classic younger sister who wanted to be in every frame! But somewhere along the way, I ended up picking up photography because of her. She was also the first one to step onto the stage, and in many ways I simply followed in her footsteps. Today acting has become my profession, and when I look back, I realise how much of that journey began with watching her explore her own passions so fearlessly.”
She further added, “She is one of the kindest and most beautiful souls I know, and even today I find myself learning from her in quiet, meaningful ways. Professionally, I’ve also been deeply inspired by the women I work with in cinema- actors, writers, directors, technicians who show up every day with passion and persistence in an industry that can be demanding. Their creativity and determination constantly remind me that when women support each other, we don’t just grow individually, we change the landscape together.”
Also Read: Bollywood stars salute the spirit of women on International Women’s Day
Red carpets, film promotions and magazine covers often turn fashion into part of the cinematic spectacle. A look worn by an actress can spark trends and sometimes become a cultural moment of its own. Behind many of those looks are women designers and jewellers whose work quietly shapes how glamour and confidence are expressed.
“What’s inspiring about many actresses today is that they are embracing individuality rather than following a single idea of glamour. They are comfortable experimenting with silhouettes, prints, and personal styling choices that reflect their personality. Power today feels quieter and more authentic. It’s not about dressing to impress a room – it’s about dressing in a way that feels true to who you are,” she says.
Jewellery designer Neha Chelani, founder of Fine Silver Jewels, has seen how actresses interpret pieces in their own way. Her jewellery has been worn by Shilpa Shetty, Bhumi Pednekar, Dia Mirza and Katrina Kaif.
“Each of them brings a completely different energy to the way they wear jewellery. Someone like Bhumi Pednekkar isn’t afraid to experiment and mix traditional pieces with contemporary fashion, which reflects the confidence of the modern Indian woman.”
“People often think celebrities just wear what designers give them, but that’s not really how it works,” says Mehra and continues, “Every look becomes a conversation between the designer, the stylist and the woman wearing it.”
For Esha Parekh Sheth, founder of Ozeqo, jewellery often becomes part of personal stories. “When someone chooses a piece to mark a special moment in their life, it becomes more than an accessory. It becomes a memory they carry with them.”
What Empowerment Means to Them
On Women’s Day, the designers reflect on what empowerment looks like today. For Ranna Gill, it begins with independence and resilience. “Empowerment is the freedom to build something of your own and the courage to keep going even when things feel uncertain. It also means supporting other women along the way.” Aayushi Kapoor believes empowerment also lies in creative freedom. “It means having the space to build something you believe in and the courage to take risks along the way. When women create opportunities for other women, that’s when real empowerment happens.”
“Being able to grow a business while also making time for the things that matter in your personal life can be incredibly fulfilling.”
For Esha Bhambri, empowerment is about trusting one’s instincts. “It is the freedom to build something meaningful on your own terms. It’s about having the courage to take risks, trusting your creative instincts, and learning from the mistakes that inevitably come along the way. Empowerment is the ability to keep showing up for your ideas and shaping something that reflects your voice and values.”
Ranna adds, “If there is one thing I hope women take away from my journey, it is that creativity and entrepreneurship
can coexist beautifully. You don’t have to choose between passion and ambition. I hope the brand inspires women to express themselves with confidence and to pursue their own ideas fearlessly. Fashion may be the medium, but the larger message is always about individuality, self-belief, and the power of creating something meaningful.”
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