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15-Year-Old Girl Maleesha Kharwa From The Slums Of Mumbai Who Became The Face Of A Luxury Beauty Brand

The Inspiring Journey of Maleesha Kharwa: From Mumbai Slums to Luxury Beauty Brand


Meet Maleesha Kharwa, a 15-year-old girl from the slums of Dharavi, Mumbai, who has become an internet sensation and the face of a luxury beauty brand, Forest Essentials. Maleesha’s journey from the slums to stardom is an inspiring story of determination, talent, and dreams coming true. In this article, we will delve deep into the life of Maleesha Kharwa, her accomplishments, and her aspirations for the future.

Maleesha’s Early Life and Background

Maleesha Kharwa was born and raised in the slums of Dharavi, Mumbai. She lived with her father, uncle, and younger brother in a small, cramped space. Despite her humble beginnings, Maleesha always had big dreams and aspired to make a name for herself in the world of glamour and entertainment.

At the age of five, she saw Priyanka Chopra walking down the aisle in a fashion show and knew that she wanted to be part of that world. Maleesha’s determination and belief in herself led her to pursue her dreams, even though the odds were stacked against her.

Discovery by Hollywood Actor Robert Hoffman

In February 2020, Hollywood actor Robert Hoffman came to India searching for a girl from the slums to star in his music video. He discovered Maleesha and was instantly awestruck by her beauty. Although she was not cast in the music video, as she was considered too stunning for the part, Hoffman saw potential in her and decided to help her achieve her dreams.

Hoffman set up a Go Fund Me campaign for Maleesha, which gained her widespread attention and support. With the help of Hoffman, Maleesha’s life transformed for the better, and she began her journey in the world of modeling and entertainment.

Becoming the Face of Forest Essentials

Maleesha’s big break came when she was chosen as the face of luxury Ayurvedic skincare brand Forest Essentials’ new campaign, ‘The Yuvati Collection’. Forest Essentials introduced Maleesha as their new ‘Yuvati’ in March, and since then, she has been creating waves in the industry.

The Yuvati initiative, according to Mira Kulkarni, the founder and Chief Managing Director of Forest Essentials, aims to empower underprivileged children through education and help them transform their dreams into realities. Maleesha’s association with Forest Essentials not only catapulted her to fame but also carried a greater purpose of giving back to society.

Maleesha’s Work as a Model and Social Media Influencer

Maleesha Kharwa has been featured in numerous modeling assignments and even appeared in a short film titled ‘Live Your Fairytale’. She has also graced the cover of Cosmo India Magazine. Maleesha’s Instagram account, where she goes by the moniker ‘Princess Of The Slum’, boasts over 225,000 followers. Through her social media presence, Maleesha showcases her acting, modeling, and dancing skills, becoming a source of inspiration for many young girls who dare to dream big.

The Hollywood Connection: Two Film Offers

Maleesha’s talent and determination have not gone unnoticed by the international film industry. She has received offers for two Hollywood movies, a testament to her incredible abilities and potential.

Maleesha’s Visit to Forest Essentials Store

In a heartwarming video posted by Forest Essentials on their Instagram handle, Maleesha is seen visiting a store in her school uniform. The store featured her campaign photos, and her innocent reaction upon seeing them won the hearts of people online. The video was captioned, “Her face lit up with pure delight. To see her dreams in front of her in sight. Maleesha’s story is a beautiful reminder that dreams do come true.”

The Short Film: Live Your Fairytale

Maleesha has also starred in a short film titled ‘Live Your Fairytale’ by Arsala Qureishi and Jas Sagu. The film, which premiered on YouTube, features five slum children who dine in a restaurant for the first time in their lives. The movie showcases Maleesha’s natural talent and her ability to hold the audience’s attention.

Maleesha’s Aspirations and Future Plans

Maleesha Kharwa dreams of becoming a successful model and actress, following in the footsteps of her idol, Priyanka Chopra. She has also expressed her admiration for Nora Fatehi’s dancing skills and aspires to make a name for herself in the entertainment industry.

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Despite her newfound fame and success, Maleesha remains grounded and focused on her education. She believes that education is essential and will always be her top priority. In her own words, “I want to be a model, but education will always come first for me.”

Giving Back: The Yuvati Collection and Project Paathshala

Through her association with Forest Essentials and their Yuvati Collection, Maleesha is not only fulfilling her dreams but also contributing to a greater cause. A portion of the proceeds from the Yuvati Collection is donated to Project Paathshala, an initiative that aims to empower young minds from underprivileged backgrounds through education.

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Maleesha’s journey is a shining example of how dreams, no matter how big or small, can come true if one believes in oneself and works hard to achieve them. As the face of Forest Essentials’ Yuvati Collection, Maleesha Kharwa is not only breaking barriers but also inspiring millions of young girls to follow their dreams, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Maleesha Kharwa’s incredible journey from the slums of Mumbai to becoming the face of a luxury beauty brand is a testament to the power of dreams, hard work, and determination. Her story serves as an inspiration to countless young girls who dare to dream big and believe in themselves. Maleesha’s accomplishments and her commitment to education and giving back to society make her a true role model for the younger generation.

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Ridam Sharma

She's a creative storyteller with a passion for illustration and animation. Whether with words or colors, she loves to create vibrant, thought-provoking pieces that inspire and evoke emotion.
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