The secret behind Dr. Manisha Kaushik’s success - How does she do it?

"This is the first step that will make you strong”, my mother put me in her arms and told me. I was in 2nd grade when my whole family shifted to Rajasthan. It was a new place for me, a new school, a new environment. I was earlier studying in Kolkata where English was the only language taught and when I joined the school in Kota, mid-session, I flunked in Hindi because I never studied it. I was upset. Then my mother put me in her arms and told me, "This is the first step that will make you strong." From that day, I never took failure as a setback, but rather as a learning experience. I topped in Hindi in 10th grade bringing home a gold medal and later on went on to bag ten more gold medals and create a record.

Dr Manisha Kaushik, talks about her life to THEWOOMAG, on how she went from being a businesswoman and a social worker to starring in a Netflix drama! In her own words.

A lady who adorns many hats…

I am a lady who adorns many hats. A Gold medalist Microbiologist, Genetic Engineer, first-generation business entrepreneur, Ph.D. in management,  TEDx speaker, certified author, editor, and poet. I have judged many pageants as the jury, along with being a social welfare enthusiast &  part of the largest All-women organisation Innerwheel as the District Vice Chairman of IWD 301 this year.

I have been working with Innerwheel for the past 11 years. We are women coming from different backgrounds,  homemakers & professionals aged between 25- 95 years.  Being passionate about social work all my life which I have been doing since I was a child as  I support girl children of my office staff to live their dreams & become financially independent. Through Innerwheel, I aid in bringing change to society. It gives me joy, satisfaction, and peace when I rest my head on my pillow at night that I have done my bit, to make a change.

I am an actor and a model. This is my passion. I have featured in some web series and also have done a few modeling assignments for well-known designers,  Jewellers,  Flip Kart,  Amazon, etc. Currently, I am acting in a web series, 'D3' to be featured on OTT platforms,, and 'The Devil', which is scheduled for release in September.

Back when life was Simpler….

My father was an Army Man and my mother was an economics professor. Being the middle child I was always very protected and pampered just like there is butter between two bread slices.

Having parents as experts in their fields and siblings as overachievers, I felt the pressure to perform. And the environment at home pushed me to become the best version of myself.

I was a good student, I studied microbiology and I published my research at the National Environment Engineering Research Institute followed by  Genetic Engineering and later Doctorate in Management.

Knock  Knock … Destiny?

Earlier, I used to believe there was nothing like destiny as we grew up learning to work hard & and give our best in whatever we did. But gradually I started to believe in the concept of Destiny. When things just happened and decided to go with the flow.

I got a scholarship from the government of India to study abroad but I got married. Despite coming from a totally non-business family, my husband and I opened up our Engineering company and became Authorised Dealers for  Kirloskar Oil Engines Ltd, becoming first-generation Entrepreneurs. However,  it was difficult for us there are no shortcuts in life and we worked typically as if we were in service /job. We continued with a joint effort and will to succeed could reach where we are today.

My experience with manpower changed my perspective. It taught me the importance of teamwork and the delegation of tasks at hand.

Open the doors to Acting?

Always passionate about theatre and drama, I used to attend theatre when I was in school. I enjoyed it very much and it was a great destresser.  In fact, was always very happy to learn new things & to act. Had never thought that I could be an actor one day, as loved studies and had always wanted to be a scientist.Worked towards being one too but time takes its own course……

In my journey kept learning & adding at each phase. I entered the Glamour world through Ramp walks, modelling, and participating in pageants. I have modelled for various designers & brands like Flip Kart, Amazon, Patternz, Natures Grace, MSG, Khadi India, Tanshiq, Chinar Jewellers, Hiritika Diamond & gold jewels, and Gupta Namkeen to name a few. Also got the titles Glamourous Mrs. India Queen of Substance 2014 & Mrs. Positive Mrs. Greh Lakshmi 2022. I have judged many beauty Paegants, the recent being L & T Walk for a cause. This opened doors to acting and I grabbed this opportunity to move forward toward this calling. When I went for the audition first time, had goosebumps, seeing the director & producer. A mixed feeling of excitement and fright at the same time. Soon, I got the script, prepared well, and performed. It was well appreciated.  I got the part and finally, my lifelong dream of acting came true.

Your happiness comes first.

It all looks very rosy on the outside, but there are no shortcuts in life.  I believe that there are always struggles leading us to success which makes us leave our struggles behind.

In my dictionary, “Nothing is impossible”. Believe me, the world is full of possibilities! You just need to explore and want them desperately.

We all follow the rat race. We tend to give in to family pressure. We choose our careers on what society thinks would be good for us. Some people, especially youngsters give in to peer pressure. How would others know what's best for us? Only we know it. Only we can make our dreams happen for us.

My education gave me a solid background to sustain myself. So, will yours. Follow your heart. Do what your heart wants to do but with rationality.

Make yourself happy before you make anyone happy. And lastly, work hard. There are no free lunches in the world. Perseverance, willpower, discipline, meticulous planning, teamwork will take you places. Working hard will never fail. 

Aspire to Inspire before you Expire is my motto & belief ✨️