The chance encounter that took Maleesha Kharwa from Mumbai's Dharavi to the spotlight

Maleesha Kharwa, the 18-year-old model, at India Today Conclave Mumbai 2026, reflected on her journey from growing up in Mumbai’s Dharavi to becoming a model and the face of a popular skincare brand. Maleesha spoke about the chance encounter with a foreigner that changed her life, winning over her strict family and embracing her identity as a proud “brown girl baddie”.Speaking on Day 2 of the conclave during a session titled The Princess of Dharavi: From the Slums to the Spotlight, Maleesha recalled how an ordinary day at Bandstand led to her first opportunity in modelling.“One day, my cousin sister and I were hanging out at Bandstand. We spotted a foreigner and approached her. She said her friend was looking for a girl for a dance video. We both went there, and they selected my cousin. But then I was like, I wanted to dance as well,” she said.That moment led to American actor Robert Hoffman, who later became her manager, approaching her with an offer to model. However, convincing her family was another challenge. “My father was initially against the idea and said, ‘What will my grandfather think?’ It’s very strict in our family. My grandfather finally got convinced, and my journey began,” she recalled.Maleesha said she loved dressing up and being in front of the camera, where every shot gave her a chance to express herself. The transition has brought a busy routine, with college, editing work and dance classes filling her days, but she is happy with the opportunities coming her way. “I believed in myself, I always kept dreaming. Even in my worst situation, I try to be positive. Every time I see 11:11, I wish and manifest,” she said, adding that she was still getting started and hoped to grow further.The young model also spoke about the women who inspire her. She admires Priyanka Chopra for building an international career and loves Deepika Padukone’s style and personality. She hopes to work with designer Sabyasachi one day, describing his designs as “so elegant and chic”.On representation in fashion, Maleesha said she believes things are improving, while insisting that beauty should never be defined by skin colour.“Being a brown girl, I love myself. I’m a brown girl baddie,” she said.Her journey has also changed how her family views her work. “My father talks about my pictures, and when he shows the pictures to his relatives, I feel very proud,” she said.Fondly known on the internet as the “Princess of Dharavi”, Maleesha came into the spotlight after Hoffman spotted her. She later became the face of Forest Essentials’ Yuvati Selections campaign.Reflecting on her journey, she said there were limited opportunities for people from backgrounds like hers and hoped her story would encourage others to dream big. Alongside exploring ballet and contemporary jazz, she hopes to try acting someday.- Ends