Manjri
“To my younger self I would advise nothing at all. Make mistakes, shed the tears, burn the rage and keep walking with responsibility.”
Manjri is an accomplished artist, mother, and grandmother whose free and accepting spirit embraces all in its path. Her playful Instagram account includes not only her stunning artwork, but lighthearted videos and pictures with her family members, engaging in activities such as cooking and exploring. She wears her wisdom and warmth on her sleeve, inviting others in with her kindness, openness, and respect for others. A lover of the universe and its elements, she utilizes her beautiful craft to capture it all in vibrant colors. Meet Manjri. This is her story.
K: Please introduce yourself!
M: My name is Manjri. It means a tiny flower. Born in Bombay, now Mumbai in India. I studied to be an artist. Genes from my theatre actor father. I recently also discovered his acting genes and have kinda let them loose :)
K: Describe yourself in your own words
M: I am 67! Lovely age to be. All the experiences that I have been a part of, for all these years, have made me who I am. And who is that?
An artist, a mother, grandmother, was a wife once :) A quirky dresser, a believer in the universe, in the goodness of people, in the wisdom of the Indian Vedas and the quiet utterances of shlokas and mantras. In the 7 Chakras of yoga within us. In poems and couplets by saints and wise men from every country and every faith in the world!
K: What is your favorite thing about yourself?
M: What I love best about me, is that I can see! Both sides of an argument, both perspectives, both viewpoints and understand both reactions! I know instinctively what lies underneath. I am guided by my intuition at all times. And I respect everything and everyone!
K: Tell us a story. Have you had an experience that has defined you or made you stronger?
M: As stories go, it’s rather simple on the surface.
I loved to paint so I chose Art. Was approached by a lovely young man and married him. Had two children. Found out he was involved elsewhere. Decided to stay in the marriage for the sake of the kids. But decided to leave once they came of age.
What I learned was independence! To stand and look after myself and my little family. To create the world we needed. But to also smile and love and laugh and paint as I lived through it all. And today at 67, I have found a beautiful new lease in life!
I have my children, my grandchildren, my art and a fabulous life on Instagram! As an influencer. Never did I imagine I would go back to acting and dancing and the life of my youth. Blessed and incredibly happy!
K: What is one piece of advice you’d give to your younger self?
M: To my younger self I would advise nothing at all. Make mistakes, shed the tears, burn the rage and keep walking with responsibility.
K: What does being a woman mean to you?
M: Being a woman means everything to me!
Loving, caring, nurturing, giving, responsible. Choosing inclusiveness every time. Using affection each day. Creating a compassionate consciousness for myself and for everyone is what a woman can do! We are stronger than we think. And we are the fabulously quiet change the world needs.
K: Who is one woman that inspires you? What would you say to her if she were here now?
M: Every woman I have met, heard of, read about, seen on screen, or never met even, is my role model. Every woman born, is a special story. She inspires me. She lights my fire. She has some beautiful quality I so admire.
So, to every woman, born, I say, “Thank You!”
