Rina Shah - Passion, Hard Work, Research, Look At Your Competitors and Believe in Yourself (The First Indian Woman Polo Player)

All I say to the youth and young women is that be very passionate about what they like and follow and work hard to make it true. There is no shortcut to hard work but your dedication is what matters.

1. You have accomplished so much in your life so far, from being India's first professional female polo player to a successful footwear designer, electronic percussionist, DJ, and now a restaurateur. What drives you to constantly pursue new challenges and passions?

None of this was ever planned. I go with the flow and see what makes me passionate and want to learn a lot in life. 

It's one life and I would like to learn as much as I can. Also one should have multiple career choices so one is never dependent on just one choice. I love sports design and music is following my heart.

 

2. What was the biggest hurdle you faced in your journey to becoming a successful polo player, and how did you overcome it?

The biggest hurdle was horse riding as I never did it when I was young. It took me one year just to learn the riding part of it. 

I Had to go to Argentina and Santa Barbara to learn polo skills.

 

3. As a female polo player, you've broken barriers and paved the way for future generations. What advice do you have for young women who want to pursue non-traditional sports or career paths?

All I say to the youth and young women is that be very passionate about what they like and follow and work hard to make it true. 

There is no shortcut to hard work but your dedication is what matters.

 

4. Your new restaurant TOTEM in Goa has a unique "Modern-Tribal" theme. How did you come up with this concept, and how did you ensure it was reflected in the restaurant's design and menu?

I loved the tribal and Afro theme and I always knew that it was something I wanted to incorporate in something. And that was a theme that was never done and the place I had was apt for it. 

I have designed the entire place and wanted to reflect my creativity skills.

 

5. What was your experience like studying at the DJ School of Amsterdam, and how has it impacted your career as a DJ and electronic percussionist?

That was one of the best decisions I made as learning from the best school and putting effort you put above others. 

The exposure in Amsterdam gave me an edge.

 

6. As someone who has achieved success in multiple fields, what do you believe are the key qualities or skills necessary for success in any industry?

Passion, hard work, research, looking at your competitors, and believing in yourself.

 

7. What's next for Rina Shah? Do you have any upcoming projects or passions that you're excited about pursuing?

I am currently fully focused on creating my music IP, all over India and hoping by next year it might be ready for launching my own music festival in Afro house.

Brief bio:

Rinaa is commendably the first Indian woman polo player, a game that has been a topic of bravado for men for ages. An astute professional & an immensely creative force, Rinaa had her formal training in Fashion Design from New York and an Executive course in Business Management from Harvard.

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Interviewed by - Aarya Gode