“Lifting another woman up never dims your own light – it only makes it shine brighter”: Farhana Bodi – eShe

By Palak Malik

If you’ve been watching the reality show Dubai Bling on Netflix, you’re probably quite familiar with Farhana Bodi, an Indian-origin fashionista millionaire who plays one of the leads. The Gujarat-born businesswoman lived in South Africa and UK before making Dubai her home. Having worked in London’s glamour industry for a while played a significant influence on her personality and fashion sense. Bodi has now evolved into a social-media influencer with millions of followers and a global fashion icon. She also runs an enterprise that works at the intersection of fashion and women’s empowerment.

While the Netflix show is all about glitz, glamour and a whole lot of drama, in this exclusive interview for eShe, the 39-year-old gets real and talks about all the ingredients that make her stand out in her life, on social media and on the show Dubai Bling. It is the right mix of being authentic, owning her cultural roots, using fashion as a storytelling tool, and building a support system of female friendships.

And being true to her own narrative, she does not shy away from talking about the real issues too – struggles of a single mom with a child on the autism spectrum, and standing her ground during her painful divorce.

Read on for Bodi’s life advice and inspiration.

eShe: Your journey spans across continents and cultures. What lessons have you learnt about staying true to yourself, even when life pulls you in different directions?

Farhana Bodi: Life has taken me across continents, through different cultures, and into spaces I never imagined. Through it all, I’ve learnt that the most important thing is to stay grounded in who you are. The world will always try to shape you in different ways, but real strength comes from knowing yourself, your values, your truth, and your purpose. I remind myself daily that authenticity isn’t about perfection; it’s about honesty and growth.

Shows like Dubai Bling highlight both glamour and vulnerability. What moments from the show do you feel truly reflect who you are?

Reality TV captures a fraction of who we are, but if there’s one thing I hope people saw in Dubai Bling, it’s my strength and heart. Beyond the glitz, I’ve shared real, vulnerable moments that reflect the woman I am – someone who has faced struggles, overcome heartbreak, and continues to evolve.

Read also: “What I learnt after my love story was turned into a documentary on Amazon Prime“

How do you maintain authenticity in a world that often rewards the superficial?

I’ve come to realise that authenticity is my greatest asset. Social media and public perception can be overwhelming, but I’ve learnt that being unapologetically myself is what truly connects with people. It’s easy to get caught up in the noise, but at the end of the day, I ask myself: “Am I proud of the person I am becoming?” That’s the only validation that matters.

So what’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone trying to balance success with authenticity?

I agree that balancing success with authenticity is a challenge, but my advice is simple: Stay true to your vision and values. It’s easy to get lost in the glamour, but always remember why you started in the first place. Purpose should always come before popularity.

What message do you hope your style sends to women about empowerment and self-discovery?

Fashion is my form of storytelling, a way to express who I am without saying a word. Through my style, I want women to feel fearless, bold, and unapologetically themselves.

Read also: “A woman’s purpose is not to serve men and community – a woman’s purpose is what she defines it to be“

Sponsorships can be a double-edged sword – how do you choose which brands align with your values?

When it comes to sponsorships, I only align with brands that reflect my values. It’s not just about collaborations; it’s about partnerships that feel authentic. If I wouldn’t personally believe in it, I won’t promote it.

How has your cultural background influenced your views on relationships, career, and self-expression?

My cultural background is deeply woven into my identity. It has influenced how I approach relationships with loyalty and deep respect, my career with ambition and resilience, and self-expression, with confidence and grace. I honour my roots in everything I do, blending tradition with the freedom to carve my own path.

Speaking openly about raising a child on the autism spectrum requires courage. What inspired you to share your story, and how do you hope it helps other parents?

Sharing my journey of raising a child on the spectrum was never about seeking sympathy; it was about creating awareness and offering support to other parents who might feel alone in their journey. It takes courage to speak openly, but if my story can help even one family, it’s worth it.

Read also: “People believe that a mother of an autistic child had no right to be happy“

Parenting is full of unexpected lessons. What’s one way motherhood has reshaped your approach to work and life?

Motherhood has reshaped everything – my priorities, my patience, my perspective. It has taught me that perfection is an illusion and that the most important thing is to show up, be present, and love unconditionally.

Divorce is a painful chapter for anyone. How did you find strength during that time, and what did the process teach you about yourself?

Divorce was one of the hardest chapters of my life, but it also became my greatest lesson in self-worth. I found strength in rediscovering who I was outside of that relationship. It taught me that endings are just new beginnings in disguise, and sometimes, walking away is the most powerful thing you can do for yourself.

How did your childhood with five sisters shape the way you approach challenges today?

Growing up in a family with five sisters was like living in a world full of love, chaos, and endless life lessons. It taught me resilience, the power of lifting each other up, and the importance of standing my ground. My childhood shaped the way I navigate challenges –with patience, understanding, and an unshakeable belief that no challenge is too big when you have the right support system.

Read also: “Divorce is not a badge of shame; it’s a medal that says I’m not a coward“

Continuing on the importance of female support, how can women create spaces where they lift each other up, especially in competitive environments?

I’ve always believed that when women empower each other, incredible things happen. In a competitive world, I want to create spaces where women feel seen, supported, and celebrated. Whether it’s through business, friendships, or simply being there for each other, lifting another woman up never dims your own light – it only makes it shine brighter.

What are your non-negotiables when it comes to maintaining strong female relationships?

Friendships, especially among women, are complex but also incredibly powerful. My non-negotiables? Loyalty, honesty, and mutual respect. Real friendships should feel like home –safe, nurturing, and full of love.

What does success mean to you now, and how has that definition evolved over the years?

Success, for me, has evolved. It’s no longer just about achievements; it’s about impact, balance, and peace. True success is being able to wake up every day, love what you do, and inspire others along the way.

If viewers could take away one lesson from your journey on Dubai Bling, what would you want it to be?

I want it to be this: You define your own happiness. Life will test you, but how you choose to rise above the challenges is what truly matters.

Palak Malik is a digital and communication specialist, recognised as a LinkedIn Top Video Production Voice for her expertise in video production.