Photos Malaika Arora, Rupali Ganguly and others grace the red carpet of ET Inspiring Women Leaders Conclave And Awards 2025
I’ve got to say, it’s a bit of a marvel how things keep changing around us. I remember a time when the phrase “women leaders” wasn’t exactly headlining every awards show or conclave out there. Now, it’s like you can barely scroll through a page without tripping over yet another gala honoring women in business, entertainment, or politics. Back in my day, the idea of a “Women Leaders Conclave” might’ve raised a few eyebrows or been given the polite nod before we moved on to the “important” stuff. But here we are in 2025, and it feels like a whole new world—or at least a better one—when you see Malaika Arora, Rupali Ganguly, and others stepping up to be recognized for their achievements rather than just their looks or charm.
Even if a guy like me, who’s more used to typing like he’s still sending a telegram (or texting from a rotary phone, as the young ones might say), has to admit: congratulations are due. It’s no small feat to turn a space that once seemed way too masculine, too closed off, into something vibrant and inclusive. The ET Inspiring Women Leaders Conclave and Awards is one of those bright spots showing that progress can be tangible and visible, not just some abstract headline or fleeting hashtag.
Still, it’s hard not to approach these glamorous red carpet moments with a bit of cautious optimism. There’s always a danger that these events become all style and no substance. Sure, everyone looks dazzling, smiles broadly for the cameras, and the evening rolls out a string of speeches praising empowerment, resilience, and creativity. But how much of this actually translates into lasting change for women outside these glittering gatherings?
This old-timer wonders if these events might occasionally fall into the trap of becoming a little too performative. After all, it’s easy to spotlight a handful of celebrated figures like Malaika and Rupali who have made it to the top, but what about the thousands of women leaders who are grinding every day without the sparkle of the media spotlight? The ones navigating boardrooms, small businesses, families, and community challenges all while battling the sneaky little things nobody talks about—the bias and the barriers that don’t make it into the press releases.
That said, I’ll give credit where it’s due. The visibility of such events nudges society toward normalizing women in leadership roles. Seeing someone like Rupali Ganguly, who made her mark in entertainment but also embodies leadership qualities beyond the camera, surely sends a message to younger generations. It tells them: “Yes, you can lead. Yes, your voice matters.” And that’s powerful stuff, especially in cultures that have traditionally sidelined women in professional spaces.
In a world constantly fluttering between progress and pushback, awards galas can act as landmarks—times to pause and take stock. They might reveal how far we’ve come, but also how far we have to go. For instance, one might look at the representation of sectors beyond entertainment, such as science, technology, politics, and entrepreneurship, and wonder if those fields receive equal recognition at such events. Or if the same faces dominate year after year while younger or less mainstream leaders stay in the shadows.
It brings to mind a question I’ve thought about often since my first tentative steps online: How do we balance celebration of individual triumphs with the need for systemic change? It’s great to applaud role models, but real progress demands we address the root causes that limit women’s opportunities in the workplace, at home, and in society at large.
And just like I still chuckle typing out my thoughts on this newfangled internet thing, I also feel that sometimes these events can get lost in the noise. The glamour and flashbulbs might grab headlines for a day or two, but it’s the quiet, ongoing effort—mentorship, policy reform, accessible education, breaking down stereotypes—that truly moves the needle.
Still, with all my slightly outdated grumbling, I do find something genuinely heartening about these occasions. They’re a sign that the conversation is shifting. They acknowledge strength, vision, and leadership in ways that weren’t always given the spotlight before. Seeing artists and professionals brought together under a banner that champions women in leadership feels like a cultural upgrade, even if it’s just a small step.
We live in a world of constant change, sometimes bewildering to someone living in the slow lane of nostalgia and rotary phone typing. But celebrating the accomplishments of women leaders on platforms like the ET Inspiring Women Leaders Conclave shows we’re moving, however unevenly, in the right direction. It might not be perfect, but it’s something worth recognizing, applauding, and pushing further. Because at the end of the day, leadership isn’t about just who shows up on the red carpet—it’s about opening those doors wider for everyone waiting just beyond it.
And who knows? Maybe the next time I have to type a blog post on this contraption, I’ll do it a little faster, a little more confident in the world we’re shaping. One click, one spotlight, one woman leader at a time.
Bob