No one in my family comes from a sporting background, so I had to figure out most things on my own : Gaurii Manochaa

Mumbai: Powerlifter entrepreneur Gaurii Manochaa who hails from Delhi has made her name in the world of powerlifting. But this didn’t happen without her own set of challenges. Sharing more on her challenges she says,”Being a woman comes with its own set of challenges. In business, managing male employees can sometimes be difficult because some people still find it hard to accept instructions from a female leader. In sports as well, there are inequalities. In powerlifting, male athletes often receive better financial rewards and opportunities, while female athletes don’t always get the same recognition or incentives. Despite these challenges, I have continued to push forward and prove myself through my work and achievements.”
When asked about her mentor in the field she says,”I don’t have a mentor in the traditional sense because I entered the sports world completely by accident. No one in my family comes from a sporting background, so I had to figure out most things on my own. However, I do admire Virat Kohli. In many ways, I feel our journeys are similar. He also received stronger support as he progressed, and his dedication, discipline, and hunger for success inspire me. While I am still working towards bigger achievements, his journey motivates me to keep going.”

From being a businesswoman to a powerlifter and now an entertainer, which way you would define your role! On this Gaurii says,”I started as a fitness enthusiast, but life pushed me to wear many hats. While pursuing my MBA, there was pressure to join the family business, and I did so because I needed to support myself financially. At the same time, my heart was always drawn towards fitness and showbiz. Even today, fitness and entertainment don’t provide me with a stable income, so balancing different careers is necessary. I also have a talent for mimicry and enjoy performing impressions of celebrities like Sonam Kapoor, Kangana Ranaut, Farah Khan, and Nana Patekar. I see myself as a multi-faceted individual who is constantly exploring new opportunities and looking for a platform that can showcase my talents to a wider audience.”
She adds,”My focus now is to earn recognition and create a strong identity for myself. I want to build a name not only in powerlifting but also in entertainment and other fields where I can showcase my abilities. More importantly, I want to become an inspiration for young people, especially women, who dream of achieving something different despite societal expectations.”
Gaurii has an important message to all the aspiring women who want to come into this field. She says,”
My advice is simple, stay committed to your goals and don’t let negativity distract you. There will always be people who doubt you, criticize you, or try to pull you down. Instead of listening to them, focus on your vision and keep working hard. Most importantly, become financially and emotionally independent. Be the kind of woman who inspires others, the kind people point to and say, “We want our daughters to be like her.” Success comes to those who remain consistent, determined, and confident in their own journey.”