Ruby Hammer MBE

Kicking off South Asian Heritage Month with a story that has stayed with me since the moment I watched it.I attended the UK premiere of PARO at the Raindance Film Festival. An Oscar eligible film that represented India for the 98th Academy Awards. It is the kind of story that does not let you look away. And it should not.So for the first episode of my South Asian Heritage Month series, I sat down with the two women who brought it to life:Trupti Bhoir, filmmaker and actress, and founder of her shelter foundation, who directed and starred in the film.Ruhi Hak, Executive producer.We talked about courage. The courage it took Trupti to tell this story and how personally it moved her. What it is really like being an actress on a set like this. The difficulties behind the scenes. And what is next for her.We also talked about Taha Shah Badussha, star of Netflix's Heeramandi and one of Bollywood's biggest names, who stars in the film.This is my small part in creating awareness, using this platform for something that matters. If this moves you the way it moved me, share it with he women in your life who need to feel seen and supported, and with the brothers, husbands, and men in your family too. Awareness like this takes all of us.Big Love & Blessings MaryumxxChapters00:00 The Power of Cinema as a Movement01:47 Unveiling Bride Slavery: The Story of Paro06:03 Understanding the Paro: Identity and Rights09:50 Personal Stories: The Impact of Trauma14:04 The Creative Process: From Idea to Film21:54 The Journey of a Filmmaker: Overcoming Challenges29:53 Voices Unheard: The Role of Social Impact Films35:07 Creating Empathy Through Storytelling36:31 The Importance of Safe Spaces for Women37:29 Identity and the Impact of Names38:27 Casting Choices and Character Development40:17 The Journey to Find the Right Actor45:21 Behind the Scenes: Challenges of Filming57:29 Future Plans and Social Impact of ParoResources'Paro' Official Website - https://parofilm.comTripti Bhoir - LinkedIn -   / tripti-bhoir   / IG @truptibhoirofficial Ruhi - Voices Unheard Films - https://voicesunheardfilms.comShelter Foundation - https://shelterfoundation.orgVijaya Rahatkar - National Commission for Women - https://ncw.gov.inBBC Documentary on Bride Slavery - https://www.bbc.com/documentaryAl Jazeera Report on Bride Slavery - https://www.aljazeera.com/reportLijjat Papad - Women's Empowerment Initiative - https://lijjat.com

🎬 20 Years in Bollywood
What does it take to build a lasting career in one of the world's most competitive entertainment industries?
In this episode of the Style Moguls Podcast, I sit down with Naila Mughal Casting Director and Founder of NM Bollywood Casting & Entertainment.

From the Cannes Film Festival and the IIFA Awards to helping bring some of Bollywood's biggest productions to life, Naila shares the story behind her remarkable 20 year journey in the entertainment industry.
We discuss creativity, entrepreneurship, celebrity culture, resilience and the realities of working behind the scenes with some of the biggest names in Bollywood.
We also explore a much more personal side of her journey, including the loss of her mother, navigating grief and how life's greatest challenges can shape our strength, perspective and purpose.
This is a powerful conversation about ambition, perseverance, leadership and the human stories behind success.
🎙️ Enjoy this Episode and share with your Bollywood Bestie !
Love & Duaas,
Maryum Sharif

Mastering the Camera 📸 

There are some conversations that feel less like interviews and more like creative alignment.

My first guest after the rebrand of Style Moguls is internationally acclaimed portrait photographer Lorenzo Agius the man behind some of the most iconic cultural images of our generation.

From the legendary Trainspotting portraits to photographing figures such as Madonna, Kate Winslet, Brad Pitt, Lionel Richie, Valentino and cultural icons across film, fashion and music, Lorenzo’s work has shaped the visual memory of an era.

What fascinated me most was not celebrity but it was humanity.

In this episode, we explored:

• confidence on camera

• the psychology of portraiture

• presence versus style

• creativity and trust

• how great photographers make people feel seen

• his first paid client, Lionel Richie

• stories behind Jack Nicholson, Valentino and iconic shoots

One of the most beautiful things about podcasting is that sometimes social media connects you to people your soul already recognises.

Earlier this year, I was in Dubai and a conversation began through admiration of someone’s work and today that conversation becomes Episode 101.

I go where conversations take me and this conversation reminded me that behind every iconic image is trust, curiosity and human connection.

Big Love & Blessings,

Maryum

xx

You can contact Lorenzo Ajius on his website :-

www.lorenzoajius.com

I HIT A CENTURY | 100 Episodes of Style Moguls Podcast.

What does it really take to reach 100 episodes?I hit a century and if you understand cricket you will know it is never just about the number. It is about discipline resilience and belief especially when things do not go your way.

There was a moment where I almost lost my podcast completely. The platform went bankrupt and years of work did not carry over. People told me to move on but I knew what I wanted and that mattered more than anything else.

