In a world that often sets invisible boundaries for women, the path to success can feel like walking a tightrope—pursuing dreams while balancing societal expectations. Yet, there are women who step off that tightrope entirely, charting their own course and proving that ambition knows no limits.
Two such women are Kusha Kapila and Nandita Sinha, whose journeys reveal both the struggles and triumphs of breaking the mould. L'Oréal Paris, in collaboration with Forbes India, celebrates their achievements—an acknowledgment that "because your worth is your choice, you're worth it."
Kusha Kapila, a name that has become synonymous with wit and relatability, has carved out a unique space for herself in the world of digital content. Her meteoric rise on social media, where she entertains millions with her humorous takes on everyday situations, has also led her to opportunities on the big screen. But this journey wasn’t always smooth.
Kapila started her career behind the scenes as a junior fashion editor and writer at iDiva. The shift from writing to video content wasn’t planned—it was a product of necessity as her team adapted to changing digital trends. Initially hesitant, she soon embraced the spotlight. Her breakthrough came with her viral "South Delhi girls" series, which catapulted her to fame. Her blend of humour and sharp observation resonated with audiences, transforming her into a beloved internet personality.
Despite her immense success, Kapila remains grounded. Despite her immense success, Kapila remains grounded. "I just want to be a hero in front of my childhood friends because they think I am useless," she jokes.
Indeed she also acknowledges the pressures of fame. “I’m very grateful for the amazing support system I have—whether it's family, friends, my team, or even my audience. Their encouragement empowers me to stay focused on what truly matters and keeps me focused on pursuing what works best for me," she adds.
Her self-deprecating take on things masks the resilience and ambition that have driven her success. Kapila’s story exemplifies how one can harness personal creativity and use platforms like Instagram as a launchpad for bigger opportunities. She is now transitioning to films and web series, expanding her repertoire while maintaining the authenticity that made her a star.
Indeed she also acknowledges the pressures of fame. “You need to equip yourself with a better support system, and tools to fight the negativity,” she says. For her, success isn’t just about popularity; it’s about navigating the double-edged sword of public life with resilience.
While Kusha Kapila’s fame stems from her ability to connect with people through humor, Nandita Sinha’s success is rooted in her leadership and grit. As the CEO of Myntra, one of India’s leading fashion platforms, Sinha has made her mark in the corporate world with a unique blend of intelligence, empathy, and courage.
Sinha’s journey began in an academically driven household in Lucknow, where she was encouraged to voice her opinions from a young age. This upbringing laid the foundation for her fearless approach to life. Choosing to study ceramic engineering at IIT BHU was an unconventional choice, but it set the tone for her career: she wouldn’t be confined by traditional expectations.
After earning her MBA from FMS Delhi, Sinha embarked on a challenging career in sales and marketing with Unilever and Britannia, later co-founding an e-commerce startup before joining Flipkart. Her leadership skills and innovative thinking quickly led her to the top, and in January 2022, she became the CEO of Myntra. Under her leadership, Myntra has seen significant growth, particularly in its beauty segment, which is now the fastest-growing category on the platform.
Sinha’s success, however, isn’t just about professional accomplishments. She credits her support system—particularly her husband and three male mentors—for believing in her and guiding her along the way. This acknowledgment is crucial, as it highlights a lesser-discussed aspect of women’s success: the importance of supportive partners and allies who challenge societal norms and celebrate ambition.
“I would prefer to be known as a woman role model rather than a woman achiever,” Sinha says, emphasising her commitment to inspiring future generations. Her story is not just about breaking the glass ceiling; it's about redefining what it means to lead with empathy and courage.
In the narratives of both Kusha Kapila and Nandita Sinha, we see women who refuse to temper their ambitions or conform to societal expectations. They are reshaping industries—whether through digital content creation or corporate leadership—and in doing so, they are opening doors for others. In a world that often tells women to "tone it down," these women exemplify what it means to embrace your worth fully.
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