GRIT. by Aaki Vora

Ruchika is the founder and creative director of Bodice and is one of India's leading fashion designers. Ruchika founded Bodice in 2011, after graduating from the London College of Fashion. She was the recipient of the 2018 Woolmark Prize-- an accolade conferred on Yves Saint Laurent and Karl Lagerfeld in their early years. She was named one of Fobes India's 30 under 30, Vogue India's designer of the year, and is listed of the BoF 500.

Bodice makes exceptionally beautiful pieces and Ruchika is a creative genius, there are no two ways about that. But, Bodice and Ruchika's creative vision are so much bigger than beautiful clothes. To me, her brand, her clothes, and her story exemplify grit. The brand consciously eschews trends, fast fashion, and the general maximalist Indian clothes, for timeless, sustainable, and minimal pieces that transcend seasons, occasions, and fads.

Each piece that Ruchika and her team put out represents persistence, not only because of their style but also because of their commitment to sustainability. From their design and material to their packaging, the clothes are produced with minimal environmental impact.

It takes an empowered, gritty, and courageous woman to build a brand that disrupts an industry and keeps on innovating. But Ruchika seems to me as someone who wants to empower others to do the same. We have so much to learn from her story and wisdom and I can't wait for you to hear this episode! 

For behind-the-scenes action and sneak peeks into upcoming episodes follow us on Instagram @gritbyaakivora or visit aakivora.com

The cover art is designed by Naomi Shah and the show is created and produced by Aakanksha Vora.

In this episode, I interview Sushant Divgikr, also known as Rani KoHEnur.  Sushant is an actor, singer, performer, model, and reality TV star. You may have seen him on Bigg Boss, Big Switch, or looking straight fire on the covers of Vogue and Cosmo. Sushant's drag self, Rani Ko-HE-nur, is India’s first drag queen. She has performed on several illustrious platforms including Sa Re Ga Ma Pa and as the opening act for RuPaul's Drag Race winner Violet Chachki.

Among Sushant’s several accolades, he was Mr. Gay India in 2014 and is part of Forbes Asia’s 30 under 30 Class of 2020. He is an activist for and icon of the LGBTQI community. Above all, he is unfailing kind and an inspiration to me and thousands of others.

​Both Sushant and Rani Ko-HE-nur have made it, but not without their fair share of hurdles. From rejection and bullying to outright discrimination, they have overcome it all. Their story exemplifies grit, unrelenting determination, and an indomitable spirit.

In this episode, we talk about self-confidence, overcoming failure and rejection, and taking a chance on yourself. I will also ask Sushant how we can be better allies of the LGBTQI community, participate in activism, and educate ourselves and others on inclusion and empathy.

For behind-the-scenes action and sneak peeks into upcoming episodes follow us on Instagram @gritbyaakivora or visit aakivora.com

The cover art is designed by Naomi Shah and the show is created and produced by Aakanksha Vora.

In this episode, I interview Olympian, Arjuna Awardee and Swimminer-turned-Golfer, Rehan Poncha. Rehan is one of the most inspiring and accomplished people I've met and we all have a lot to learn from him and his journey from fighting asthma and a chlorine allergy to become a national champion, and retiring at the top of his game to build a successful career from the bottom in a new sport. Rehan is a close friend and mentor and was the inspiration behind the show so it was only fitting that he be the guest on our pilot episode. 

For behind-the-scenes action and sneak peeks into upcoming episodes follow us on Instagram @gritbyaakivora

The cover art is designed by Naomi Shah and the show is created and produced by Aakanksha Vora. 

Hi. I am Aaki Vora, and I love talking to people about their life stories. I am always inspired when I hear people talk about how they overcame adversity and kept believing in themselves and their dreams. So I decided to ask some exceptional people about their stories - how they started out, how they took a chance on themselves, and how they hung on when the road got bumpy. I hope you'll join me in conversation with some of the most incredible Indians about how they built grit and the stories behind their successful companies, ideas, championships, and movements. 

To know more about me and the podcast visit aakivora.com