We The Women
India’s Premier Women’s Festival, We The Women, Returns to London for Its Second Edition
We The Women, India’s most watched women-led festival, returns to London on 26 June, 2026 Curated by award-winning journalist and author Barkha Dutt, the festival has, over the years, become a powerful platform for stories of courage, leadership, resilience, and transformation across industries and borders.
Bringing together changemakers, trailblazers, and cultural icons, We The Women celebrates voices shaping our world. Rooted in inclusivity, the festival not only champions women but also honours men and allies who challenge traditional gender norms and expand conversations around identity, masculinity, and femininity.
This year’s London edition, hosted at the Anil Agarwal Riverside Studios, will feature an extraordinary line-up of speakers, including legendary actor Sharmila Tagore, iconic megastar Saif Ali Khan, trailblazing economist Gita Gopinath, the very authentic and talented Shefali Shah, celebrated chef Asma Khan and many more. Together, they will share stories and perspectives that bridge heritage, creativity, ambition, and empowerment.
Alongside thought-provoking conversations and performances, the festival will honour the Changemakers of 2026 — visionary leaders from across the Indian diaspora and beyond who are boldly redefining industries, communities, and the future.
More than a festival, We The Women is a celebration of voice, vision, and the unstoppable power of change.
Sharmila Tagore, she represents timeless grace and elegance. An original icon of Indian cinema, she broke conventions in the 1960s with fearless confidence — from redefining glamour on screen to famously daring to wear a bikini at a time when few would. Yet beyond the stardom lies a woman of remarkable depth and quiet strength. From becoming the wife of Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi to building a family admired across generations, she remains the matriarch of one of India’s most celebrated families. Eternally beautiful, inside and out, her poise, strength, and understated glamour make Sharmila Tagore not just a film star, but a true woman of substance, in Bollywood and far beyond.
Gita Gopinath, one of the most influential economists in the world today. From classrooms in India to the top ranks of the International Monetary Fund, she’s the first woman to serve as the IMF’s Chief Economist and later its second-highest-ranking official. When the world talks inflation, recessions, debt crises, oil prices and the global economy, Gita Gopinath is part of the conversation. Smart, sharp, and globally respected she shape how countries navigate economic turbulence
Saif Ali Khan, a celebrated star, acclaimed performer, and one of Indian cinema’s most charismatic and enduring talents, has built an extraordinary career defined by versatility, reinvention, and artistic range. From critically acclaimed performances to blockbuster successes, he has consistently redefined the contours of mainstream storytelling with intelligence, wit, and effortless sophistication. Known for his distinctive screen presence, cultural influence, and fearless choice of roles, Saif has remained one of the industry’s most compelling and admired voices across generations. At We The Women London, he brings a unique perspective on legacy, creativity, identity, and navigating change in an ever-evolving world of cinema and culture.
Shefali Shah is a powerhouse performer whose work across film, television, and digital platforms has left an indelible mark on audiences. From Monsoon Wedding to Delhi Crime, she has brought extraordinary depth, honesty, and nuance to every role, creating characters that linger long after the screen fades to black. Known for her remarkable range and emotional intelligence as an actor, Shefali has continually pushed the boundaries of storytelling through performances that are both powerful and deeply human.At We The Women in London, Shefali brings not only the perspective of an exceptional artist, but also thoughtful reflections on storytelling, womanhood, resilience, and the evolving voices of women in film and digital entertainment.
Aditi Rao Hydari, an artist who brings grace, depth, and undeniable screen presence to every role she takes on. From captivating performances in period dramas to winning hearts in contemporary cinema, she has carved a unique space for herself in Indian entertainment. An actor known for her elegance, versatility, and powerful performances in films across Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu cinema, she has mesmerized audiences in projects like Padmaavat, Heeramandi, Wazir, and Maha Samudram. Beyond the screen, she is admired for embodying the strength of womanhood — resilience, compassion, confidence, and quiet determination that inspire so many.
Asma Khan is a force of flavour, resilience, and purpose. From Kolkata to London, she transformed a passion for home-style Indian cooking into global acclaim with her celebrated restaurant, Darjeeling Express. More than a chef, Asma is a champion for women and community, known for building an all-women kitchen and bringing stories of heritage, warmth, and belonging to every plate. Fearless, authentic, and deeply inspiring, she proves that food can nourish not just people, but possibility itself.
Sathnam Sanghera is an award-winning British journalist, author and broadcaster, widely respected and renowned for his thoughtful exploration of identity, migration and multicultural Britain. Born to a Sikh family that emigrated from Punjab, India, and raised in Wolverhampton, Sanghera writes from the perspective of the Indian diaspora, often reflecting on the complexities of belonging, heritage and identity as the child of immigrants in Britain. He first gained prominence as a journalist and columnist at the Financial Times before becoming a bestselling author. His acclaimed works, including Empireland and Empireworld, examine the complex legacy of the British Empire and its continuing influence on modern Britain, while earlier books such as The Boy with the Topknot explore family, faith and the immigrant experience with honesty and humour. Known for combining sharp insight with accessible storytelling, Sathnam is a leading voice in contemporary conversations about British identity, migration and cultural history.
Anita Rani is an acclaimed British television and radio presenter, celebrated for her work across broadcasting, documentary-making and cultural storytelling. Born in Bradford to Punjabi Sikh parents who emigrated from India, Rani has often spoken about growing up between cultures and navigating questions of identity, belonging and representation as part of the British Indian diaspora. Best known for presenting programmes including Countryfile, Woman’s Hour and a range of travel and history documentaries, her work frequently explores heritage, migration and the diverse experiences that shape modern Britain. Through her broadcasting, Anita brings warmth, curiosity and personal insight to conversations about culture, identity and community.
Please note: The final programme is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances or other last-minute emergencies.
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Please review these essential logistical details to ensure a seamless entry experience:
- Arrive by 4:15 pm: The programme starts at 5:00pmsharp. As this is a live broadcast late entries cannot be accommodated once the cameras roll.
- Food & Drink: Snacks will be available on sale before and after the show. Arriving early gives you the perfect opportunity to grab a bite or a drink at our venue bars before entering the studio doors. No Food or Drink will be allowed inside the studio. There is a short comfort break within the show but no food or drink will be sold at that time
- First-Come, First-Served Seating: Please note that all studio seating is unreserved and allocated strictly on a first-come, first-served basis. Arriving early ensures you secure your preferred seats.
- Have Your Tickets Ready: Entry will only be permitted upon scanning your QR codes, If you are coming in a group, please make sure you have one QR code per attendee.
We look forward to welcoming you for an incredible evening!