MissMalini’s web series salutes girl power

Malini Agarwal aka ‘MissMalini’ is a familiar word in the world of entertainment. From DJ to TV host, digital influencer, and best-selling author, the journey has been meteoric.

MissMalini Entertainment’s first and latest web series ‘The Girl Tribe’ was recently launched on Missmalini’s Facebook and Youtube Page.

The 12-episode series showcases thought-provoking conversations with strong and eminent personalities from all walks of life and is an extension of the Facebook community ‘Malini’s Girl Tribe’. The guests include the likes of Bollywood celebrities, activists, transgender models and other women who have managed to shatter stereotypes and glass ceilings. Rajitha Menon finds out more details.

What is the concept behind ‘Malini’s - The Girl Tribe’?

The idea behind it was to create a safe place for girls to talk, share, support, empower and inspire each other. ‘Malini’s Girl Tribe’ started as a small Facebook group of 300 girls which has now grown to more than 13,000 women who interact on a daily basis about everything that matters to them — from work, relationships, safety, equality and mental health to managing finances and enabling change. The web series ‘The Girl Tribe’ was launched to further spread the message. Each episode currently gets half a million views on average and covers topics ranging from parenthood to patriarchy.

What do you hope to achieve through this platform?

I believe that this platform will lend support to thousands of women, both emotionally and mentally.

What do you get the guests to talk about?

‘The Girl Tribe’ features conversations relevant to women that most people never openly talk about. Whether it’s about being comfortable enough with your vagina to use the menstrual cup or the horrors of marital rape, the guests share personal stories and experiences that resonate with so many generations of women.

For example?

For example, Rega Jha talked about the mental health implications of social media, Adhuna Akhtar pointed out sexist jokes we shouldn’t be putting up with,
Mallika Dua talked about internet trolling, Sonali Bendre spoke about giving up your career for your children, Anjali Lama, the first transgender model to walk at Lakme Fashion Week, talked about a journey of self-discovery and sexual reassignment surgery and so on.

One answer from someone to a question that really surprised you?

It wasn’t so much of a surprise but I was really impressed with how Sonali Bendre and her husband explained the concept of sex and rape to their 12-year-old son. She shared an anecdote about how she accidentally said the ‘F’ word in front of her son and when he asked what it meant, they decided they needed to tell him, despite his young age.
They said, ‘This is what this word means, but you need to understand that sex is not bad. When two people are in love with each other it’s the most beautiful thing. But rape is the most atrocious thing you can do to another human being because you’re violating a person’s innermost being, without permission and forcefully.’

We all know what MissMalini is like. What about the actual person?

Malini is not that different from MissMalini actually. I love to meet people, dance, play pool, board games and hang out with my friends. I’m also a major romantic and believe everything I see in the movies. My real journey of self-discovery began after I wrote my book and realised that I am here to build a community for women, to inspire, mentor and spread the love.

A misconception that people have about your job?

I feel some people think all I do is travel and party; I wish! Running ‘MissMalini Entertainment’ with Nowshad and Mike is a 24/7 job. We never switch off! I love it but it is not easy.