Meet India’s Most Influential Women Personalities of 2026
Special Edition
India’s influence in 2026 is shaped by individuals who lead with purpose, resilience, and vision. Across industries and identities, these personalities are redefining success beyond titles and timelines. Their journeys inspire change, spark conversations, and remind us that real influence lies in impact, authenticity, and the courage to evolve.
Nandini Sharma
Nandini Sharma is a distinguished educator, entrepreneur, and youth influencer, widely recognized for her impactful contributions to education and student empowerment across India. A Gold Medalist from Delhi University (Anuj Nayyar Memorial Medal 2024) and a school topper in English, she has consistently demonstrated academic excellence and leadership from an early age. With a mission to bridge the information and opportunity gap for students, Nandini has mentored 5,000+ CUET aspirants, conducted 100+ workshops, and delivered 50+ pro bono sessions to make quality guidance accessible. Her work has earned her prestigious honors such as Rising Educator of the Year 2024, Emerging Influencer 2024, and Change Maker 2025, along with recognition from the National Commission for Women. A TEDx Speaker and guest faculty at leading institutions including IIT Bombay, IIMs, and ICAI, she also commands a digital presence of 700K+ followers, impacting over 50 million students. As Founder & CEO of T.I.A (The Invincible Academy) and Aprajita Foundation, Nandini Sharma continues to inspire and shape India’s next generation of learners and leaders.
Surbhi Sikri
Surbhi Sikri is the Founder and CEO of QiLumé Aesthetics, India’s emerging integrative Beauty and Wellness House located in Gurugram. An entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, and digital creator, she has built QiLumé at the intersection of science-backed aesthetics and mindful, personalized care. With a background in storytelling, branding, and audience psychology, Surbhi has redefined skincare through customized treatment journeys focused on transparency and long-term results. Trained in Skin Care and Repair by Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School, and a PhD scholar, she champions evidence-based wellness, conscious leadership, and women-led entrepreneurship.
Arjumman Mughal
Arjumman Mughal is an Indian actress and model with a career spanning over two decades across fashion and cinema. Born in Jammu and Kashmir, she began her journey in 2003 and went on to feature in over 2,160 commercials and print campaigns. She made her acting debut in 2009 and gained nationwide recognition for her powerful performance in the Bollywood film Ya Rab (2014), earning 365 awards across India. With seven films to her credit, including O Pushpa I Hate Tears, 3 Shyaane, and Zindagi Shatranj Hai, Arjumman is known for choosing meaningful, impact-driven roles. She continues to expand her presence globally, representing Indian talent with grace and resilience.
Anubha Gupta Jain
Anubha Gupta Jain is a Psychotherapist and the founder of Aham Counselling, currently practicing alongside a psychiatrist in GK-2, New Delhi. With a professional journey that began in business and evolved through deep personal healing, she brings lived wisdom into her therapeutic work. Anubha believes therapy is not about fixing individuals but empowering them with tools to transform pain into awareness and growth. Rooted in faith, compassion, and inner wisdom, her approach focuses on emotional resilience, conscious responses, and reconnecting individuals with their true selves. Her work is dedicated to anyone navigating emotional struggles, seeking clarity, healing, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Dr. Misbaah Shakeel Shaikh
Dr. Misbaah Shakeel Shaikh is a UK-based surgical trainee pursuing structured training in General and GI Laparoscopic Surgery, while contributing as Surgical Faculty at BAPIO Training Academy and working in a clinical role at Northampton General Hospital, United Kingdom.
A Member of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS) and ATLS-certified with honours, she has gained extensive exposure to advanced gastrointestinal, endocrine, and complex laparoscopic procedures through high-volume clinical training, academic engagement, and multidisciplinary practice.
Alongside her surgical journey, she holds an Executive MBA in Healthcare Leadership and Management from the University of Buckingham, reflecting her belief that exceptional surgeons are shaped not only in operating theatres, but through leadership, systems thinking, and purpose-driven growth.
