Shruti Khandare – My Story

Hi, Shruti Khandare, 30 years old, Born into a Naval family and brought up across the country and the United States and Singapore. I have been a nomad most of my life, having studied in 17 schools. From a very young age, I have been interested in dance and had joined Shaimak Davar and learned Bharatanatyam and Carnatic Music at the Singapore-Indian Fine Arts Society. 

Even though I was naturally inclined towards arts, I was an introvert and a timid person, which changed with Miss Most Popular at Miss Navy Queen 2010, Miss Kochin 2010, Miss Kerala 2011 First Runners Up, Miss Talented at Miss South India 2013. It completely changed me, the way I carried myself and viewed life, all thanks to my favorite groomer, Ritika Ramtri Ma’am, who runs a renowned institute for pageant preparations in Pune. 

Shruti Khandare

I enjoyed the glitz and glamor world; hence I walked for ramps – Kochin International Fashion Week, NIFT Fashion Week Chennai, Bheema Jewellery Fashion Show, Emmanuel Silks. The ramp taught me to carry any outfit and, most importantly, myself well. It also gave me insights to judge various fashion shows – be it at Dream Hotel, Kochin, Milan Fashion Show at SRM University 2013, Navy Queen Karwar 2013.

I was always on the fatter side and camera conscious. Still, ads, especially in South India, include the Dhatri Hair Oil, Francis Alukkas Jewellery, Lalitha Jewellery, RK Silks, LULU Kanchipuram Silks, and Anashwara Silks taught me a lot about cameras. Featuring on the covers of Vanitha, Grihalaxmi, Kanyaka & Style Speak – Salon and Spa taught me how ad agencies work and what camera angles work for me. I was pumped to follow a strict diet regime and stay fit for every opportunity that came my way.

I had gathered a few years of experience in the fashion and lifestyle industry. I worked with Madison PR for three years, which taught me client expectations, how journalists work and how to bridge the two. PR did become my cup of tea as I switched post my sabbatical to Perfect Relations, where I worked for almost two years — after which I modeled for LimeRoad and worked with Tarun Tahiliani. Modeling will always be a part of me.

Shruti Khandare as a model

It was then that I decided to quit the 9-5 and to stop working for anyone. I wanted to do something of my own, create something unique. It was the most challenging decision I had to make because there was a lot of skepticism about whether this would take off or not. I picked up creating content for myself and brands like The Banyan Tee, Abstract Naturals, Delhi Fashion Week, Daniel Wellington, Rags Boutique, Anglow Whiskey, and Bar, etc. Instagram and YouTube.

It is a form of storytelling through visuals which I enjoy doing – being my boss. With my experience of being in front of the camera and enjoying content, I quickly adapted to being a full-time YouTuber. Along with that, I am also the Marketing Head of a FinTech company, MyFundBazaar, where I help my husband, and together, we make the people stay a penny ahead of the curve.

My dad is the vice chief of the Indian navy, and my mother is the NWWA (Navy Wives Welfare Association) president and a fantastic baker too. My family has been highly supportive of every endeavor of mine. Be it my dance classes, modeling assignments, and even pageants. They are the core reason I have even reached this far.

The regrets I hold are not starting my YouTube channel earlier. I have so much more to me that would’ve been sitting on my YouTube channel today. Also, I do regret not pursuing my dance further. Bharatnatyam is a dance I love, and respect and I hope to finish my eight years of learning the dance form someday.

A life lesson that I would like to share with the readers would be JDT. Just Do It. Don’t wait for the right time or place. If you have an idea, execute it. There’s either winning or learning. Learn and don’t make the same mistake again. Also, execute a 100% consistently. Do it with all your heart or not at all. 

Along with creating content for myself – Shruti Khandare and MyFundBazaar- I want to grow and explore opportunities that open a new dimension. Let’s see what comes next!

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