In a landmark celebration of female excellence, Day 2 of the WOW Awards Asia 2025 witnessed the grand launch of the ET Panache Women of the Year Magazine, honouring 25 remarkable women from across the experiential, wedding, entertainment, and content industries. Hosted at the iconic Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai on June 21, 2025, this glittering ceremony served as both recognition and inspiration, spotlighting women who are redefining their industries with passion and purpose.
The segment was hosted by the ever-charismatic Madonna Tixeira, who kept the energy alive and the audience engaged throughout the evening. Presenting the honours were Bollywood star Rakul Preet Kaur and the original desi rap icon Baba Sehgal, adding star power and signature flair to the celebration.
Rakul Preet Kaur was also felicitated with a special honour — Icon of Innovation in Live Entertainment & Business — in recognition of her multifaceted contributions as a performer, entrepreneur, and game-changer in the entertainment space. The award celebrated her ability to bridge creative expression with strategic ventures, setting new benchmarks in the live entertainment industry.
The 25 trailblazing women featured in the inaugural edition of Women of the Year were:
- Aayushi Modi – Founder, Hitch Key Weddings
- Angel Jose – Co-founder, Talentwala
- Ankita Asthana – Founder & Director, WeddingNama
- Dakshita Bhatla – Founder | Lead Producer and Designer, DB And Spaces
- Damini Oberoi – Founder & CEO, Q Events and Weddings
- Deepanshi Kapoor – Director & Founder, Happyframes Photography
- Dhruvi Doshi Chitalia – Founder & Creative Head, Dhruvi Doshi Designs
- Dipti Sawalka – Founder & Director, Gourmet Design Company (GDC) and Varak
- Divya Kholakiya – Founder, GaminGaza
- DJ Rink – Renowned DJ
- Freishia B – Award-Winning Emcee & Content Creator
- Kalpana Mangal – Founder & Director, The Blooming Story India
- Kavita Bisht – Brand Evangelist & Innovative Storyteller
- Manveen Ahuja – Co-founder, Raabta Studios LLP
- Minnat Lalpuria – Founder & CEO, 7Vachan
- Nishi Bajaj – Founder, Bon Evento
- Priyanshi Somaiya – Co-founder, Dark Horse Events
- Sanchalli Arora – Emcee | Actor | Voice Over Artist | Content Creator
- Shruti Khandelwal – Founding Partner, The Dark Cues; Project Lead, Team Limelight
- Shubhi Agrawal Doshi – Founder & Creative Head, Artisanal Wedding Co.
- Soniya Dembla Balwani – Director, Camera Crew
- Tulsi Dhar – Business Partner, Page3 Entertainments
- Vedika Singhal – Founder & Chief Planner, Ferris Wheel Diaries
- Yacchana Rane – Founder & Owner, The Design Atelier; Lead, Team Limelight
From wedding curators to content creators, from entrepreneurs to emcees — these women have proven that the future is not just female; it’s fearless. ET Panache Women of the Year marks a significant moment for the industry, giving women the long-overdue recognition they deserve on a stage as grand as the WOW Awards Asia.
As the industry continues to evolve, these 25 torchbearers remind us that ambition, artistry, and authenticity can co-exist — and when they do, they create magic.
