Papa Don't Preach's Shubhika Sharma Is Ready For Another Step In Her Storytelling Journey - Elle India (2024)

• - Preach, queen!

• June 4, 2024

Ever wonder what happens when a fashion mogul swaps sequins for soundbites?

Enter Shubhika Sharma, the visionary behind Papa Don’t Preach, a homegrown luxury couture label that has graced screens, magazines and red carpets.

But couture isn’t her only calling. When not dressing celebrities like Alia Bhatt, Chrissy Teigen and Paris Hilton, Sharma uses her platform to drive change in communities.

In 2020, during India’s first COVID lockdown, she joined the #CareForKarigars initiative, raising INR 27 lakhs for struggling artisans. Beyond fashion, she’s advocated for social change as a speaker at events like the India Conference at Harvard University and partnering with welfare organisations like Dasra. Her support for the LGBTQ community shows through her activism and collaborations with poet-activist Alok Vaid-Menon.

Now, her latest project is a platform that aims to democratise creativity, bridging the gap between established industry insiders and aspiring creatives.

Podcasting with a purpose

#Preach was born out of Sharma’s own experiences navigating the fashion industry as a young woman without any mentor or roadmap. The podcast aims to uplift and inspire the next generation of creatives. But #Preach is not just a podcast on the fashion industry. From discussions on poetry and literature to explorations of identity and activism, the initiative delves into the multifaceted nature of creativity itself.

A Stellar Lineup of Creative Entrepreneurs, Icons, and Innovators

What sets #Preach apart is its lineup of guests, carefully curated by Sharma herself. From poets and authors, to models and activists, each guest brings a unique perspective and insight to the table. In Season 1, Sharma’s diverse array of guests included poet Alok Vaid-Menon, award-winning author Mohsin Zaidi, Real Housewives of New York star Jessel Taank, body positivity influencer and model Sakshi Sindwani and Head of Editorial Content for Vogue India, Rochelle Pinto. These guests not only represent a cross-section of creative industries but also embody the spirit of resilience and innovation that defines #Preach.

Throughout Season 1, #Preach tackled a range of important topics, from inclusivity in the fashion industry to LGBTQ representation in Indian fashion. The guests offered their insights into issues such as the fat tax in fashion, the intersection of faith and identity, and the importance of storytelling in influencing social change.

As #Preach gears up for season 2, Sharma has ambitious plans to expand the podcast reach and impact. Topics ranging from the evolution of creative businesses, the battle between profitability and integrity, round tables with industry experts on the sociopolitical impact of pop culture and shifting parameters of success, and a special episode with surprise guests, #Preach is poised to continue its mission of amplifying voices of artists and creatives around the world.

#Preach is available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Pocketcast, Castbox and Radiopublic.

Aditi Tarafdar

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