Image Source: News18
Key Highlights
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Mana Shetty, born Monisha Kadri, is the wife of Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty and a renowned fashion designer, entrepreneur, and social activist with a multifaceted career spanning fashion, interior décor, real estate, and philanthropy
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She began her professional journey remarkably early, starting as a fashion designer at age 15 alongside her sister Isha, with whom she launched the designer label "Mana & Isha," focusing on private collections and sustainable fashion initiatives
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Beyond fashion, Mana founded R House in Mumbai, a luxury lifestyle store offering furnishings, décor, and gift items, reflecting her keen sense of design and enterprise
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She ventured into real estate with her husband Suniel Shetty through the S2 project, an exclusive enclave of luxury villas in Mumbai, showcasing ultra-modern architecture and lavish interiors
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Mana Shetty is deeply involved in philanthropy, closely associated with the NGO Save The Children India, where she organizes fundraisers and exhibitions like Araaish, merging fashion with social causes to uplift marginalized women and children across India
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Coming from a diverse and culturally rich background, Mana's father, Iftikhar M Kadri, was a Gujarati Muslim architect, and her mother, Vipula Kadri, was a Hindu social activist, embodying an interfaith heritage that played a significant role in her personal life story
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The couple’s relationship faced initial resistance, particularly from their parents due to the interfaith nature of their union; nonetheless, Suniel Shetty and Mana persisted through a nine-year courtship marked by determination and deep affection before marrying on December 25, 1991
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Suniel has recounted how societal perceptions and parental opposition initially complicated their relationship, with Mana showing unwavering support and love even through unconventional challenges, such as late-night meetings during festive occasions
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Over the years, Mana Shetty has crafted her own identity beyond being a film star’s wife, proudly embracing her status as a businesswoman and humanitarian, often describing the positive impact marriage had on opening opportunities while emphasizing her work’s independent value
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The couple has two children, daughter Athiya Shetty, a Bollywood actress, and son Ahan Shetty, continuing the family’s film industry legacy
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Mana Shetty is often regarded as Bollywood’s “Lady Ambani” for her successful entrepreneurial ventures and philanthropic footprint
Career and Entrepreneurship
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Mana Shetty’s fashion career commenced in adolescence, reflecting an innate passion for design. Her label "Mana & Isha" was one of the early endeavors showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and private collections. Over time, she expanded her influence by:
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Launching R House in Mumbai, a lifestyle store catering to home décor aficionados seeking luxury furnishings and artistic gift items
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Partnering with her husband on the S2 residential real estate project, creating a niche for high-end living spaces with contemporary styling and amenities
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Advocating for sustainable fashion through initiatives like "Upcycled," promoting reuse of fabric and collaboration with Save The Children India
Philanthropic Engagements
Inheriting her mother’s legacy of social service, Mana is passionately engaged in upliftment projects targeting underprivileged communities. As trustee of the Vipula Foundation and chairperson of multiple fundraisers, she has amplified causes relating to education, women’s empowerment, and child welfare.
Personal Life and Overcoming Interfaith Barriers
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Mana and Suniel Shetty’s love story is distinguished by resilience. The couple’s initial struggles with parental opposition — especially from Suniel’s family — reflected the challenges faced by many interfaith couples in India. Despite these difficulties:
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Their nine years of courtship solidified a bond built on trust and mutual respect
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Suniel eventually convinced his family, emphasizing the love and understanding that would transcend religious boundaries and cultural expectations
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They embraced a harmonious life together, personally and professionally supporting each other’s aspirations
Public Persona and Recognition
Though often introduced as Suniel Shetty’s wife, Mana Shetty insists on recognition for her own achievements and contributions. Her leadership in fashion, business, and charity has earned her respect among peers and the public alike.
Conclusion
Monisha Kadri, popularly known as Mana Shetty, is a consummate businesswoman, designer, and compassionate philanthropist who turned personal challenges into a compelling narrative of success and social responsibility. From confronting societal norms to pioneering ventures in fashion and luxury living, Mana epitomizes resilience, creativity, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship, carving a distinct identity alongside her family’s Bollywood legacy.
Sources: Times of India, Financial Express, BollywoodShaadis
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