Gender

SHRUTHY MENON ON WMNCOMM PODCAST

by WMN COMM November 15 2026, 12:00 am Estimated Reading Time: 3 mins, 48 secs

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Sushmita Chowdhary reviews this intimate conversation with artist and actor Shruthy Menon, exploring dance, purpose, mental health, women’s solidarity, personal styling and the courage to silence self-doubt and embrace an authentic life with confidence.

I pressed play on this episode expecting a nice talk about acting and styling. What I got felt much closer to a deeply candid conversation. By the end, I was nodding along, pausing now and then, and thinking about the quiet voices in my own head that I have never questioned. That is the real strength of this conversation between Sushma Gaikwad and Shruthy Menon, presented on WMNcomm.

Shruthy is a dancer, an award winning actor, a personal stylist and now a personal transformation coach. It sounds like a long list, but in this episode it all feels connected. This is not a polished career summary. It feels like sitting with a warm, honest friend who tells you what the journey really looked like.

Growing Up With Art

Shruthy grew up in a Malayalam family in Mumbai, where classical music, theatre and performing arts were part of everyday life. Dance became her biggest love. She learned many styles, from Bharatanatyam to contemporary and jazz with Shiamak Davar. For her, dance was a kind of meditation. It taught her patience and showed her how to express her feelings.

The Lesson From Kamathipura

For me, the most moving part of the episode is about Shruthy at 17. She joined a community program led by Shiamak Davar in Kamathipura, Mumbai, and taught dance to the children of sex workers. That experience gave her a belief she still lives by: “What you have is your gift, and what you give is your purpose.” It is a simple line, and it stayed with me long after the episode ended. 

Saying Yes When Others Said No

Shruthy also talks about her Malayalam film Kismat (2016), which deals with relationships across caste lines. Many actors turned it down because they feared it would hurt their image. Shruthy said yes. The film earned critical praise, and she won a Filmfare Award for it.

She believes actors should take on all kinds of human characters and not let fear of public opinion decide their choices. This applies to all of us. The best chances in life often come with a little fear attached.

Fighting the Voice in Your Head

The most powerful part of the conversation is about mental health. Both Sushma and Shruthy speak openly about doubting themselves, hidden pain and depression. There is no pretending here. Shruthy says her turning point came when she realised that “the voice in my head was wrong.” Once she saw that, she stopped chasing other people’s approval and began to live honestly.

She also shares that confidence is not something you are born with. It is a daily practice, a habit of matching how you feel inside with how you show up outside. I found that idea comforting, because it means anyone can build it.

Women, Guilt and Society

The two women also talk about the heavy expectations placed on women. They speak about guilt, shame, body image struggles and unfair double standards, including the “Raja beta” attitude towards boys. Their message is clear: women should not carry guilt that society made up.

Shruthy also stresses that women must support women. When friends push each other to rise, everyone goes higher.

Styling as Self Discovery

Her work as a stylist is not only about fashion trends or body shapes. She helps women find themselves again, so their clothes and presence match their inner confidence. The goal is to step into the world without shame.

The Quick Fire Round

The short round at the end has some memorable answers:

• Success: the power to say no
• Leadership: empowering others
• Mental health: get professional help when you need it
• Advice for future women leaders: be authentic and see womanhood as a strength

Final Verdict

Honest, warm and full of takeaways, this episode is an uplifting and thought provoking listen. It reminds you to quiet the doubting voice and step boldly into who you really are. If you are facing a career change, struggling with self belief or interested in women’s leadership and personal reinvention, this one belongs on your list.

Watch the Full Episode

The full conversation with Shruthy Menon is live on the WMNcomm YouTube channel. Press play, grab your favourite cup of chai, and hear her journey in her own words. It is worth every minute.

Watch here: