Exclusive: I aspire to be as confident as Kylie Jenner, says slum princess Maleesha Kharwa

Around four years ago, Maleesha Kharwa rose to fame as ‘princess from the slum’. Her fairy-tale came to fruition after Hollywood actor-choreographer Robert Hoffman discovered her in Mumbai during his stay in India. As the little girl’s modelling dreams went viral globally, doors opened for various opportunities. At 15, Maleesha is a known model and content creator, working towards achieving her dreams.

Dressed in a gorgeous beige ensemble, she beams with excitement, eyes shining like diamonds when we catch up with her after her ramp walk debut at the Bombay Times Fashion Week. The youngster was ecstatic about her feat, radiating confidence in her walk and body language, while retaining that fairy-tale gaze and innocence.

Given her confidence and composure on the ramp alongside established models and beauty queen like Sini Shetty, it was hard to believe that she had never done this before. Maleesha insisted, “I am happy to have turned my dream into a reality. This was my first ramp walk and I enjoyed it. I rehearsed once or twice but I am glad it went well. I don’t have anyone in particular to coach me. I am very thankful to (The Story Brand’s) Mayana Rajani ma’am. She helped me through the process.” Though she aspires to pursue modelling as a career, education isn’t on the backburner. “I am awaiting my class X SSC results,” she shares.

Speaking of her hopeful future, she says after a pause, “I want to become a successful woman and make my family proud. Modelling is my main interest. I like films but acting ka itna shok nahi hai. I aspire to be as confident as Kylie Jenner. She radiates self-belief. Her attitude inspires me. Actress Sai Pallavi is my favourite, too. She is a natural beauty. I admire how confident she is in her skin. I like how Indian girls today are owning their identity without resorting to fairness obsession.”

On a parting note, Maleesha says. “As a child I remember being on the front page of Bombay Times was special, so this chat is special.”