NewsPoint
May 31, 2023
A 14-year-old girl from Mumbai's Dharavi slum area who likes to call herself 'The princess from the slum', has gained popularity overnight as an emerging model after becoming the face of a luxury beauty brand.
Image Source: Instagram/Maleesha-Kharwa
Maleesha Kharwa has become the face of brand Forest Essentials' Yuvati Selections campaign, propelling her to social media stardom. She has been on the covers of The Peacock Magazine and Cosmopolitan and acted in film, titled 'Live Your Fairytale'.
Image Source: Instagram/Maleesha-Kharwa
Maleesha has opened up about her struggles, saying sometimes they do not even have clean water or food. "When it is very hot, we sleep on the rocks by the water. But none of these things could deter me from doing what brings me joy” she says.
Image Source: Instagram/Maleesha-Kharwa
Meeting American actor Robert Hoffman in 2020 marked the beginning of Maleesha's modelling career. The actor describes his first meeting with Maleesha when she stood among a group of slum residents and caught his attention.
Image Source: Instagram/Maleesha-Kharwa
In one of her Instagram posts, Maleesha showed her home, a tent set up supported by bamboo sticks and cloth pieces. “This is my home. Many people ask me how I like living here and I absolutely love my home,” the post read.
Image Source: Instagram/Maleesha-Kharwa
Maleesha says she loves to click photos and do photoshoots. She aspires to be like actor and former Miss World Priyanka Chopra Jonas who compelled the world to take note of her with a never-say-die spunk.
Image Source: Instagram/Maleesha-Kharwa
While excelling academically in a local government-run school, Maleesha's ultimate wish is to uplift her family and create a better life for her relatives who share the slum row with her.
Image Source: Instagram/Maleesha-Kharwa
The story of Maleesha Kharwa serves as an inspiration, reminding us that dreams can flourish even in the face of adversity, and that talent knows no boundaries.
Image Source: Instagram/Maleesha-Kharwa
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