Women Square

Tag: Mumbai

  • Miss World Manushi Chhillar Swaps Crown for Care with SOMA Wellness Launch

    Miss World Manushi Chhillar Swaps Crown for Care with SOMA Wellness Launch

    Miss World 2017 and rising Bollywood actor Manushi Chhillar has taken a bold new step beyond the glamour world. Known for her grace and intelligence on the international stage, she has now announced her entry into the healthcare industry with the launch of SOMA Wellness, a pioneering regenerative medicine and wellness center in Mumbai.

    This unique initiative has been co-founded with her father, Dr. Mitra Basu Chhillar, a highly respected physician with decades of experience. Dr. Chhillar serves as the clinic’s Medical Director, bringing medical expertise and research-driven practice to the forefront of the venture.

    A Strong Medical Foundation

    While Manushi became a household name after winning Miss World, her roots have always been deeply tied to medicine. Before stepping into the limelight, she was pursuing medical studies and training to become a doctor. This background, along with her passion for holistic health, shaped her vision for SOMA Wellness.

    She aims to bridge the gap between global medical advancements and India’s healthcare needs by introducing evidence-based regenerative medicine treatments. These treatments, until now, were accessible only at leading centers in the United States, Europe, and the Middle East.

    The Vision Behind SOMA Wellness

    SOMA Wellness is built on the belief that healthcare should not just manage symptoms but address the root cause of conditions. The center focuses on personalized, science-backed wellness programs designed to restore vitality and improve long-term health outcomes.

    Key areas of focus include:

    • Reversing and managing chronic conditions

    • Optimizing hormonal balance

    • Addressing age-related challenges and weight management

    • Enhancing overall vitality and wellness

    Every client at SOMA undergoes a detailed evaluation process. This includes blood profile assessments, genetic mapping, intolerance testing, and a study of lifestyle and environmental influences. Based on these insights, the clinic designs tailored treatment protocols that combine nutrition, lifestyle adjustments, and advanced therapeutic interventions.

    Manushi Chhillar on SOMA’s Mission

    Sharing her passion for the initiative, Manushi expressed:

    “SOMA has been a passion project for me. I have grown up with the values of helping people live healthier lives through medical science, inspired by my father’s decades of practice. India deserves world-class, evidence-based wellness care that looks at the whole person—mind, body, and history. At SOMA, we are pioneering that shift with medical science-backed protocols designed for each individual. As a medical student myself, I plan to continue contributing meaningfully to SOMA’s journey.”

    Her words reflect her commitment to not only champion the cause as an entrepreneur but also actively contribute as a medical professional in training.

    Bringing Global Standards Home

    SOMA Wellness is founded on over 30 years of research and clinical practice in preventive and regenerative medicine. Within a short time, the center has already begun attracting patients who would otherwise travel abroad for specialized therapies. Interestingly, it has also drawn international clients who recognize the opportunity to receive world-class treatments in India at a more accessible cost.

    By merging cutting-edge medical science with holistic care, SOMA Wellness stands out as a first-of-its-kind destination in India’s wellness landscape. It represents a transformative step toward integrating regenerative medicine into mainstream Indian healthcare.

    A New Chapter in Manushi’s Journey

    From wearing the Miss World crown to now donning the mantle of a healthcare entrepreneur, Manushi Chhillar embodies versatility and vision. Her transition is not merely symbolic but deeply rooted in her belief that healthcare should be proactive, personalized, and globally benchmarked.

    With SOMA Wellness, she is not just building a clinic but contributing to a broader movement—one that redefines how India approaches preventive and regenerative medicine. This initiative highlights her evolution from a global pageantry icon to a changemaker in healthcare, setting the stage for a lasting impact on people’s lives.

  • Patna’s Daughter Ayeesha Aiman: Rising Star of B-Town and Pride of Bihar

    Patna’s Daughter Ayeesha Aiman: Rising Star of B-Town and Pride of Bihar

    The glittering streets of Mumbai may seem a world away from the modest lanes of Patna, but for Ayeesha Aiman, that journey has become a reality—one paved with determination, dreams, and a deep-rooted connection to her hometown. As she prepares for her latest film, which is being shot in and around Patna, Ayeesha is not just portraying a Bihari girl on screen—she is living and honoring her roots through her art.

    A Journey Born in Patna, Shaped by Dreams

    Ayeesha Aiman’s story is one of resilience, hope, and unflinching ambition. Born and raised in the historic city of Patna, Ayeesha never let her geographical location limit her aspirations. Her early life in Bihar was marked by academic focus and an inherent curiosity about the world. After completing her schooling in a Hindi-medium school—a journey that often presents more hurdles than help for those entering elite professional spaces—she pursued Aeronautical Engineering, a field few women dare to venture into, let alone from small-town India.

