Celebrated author of “Spice Magic,” motivational speaker and one of the 100 most powerful women in the UK talks to Covai Post about her journey, her beliefs and the power of women entrepreneurs

You are in Bangalore to celebrate the power of women entrepreneurs; do you think India has very few of them?
I think there lots of entrepreneurs – just a lot of them are really small operations. The challenge is to scale up.

Any women entrepreneurs you admire from India?
Swati Piramal is a woman who is always experimenting with new ideas.

What do you have to say to mompreneurs?
It’s not easy but if you want something you find a way. You cannot keep all the balls in the air – it’s alright to let some fall. The main thing is to make sure your children are well looked-after and loved!

What are some issues concerning women that disturb you?
The whole issue around confidence and self-belief is an area that we need to work on. To be proud to be yourself, to be authentic and not worry about society and what others think.

You grew up in Kolkata. What changes did you noticesince the last time you visited it?
I visited Kolkata every year till my father passed away in 2005. I last visited in 2012 – it had so much more traffic and flyovers everywhere – quite unrecognisable! But the sandesh is still unchanged – the best in the world.

You are a food guru, what’s your favourite food?
I love Lebanese Food, especially kofte and chilli sauce with vermicelli rice.

In 1999, you founded the Asian Women of Achievement Awards. What does this recognition mean to Asians in Britain?
It provides a platform for the achievements of women, it provides role models and inspires others. It is a gamechanger raising aspiration.