Maleesha Kharwa’s Cinderella dream.

Maleesha Kharwa, 12, stepped into a world far removed from the narrow lanes of Mumbai’s Dharavi slum, where she grew up. Six years later, aged 18, she stands transformed — an entrepreneur, a philanthropist, and a living example of what sustained opportunity can create.

In late 2025, on the threshold of adulthood, Maleesha launched her luxury lifestyle brand Maleesha by Maleesha Kharwa, turning personal success into collective upliftment. Part of the brand’s proceeds support children in her community through educational supplies, while her upcoming platform Maleesha People aims to help underprivileged youth globally through storytelling and financial assistance.

A prominent face in fashion — visible on the covers of Vogue, Cosmopolitan, and The Peacock, and leading Forest Essentials’ Yuvati collection — she continues to prioritise education, family, and responsibility. Moving her family into a permanent home and clearing long-standing debts, she has remained grounded as her career soared. Stories like Maleesha’s remind us of something simple yet powerful — humanity still exists.

Have faith. Keep helping.

🎥 Watch the full video for an extraordinarily human story.