“A smile is the best makeup any girl can wear- Marilyn Monroe” 

Amid the bustling streets of Mumbai, where Bollywood’s largest stars shine bright, another star quietly rose on the shores of a waterfront slum. Her name is Maleesha Kharwa, a vibrant and spirited teenager whose infectious smile has captured the hearts of many around the world.

Three years ago, Maleesha was just a curious, bright-eyed girl living in a makeshift hut on Mumbai's shoreline. Her family lived without basic amenities. But today, Maleesha, 15, is the face of a high-end cosmetics brand, a social media influencer, and a rising role model for young women in India.

An Unlikely Discovery

Maleesha's journey to fame began unexpectedly in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. American actor and choreographer Robert Hoffman, known for his role in Step Up 2: The Streets, found himself stranded in Mumbai due to the global lockdown. Determined to make the most of his time, Hoffman sought to create a music video, hoping to capture the perseverance and beauty of the people living in Mumbai’s slums.

It was during this time that Hoffman met Maleesha. Her confidence and natural charisma in front of the camera left Hoffman in awe. Her smile, so radiant and full of life, belied the hardship she had known, including losing her mother at a young age and facing constant displacement threats from municipal authorities.

Hoffman saw something special in her—a quality that had been overlooked by so many. He knew that Maleesha had the potential to become something extraordinary. He decided to help her and give her a platform to share her dreams.

The Beginning of a Dream

With her father’s permission, Hoffman set up Instagram and YouTube pages for Maleesha. Her posts, filled with a mix of charm, humor, and authenticity, began to catch the attention of thousands. Maleesha’s infectious personality, combined with her candid discussions about life in the slums, struck a chord with people worldwide. 

As her follower count grew, Maleesha’s story went viral. She shared videos showing her small home, discussing her aspirations to become a model or dancer, and even teaching Hindi to Hoffman. Soon, she had amassed hundreds of thousands of followers, and her hashtag #ThePrincessFromTheSlum began trending across social media platforms.

One of her first major milestones came when she was featured on the cover of The Peacock Magazine. This moment was a turning point in her life. The world began to take notice of the young girl from Mumbai’s slums.

A New Chapter with Forest Essentials

In March, Maleesha’s rise to fame took another leap when luxury Indian cosmetics brand Forest Essentials selected her as the face of its Yuvati campaign. The campaign, which celebrates young Indian women, showcased Maleesha’s beauty and spirit, breaking conventional standards of beauty in India that often prioritize fair skin and wealth. 

Maleesha was elated by the opportunity but remained grounded. “I feel good because I look different on camera and in real life,” she said. “Now many people recognize me and click pictures. I feel very proud of myself at that moment.”

Giving Back

Despite her rising fame, Maleesha has not forgotten her roots. Her family, originally from Kalol in Gujarat, continues to live in the same area near Bandstand, Mumbai. With the help of donations raised through a GoFundMe campaign initiated by Hoffman, her family now rents a small one-room apartment with access to running water and a private toilet—luxuries they could only dream of before.

Maleesha’s father works for an event management company, dressing up as cartoon characters for children’s birthday parties, while her brother is still in school. The income generated from her social media success has helped her father pay off debts and even provide financial help to others in need.

Maleesha’s success has inspired her to help others, much like Hoffman helped her. She and Hoffman are planning a project called "Maleesha People," which aims to give individuals from all over the world a platform to share their stories and receive the support they need to pursue their dreams.

Staying True to Her Roots

While Maleesha’s life has undoubtedly changed, she has remained deeply connected to her community. She still attends the same government-run non-profit school where she has studied since first grade. Despite suggestions from her followers and well-wishers to switch to a private school, she chose to stay with her teachers and friends. 

“I also feel I should not forget where I eventually come from,” she said with pride. Her words echo the humility and strength that have carried her through the hardships of her childhood and into a future that’s brighter than she could have ever imagined.