She is art, she is force, she is poetry—she is a sword.
She is the spark that can ignite a revolution, the fire that warms the soul.
From tending the hearth, cooking with love, to commanding the boardroom and shaping strategies, women embody power in their own extraordinary ways. Balancing the dual responsibilities of creation and nurturing, the modern woman is an unstoppable force. With unmatched creativity and relentless determination, she pushes boundaries and proves her mettle time and again. In many industries, she doesn’t just compete—she excels, often surpassing expectations and redefining success itself. Here is a celebration of the power women who have transformed India’s food and hospitality landscape with their vision, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
Sheetal Saxena’s journey is one of discovery, passion, and an unwavering belief in the power of food and culture to bring people together. She has not just built restaurants—but she aimed to craft experiences. From the bustling streets of Delhi to the quieter corners of Noida, her journey in the food and beverage industry was driven by more than just business; it was fueled by a deep love for culture, cuisine, and community. With Colocal, she introduced Delhi to the sinful world of European style cafes which have chocolate as the vortex and coffee as the lifeline. But her deep interest in culture took shape in Athyeka Cafe, her latest passion project in Noida. Inspired by her admiration for South Indian culture, the cafe was more than just a place to eat—it was an experience. Here, every plate carried the essence of the region, from the fragrant dosas to the perfectly brewed filter coffee. But Sheetal’s ambition didn’t stop at flavors. She wanted to immerse her guests in the beauty of South India beyond food. Thus, Athyeka Heritage was born—an extension of the cafe that celebrated the intricate weaves and textiles of the South, showcasing the artistry of traditional craftsmanship. Her goal was clear: to build a bridge between the North and South of India, blending flavors, traditions, and stories to create something truly unique. By bringing the vibrant essence of South India to the heart of the North, she invited her patrons to taste, see, and feel the depth of India’s diverse heritage.
For over three decades, Richa Sharma has been a force behind some of the most compelling narratives in the hospitality industry. A well-known name in culinary circles, she isn’t just a storyteller—she’s a strategist, a brand builder, and a passionate custodian of India’s cultural and culinary heritage. Richa’s journey began with words. Journalism, creative writing, and broadcast reporting took her across India’s vast coastline, where she unearthed stories that resonated with people. But her true calling came in the world of hospitality, where she found the perfect platform to merge her love for storytelling with brand-building. At ITC Hotels, she became the voice behind one of India’s most prestigious hotel chains, shaping its image and championing its ethos of sustainability, heritage, and excellence. As the Head of Corporate Communications & Public Relations, Richa played a pivotal role in elevating the iconic ITC Maurya to even greater heights. This wasn’t just about promoting a luxury hotel; it was about preserving and amplifying its legacy. Her passion for “Vocal for Local” is evident in everything she does. Whether it’s championing regional cuisines, celebrating indigenous traditions, or highlighting India’s cultural wealth, Richa ensures that every initiative at ITC Hotels carries a deeper meaning. To her, hospitality isn’t just about luxury; it’s about expression, connection, and preserving a heritage that must never fade.
As the Vice President of Corporate Communications at The Oberoi Group, Silki Sehgal isn’t merely a spokesperson for one of the world’s most prestigious luxury hospitality brands; she is the guardian of its image, its values, and its enduring commitment to excellence. Her journey in the world of communications was shaped by a deep understanding of branding, strategy, and the art of perception. When she joined The Oberoi Group, she found herself in an environment that wasn’t just about luxury—it was about heritage, service, and an uncompromising dedication to guest experience. It was a story worth telling, and she knew exactly how to tell it. She has meticulously shaped the brand’s messaging, ensuring that every campaign, every press release, and every narrative reflects the group’s philosophy—where warmth and excellence go hand in hand. Her work has not only strengthened the company’s identity but has also played a vital role in its continued recognition on the world stage. For Silki, The Oberoi Group is more than just an organization—it’s a family. She often speaks of the culture within the company, where employees are not just staff but valued members of a close-knit community. This belief in fostering relationships—both within the company and with its guests—is what sets her apart. Her journey is one of passion, precision, and purpose.
Ruchira Hoon’s love affair with food began long before she ever set foot in a professional kitchen. As a child, she would watch her grandmothers cook, mesmerized by the way simple ingredients transformed into comforting meals. By the age of nine, she was already experimenting in the kitchen, and by twelve, she was hosting dinner parties—a clear sign that food was her true calling. But life had other plans first. Ruchira embarked on a career in journalism, working with major Indian publications likeThe Times of India. Yet, even as she wrote about the world, her heart remained in the kitchen. The turning point came in 2011, when she entered MasterChef India Season 2 and made it to the top 12. The experience reignited her passion, and soon after, she decided to leave journalism behind to fully embrace the culinary world.
In 2021, she launched Nibbles & Co., a food consultancy firm, and later, The Ruchira Kitchen, a delivery service offering flavors from South India, the Middle East, and Pakistan. But Ruchira wanted more than just to cook—she wanted to create an experience, a space where South Indian food could be celebrated in all its depth and diversity. That vision came to life in December 2024 with the opening of Dakshin Canteen in Delhi. Unlike the typical South Indian eateries in the city, her restaurant explored forgotten recipes, regional delicacies, and a mix of both traditional and contemporary flavors. For Ruchira, food is more than just sustenance—it’s a story, a memory, a connection to the past. Through Dakshin Canteen, she invites diners on a journey through the rich culinary landscape of South India, ensuring that its traditions not only survive but thrive in a modern world. And so, the little girl who once played chef in her grandmother’s kitchen has become a true force in India’s culinary scene—one plate at a time.
Navneet Randhawa Bajaj has always had an eye for beauty—not just in fashion, where her impeccable style often turns heads, but in the spaces she curates, the restaurants she builds, and the experiences she crafts. A dynamic entrepreneur and serial restaurateur, she isn’t just part of Delhi’s hospitality scene—she is shaping it. Her journey began with Amour Bistro and Town Hall, Khan Market, each a testament to her ability to blend world-class dining with an intimate, inviting atmosphere. Alongside her husband, Randeep Bajaj, she built Ambrosia Hospitality introducing concepts that went beyond food to create entire experiences. But it is Arts Room, her latest venture at Eldeco Centre, Malviya Nagar, that truly encapsulates her creative vision. Here, dining doesn’t just coexist with art—it becomes art. Every detail of the space has been personally styled by Navneet, transforming it into a living gallery where globally inspired dishes meet the vibrancy of Indian creativity. The menu is a reflection of her philosophy: familiar flavors reimagined with locally sourced ingredients, plated like masterpieces, and paired with cocktails that pay homage to artistic movements. What makes the Arts Room truly stand apart, however, is its immersive approach to art. The walls breathe with a rotating collection of works by celebrated Indian artists, creating a space where guests don’t just dine but experience culture in motion. And in a rare intersection of hospitality and creativity, every piece of art is available for purchase, allowing diners to take a piece of the experience home with them. Beyond her role as an entrepreneur, Navneet is a mother, a fashion aficionado, and an inspiration to women who aspire to balance ambition with artistry. This Women’s Day Arts Room stands not just as a restaurant but as a tribute to her vision—a space where food, culture, and creativity merge into something unforgettable.