Reaching one hundred episodes is not just about consistency it is about showing up fully even when it is not easy.Podcasting for me has never just been about content. It is about connection collaboration and community.My

100th episode brought all of that together with my first live audience my first live stream and two incredible guests on one stage.A special thank you to Denise Horne and John Lee for being part of this milestone.

To everyone who has supported this journey thank you your support means everything.

Here's to the next 100 !

Big Love & Blessings

Maryum

x

In this episode of the Style Moguls Podcast, I’m celebrating someone who has been part of my journey for over 16 years, Denise Horne, founder of Opulent Events.We first met at a wedding where I was the makeup artist for the bride and Denise was organising the wedding. What began as a chance meeting turned into a lasting friendship.Denise is known as the Anna Wintour of events in London, creating elegant and unforgettable experiences through her brand, Opulent Events.This episode is a celebration of her journey, our friendship, and the power of women supporting women.✨ In this episode:• Who Denise Horne is and her journey• Why she is known as the Anna Wintour of events in London• The true meaning of friendship and how women can support each other’s growthWe all need a Denise in our life, someone who brings elegance, consistency, and genuine support while building something meaningful over time.✨ Watch the episode and celebrate her story🎧 Subscribe for more conversations with inspiring womenLoveMaryum x

Personal Branding & Podcasting in 2026 with Maryam Sharif

The first episode of the Just Inspire Podcast, host Justin interviews Maryam Sharif, a former BBC showbiz reporter turned personal branding expert and Style Moguls founder, about being intentional with visibility in 2026 through personal branding and podcasting.

Maryum Sharif defines personal branding as self-defining the human behind the business beliefs, values, narrative, and authenticity especially important amid AI.

She emphasises three non-negotiables: show up digitally and physically, know your purpose and point of view, and own your platforms with a clear message for a specific audience.

She advises beginners to stop overthinking, start creating, experiment (especially in the first 10 podcast episodes), improve in small increments, and build trust through research, active listening, and natural conversation.

Her key life advice is self-belief, turning fear into excitement, and finding supportive communities to help you be seen.

Big Love & Blessings

Maryum

xx

In this powerful conversation between friends and creatives Maryum Sharif and Lisa Hugo tells us what it really takes to speak with confidence, clarity, and authority.From vocal delivery to emotional expression, this episode unpacks the psychology behind how we communicate and why so many people struggle to be heard.If you’ve ever felt overlooked, unsure on camera, or disconnected from your voice , this conversation will transform the way you show up.🔑 What You’ll LearnWhy people don’t listen and how to fix itThe connection between confidence, voice, and identityHow to improve your tone, pace, and presenceThe role of emotion and energy in communicationPractical techniques to speak with impact instantlyHow to show up powerfully on podcasts, video, and stageThank you Lisa www.lisahugo.com

In this episode of the Style Moguls Podcast with Maryum Sharif and fellow creator Lisa Hugo share powerful insights from attending the 1 Billion Followers Summit in Dubai, one of the world’s largest gatherings of creators, entrepreneurs, and digital innovators.This is more than an event recap. It’s a deep dive into the future of the creator economy, visibility, and influence and what it really takes to stay relevant in a fast-moving digital world.From content strategy to AI, this episode explores how creators can evolve, lead, and build sustainable personal brands in 2026 and beyond.Singer at closing ceremony - IG Alaydee_official

Ramadan is not a time to lose strength. It is a time to train it physically, mentally and spiritually.In this episode, I sit down with Zaiena Haider to talk about women’s strength training, nutrition during fasting, energy management and how to approach Ramadan with intelligence rather than extremes.We discuss:• How to train safely while fasting• What to eat for sustained energy• Muscle vs weight loss myths• Mental resilience during Ramadan• The spiritual discipline behind physical strengthIf you are a woman navigating fasting, fitness and faith, this episode will ground you and guide you.Ramadan is not about shrinking. It is about becoming stronger — in every sense.Subscribe for more conversations around leadership, confidence and personal growth.The Conversation 00:00 Greetings from London 00:46 Introduction01:52 Why strength training matters for women05:11 Foodies need to create healthy boundaries 13:04 Aging backwards 16:05 Stop weighting yourself 17:24 Fashion to fitness 19:00 Weight training for beginners22:38 Women's Nutrition Plan32:40 Food is Power 36:16 Pink salt water with lemon38:31 The only supplements you need 42:25 Natural beauty & Botox45:30 Top tip for women training during Ramadan48:15 Final reflections49:30 Closing message57:57 How to Recover from injury1:01:17 How trauma effects the body1:06:25 You against you1:09:27 Goodbye & Allah Hafiz Ramadan Kareem Love & Duaas Maryum xx