Philanthropy is an industry that ensures essential services such as food and clothing reach the poor. The hospitality sector is characterized by the formation of luxurious cafes and restaurants that provide distinct forms of dining experiences with a fusion of culture and spirituality. Other businesses focus on interior design by establishing companies that specialize in sophisticated, elegant, and tasteful design. In the food industry, cloud kitchens and food delivery services are created to provide excellent meals to consumers. Another area of engagement is the security services sector, where a pioneering premium security agency was created, breaking barriers with women-led leadership in this traditionally male-dominated field. These industries reflect a broad and innovative approach to business and service. Zarine Manchanda is a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist, being credited with various business ventures. Hospitality, food services, interior designs, and security have earned her significant strides as she sets precedence, especially as the first woman in India to own a premium security agency. With these businesses, she also heads a charitable foundation focusing on the underprivileged as proof of her dedication to contributing positively to social change.

A Journey of Empowerment and Change

Zarine was born and brought up in the beautiful scenery of Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh. She has always been a rebel who tried to make a difference. Brought up in a political family, with her father being a businessman and a minister, Zarine’s childhood was molded by leadership, service, and influence. The location near the Dalai Lama’s abode made her a spectator to a mix of spirituality and politics that later served as the spark in her life to decide the course.

From a very early age, Zarine had huge ambitions in her life. She, after her university education, left for Mumbai with a dream of becoming an actress. It was tough, however, breaking into the glamour industry challenges lined up her path, yet instead of getting frustrated, she found strength in the challenges she was facing. Knowing that she could actually be better off in something else, she made the decision to take the boldest step in life that not only redefined her career but also paved a path in becoming a future philanthropist, entrepreneur and political figure.

A Shift Towards Philanthropy 

2019 marked the most important turning point in Zarine’s life, as she launched The Zarine Manchanda Foundation in Aarey Colony, Mumbai. This foundation had a vision to help the less privileged and change society positively. The mission of the foundation aimed at giving the poor more power through various charity functions, mainly in terms of food and clothing donations. Despite the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, Zarine’s determination and leadership saw more than 500 donation programs administered in Aarey within just two years. The foundation quickly became one of the most respected and top-rated charitable organizations in Mumbai.

Her relentless efforts to uplift the lives of those in need did not go unnoticed. In recognition of her extraordinary work, the media began to refer to her as the “Princess of the Poor.” This was not just a title but a reflection of the deep impact her foundation was making in the lives of countless people. Drawing inspiration from two of her lifelong role models, Princess Diana and Mother Teresa, Zarine was hailed as a woman who had embraced the values of charity and service to the poor, following in the footsteps of these beloved figures.

She was a dedicated worker with an unwavering commitment toward the cause, which culminated in winning numerous awards, the most notable being the Nelson Mandela Peace Award. It not only recognized her philanthropic efforts but also bestowed upon her an honorary doctorate degree. She received multiple recognitions from the Economic Times and Times of India, to name a few. She in 2021, was especially recognized as a young philanthropist. But again, these were not accolades she needed. She had an impact through her charity work, as was reflected in the lives she touched, and the love and gratitude of the communities she served became her greatest reward.

The Entrepreneurial Leap

Her sojourn into philanthropy is said to be the beginning of the chain of entrepreneurial ventures that were soon to define her career. With success in the social sector, Zarine realized that she could employ her influence and resources towards building spaces that would combine love for aesthetics with passion for giving back. Thus, Zarine Manchanda Café was formed the luxury café in the heart of Mumbai.

The slogan of the café, “Delicious, Luxurious Spiritual Charm,” captured the very essence of what Zarine wanted to create: a space for people to indulge in good food and experience peace and spirituality. Along with its stylish decorations and sophisticated tableware, the café offered its patrons a unique experience: a blessing and the sound of Tibetan bells from Dharamshala, adding a spiritual dimension to the dining experience.