Defined by discipline, global perspective, and quiet ambition, Dr. Shaikh represents an emerging generation of surgical leaders those who honour the process, embrace mastery as a lifelong pursuit, and build influence long before the title is conferred..
Komal Pandey
Komal Pandey is a Mumbai-based Human Resources and Talent Acquisition leader with over ten years of experience in building people-centric, future-ready organizations across global markets. Currently associated with TORQ Commodities, she has led strategic talent initiatives across India, Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Recognized among India’s Top 10 Influential Women in HR, she is also a recipient of the City Excellence Award and the Her Story Times – Inspiration Award 2025. A writer and storyteller with interests in psychology and spirituality, Komal is the author of The Horrors of Victoria Street. Her journey reflects quiet resilience, conscious leadership, and a deep belief in aligning ambition with purpose.
Pallavi Erande
Pallavi Erande is an author, life coach, and spiritual–emotional wellness guide, and the founder of AtmaSankramanSarthi. Known for her gentle yet powerful approach to emotional intelligence, her work focuses on helping individuals especially youth and families navigate inner confusion, emotional overwhelm, and personal growth with awareness and compassion.
Her purpose-driven book has been widely appreciated by teenagers, parents, educators, and mental wellness practitioners for its relatable language and practical guidance rooted in everyday Indian realities. Rather than offering rigid advice, Pallavi’s work acts as a trusted companion, encouraging reflection, self-understanding, and conscious growth. Through her writing and digital presence, she continues to bridge modern emotional challenges with timeless inner wisdom.
Ritu Jha
Ritu Jha is an inspiring educator and multi-talented personality associated with Presidium School, known for redefining age, confidence, and self-belief. A Mathematics teacher by profession, she is also a certified Reiki Grand Master, dedicated yoga practitioner, and accomplished belly dancer. Crowned Mrs. Popular India Asia 2024–25, Ritu’s journey reflects resilience, transformation, and lifelong learning.
Born and raised in a small town with limited opportunities for girls, she overcame societal restrictions, early marriage, and years of self-doubt to reclaim her dreams. Through education, fitness, and inner healing, Ritu rebuilt her identity and now stands as a role model for those who feel it’s too late to begin again. Her story powerfully proves that age is just a number.
Neelam Bhatia
Neelam Bhatia is a seasoned garment exporter, manufacturer, and co-founder of Bhatia Brothers Overseas and Bhatia International. With decades of experience in international trade, she is admired for her entrepreneurial grit and unwavering resilience. Married at a young age and having rebuilt life after displacement, financial hardship, and a life-threatening accident, Neelam’s journey is a testament to perseverance. Honoured early in life as the Best Giddha Performer at Panjab University, she later achieved a 100% export growth award in 2004. At 63, she redefined success by winning Ms. Popular at a senior pageant and being crowned Mrs. India (60+ category). Today, she inspires generations by proving that age never limits ambition.
Riya Ostwal
Riya Ostwal is an award-winning vegetarian chef, food photographer, and culinary creator, best known through her brand CookwithRiyaOstwal. Coming from a traditional Marwadi family, she has carved a distinctive identity by blending authentic vegetarian cuisine with innovation, wellness, and visual storytelling. A winner of multiple national cooking competitions, including the All India Home Chef Contest and Culinary Champion 2021, Riya has also appeared as a guest chef on leading television shows. Honoured as India’s Young Female Chef of the Year 2025, she is passionate about sustainable cooking, education, and empowering food enthusiasts. For Riya, cooking is not just nourishment—it is culture, emotion, and connection.
The ten personalities reflect the evolving face of leadership-driven, authentic, and impact-oriented. Their journeys remind us that true recognition goes beyond visibility; it lies in influence, responsibility, and the courage to lead with integrity. Together, they inspire a generation to dream boldly and act meaningfully.