    Yet, even as she charted her path in science and technology, a fire burned quietly within her—the passion to perform, to act, and to express. The turning point came when she began exploring the world of pageantry, a decision that would set her on a new and bold course.

    Crowned with Glory: Miss India International 2015

    In 2015, Ayeesha Aiman achieved what many can only dream of—she was crowned Miss India International and went on to represent India at the prestigious Miss International pageant in Japan. This wasn’t merely a personal milestone—it was a proud moment for Bihar, a state not often in the limelight for fashion or glamour. Her success was a testament to her perseverance and her parents’ unwavering support, especially her father’s belief in her dreams.

    Ayeesha often recounts her father’s influence with gratitude:

    “If your parents believe in you, then no dream is too big.”

    This quote encapsulates the heart of her journey—a tale of belief, resilience, and commitment.

    From Global Runways to Indian Screens

    After making waves on the international beauty stage, Ayeesha seamlessly transitioned into the world of modeling and advertising. Her journey from the runway to the screen was not accidental—it was intentional and strategic. She shared frames with iconic figures such as Shahrukh Khan and Mahendra Singh Dhoni in various ad films, holding her own and leaving a lasting impression.

    But Ayeesha wanted more than fleeting screen time—she wanted depth, narrative, and meaning. Her cinematic debut came under the direction of Madhur Bhandarkar in the acclaimed film India Lockdown, which explored the human cost of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her performance earned critical praise and opened the doors to new opportunities in both film and digital entertainment.

    A Return to Her Roots: Playing a Bihari Girl in Her Hometown

    Now, Ayeesha returns to where it all began—Patna. Her upcoming film, which is currently being shot in Patna and surrounding areas, sees her in a role that mirrors her own cultural identity. She plays a traditional Bihari girl, a role she feels deeply connected to. In a fascinating twist, the film also stars Terence Lewis, the renowned choreographer, who is making his acting debut.

    For Ayeesha, this project is more than just a film. It is a tribute to her land and her people. She expresses her emotional connection to Bihar with these poignant words:

    “I live in Mumbai, but my soul resides in Bihar.”

    This film is also her way of representing the authentic voice and spirit of Bihar in Indian cinema—a region often misrepresented or overlooked in mainstream narratives.

    Inspiring the Daughters of Bihar

    Throughout her journey, Ayeesha has never forgotten where she came from. She carries the essence of Bihar with pride and is vocal about empowering other girls from the state. According to her, the daughters of Bihar are immensely talented but often lack the platforms or support systems necessary to thrive.

    She wants young girls to pursue their dreams without fear or hesitation, and calls upon society to uplift and support them:

    “Let the daughters of Bihar fly. Let society give wings to their confidence.”

    Ayeesha herself is proof that small-town girls can not only dream big but also achieve those dreams on a national and international scale.

    Embracing Her Cultural Legacy

    Ayeesha has often spoken about how inspired she feels by the land that gave the world Chanakya, Aryabhatta, and Mata Sita. She views Bihar as not just her birthplace but as a spiritual and intellectual wellspring that continues to guide her values and aspirations.

    Her pride in her heritage is palpable. She doesn’t view her origin as something to overcome, but rather as a foundation to build upon. It’s this grounded perspective that makes her both relatable and admirable to the youth of today.

    On the Horizon: Web Series and New Films

    The future is bright for Ayeesha Aiman. With several projects lined up—including the second season of the web series “Inspector Avinash”, as well as films like “AK-47” and “Pakhi”—she is steadily becoming a recognized face in Indian entertainment.

    Each role she chooses reflects a desire to grow as an actor and to challenge herself creatively. Her choices also signal a commitment to meaningful storytelling—films and shows that reflect society, explore identities, and bring untold stories to light.

    Support for Bihar’s Film Policy and Bhojpuri Cinema

    Ayeesha has praised the recent initiatives by the Bihar government to promote film production in the state. She believes the introduction of film subsidies and infrastructural support can change the cinematic landscape of Bihar, making it a new hub for film shooting and storytelling.

    In an era when regional cinema is gaining momentum, Ayeesha sees Bhojpuri films as a powerful tool for cultural expression.

    “Bhojpuri is our own and beloved language,” she says.

    She adds that if given a strong, meaningful script, she would gladly work in Bhojpuri cinema, helping elevate its quality and reach.

    A Beacon for the New Generation

    In every sense, Ayeesha Aiman represents the aspirations of a new India—one where gender, geography, and language no longer limit dreams. She is part of a generation that blends global thinking with local roots, technology with tradition, and ambition with humility.

    Her journey from Patna’s modest classrooms to global pageants, and now to Indian cinema, is more than a personal success story. It is a call to action for every young girl sitting in a small town, flipping through magazines or watching films, and thinking, “Could I ever do that?”

    To them, Ayeesha says: Yes, you can.