Zarine’s Interiors were instrumental in designing this dream. Her personal taste would emerge in the decor of this cafe, blending luxury at its best with traditional elements. So, with this venture, she became the founder of what would then be considered India’s first experience of a 7-star cafe. The success wasn’t long in coming in, and she had yet to achieve her ambitions. She started setting the foundation to transform this coffee shop into an international chain by targeting Indian and foreign territories.

Coming from an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to build experiences of depth and luxury for the customers, Zarine’s transition into the hospitality sector came about in a very natural manner. From the café itself to any number of other ventures that have taken shape under her visionary umbrella, this young entrepreneur has not merely sought profit; she has tried to inculcate a form of spirituality and service at the core of her enterprises.

The Next Indian Business Sensation 

With Zarine’s café and the other ventures doing well, her popularity in India’s business and media circles gained ground. She was among Femina’s “Fabulous 50 Women” in 2020. The same year, Zarine made it to India Today’s list of “45 Most Influential Indians,” on the occasion of the channel completing 45 years of broadcasting. In 2021, Economic Times recognized Zarine’s relentless efforts with numerous awards for her business expansions. These accolades were just a small glimpse into the remarkable entrepreneurial journey she had undertaken.

Zarine ventured into two new businesses, namely Heavenly Flavours, a 7-star cloud kitchen and food delivery service, and Zarine Manchanda Premium Security Service, a 7-star security agency, in the year 2022. In fact, the latter business was very revolutionary, for Zarine became the first woman in India to hold the ownership of a security services business. These new businesses testify to her diverse skills and her versatility in dealing with any and all kinds of industries.

The same year, she launched a new restaurant, Flavours of Himachal Pradesh, in Mumbai. It was the first restaurant in the city to focus on traditional Himachali cuisine, and the food there was different from everything else in town. The specialty of the restaurant was Dham, a vegetarian thali that takes two days to prepare. It was a tribute to the history and traditions of the hill state. With chefs from Himachal Pradesh who were masters in the art of Dham cooking, the restaurant became an instant hit and further cemented her reputation as an entrepreneurial trailblazer.

The Political Vision

Despite her grand success in social work and entrepreneurship, Zarine had always aspired beyond the entrepreneurial world. Her strong concern for societal change had urged her to be a political aspirant also. In 2024, she made history by launching her own political party, the Zarine Manchanda People’s Party, which also aims to contest the elections in the Andheri West, Mumbai area.

Zarine’s political ideology is based on her faith in social justice, empowerment, and the upliftment of the underprivileged. Based on her life’s work, her plans to utilize her political platform to focus on the poor and marginalized communities in Mumbai. Her party in political terms is seen as one to herald positive change, with an approach to bring reforms that shall directly affect the lives of this city’s most vulnerable denizens.

Apart from her involvement through her foundation and her recently started political party, Zarine extends much further than the philanthropic or entrepreneurial avenues. In December 2021, she was appointed a regional director in Mumbai by BRICS, the geoeconomic and economic trade organization constituted by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. This marked a defining moment in Zarine’s professional life, as it allowed her to influence economic policies in BRICS and develop trades between the nations. In June 2023, she was honored further by appointment as chairperson and editor-in-chief by India’s National Council of News & Broadcasting to oversee issues related to the freedom of the press, reforms in media, and human rights.

A Role Model for Generations 

Zarine Manchanda’s journey from actress to philanthropist, entrepreneur, and political leader is one of resilience, innovation, and service. Her life has been defined by a series of bold decisions, each of which has contributed to her reputation as a role model for women and young entrepreneurs. She has successfully blended the worlds of business, philanthropy, and politics, all while staying true to her values of empowerment and service to the underprivileged.

She’s not just a success story; she’s also the epitome of what a human should be. Her journey reflects her commitment to making the world a better place for others. She is not just a woman of privilege; she is a woman of purpose determined to leave a lasting impact on the lives of those who need it the most.

And so, as Zarine progresses with her political ambitions and her growing list of ventures, she is still focused on her goal to serve and uplift the marginalized. With her dedication and hard work, Zarine is ready to become a powerful force in India to empower millions along the way.