Get All Access for $5/mo

The Diva With a Difference Top chef Ritu Dalmia on why being a lesbian never drew a boundary or defined her

By Punita Sabharwal

You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

Entrepreneur India

As a person, Ritu has always been strong enough to deal with her sexuality. It dawned on her that she is a lesbian at the age of 22. In her own words, her inner struggle lasted precisely one week. And then came acceptance. She said to herself that if this is how she is and she is not going to fight it.

"I was never ashamed about it. I told my mother and I got full support from her. She accepted my partner with open arms. My partner was more of her family than I am," shares Ritu. "I had lot of support because I myself was okay about it," she adds. Ritu has never been a person who will go out and publicly announce her sexuality. As a strong individual she wants to be known for what she does than to be known for who she sleeps with.

But there was something which triggered her to come out in public — when the law deems you a criminal merely due to your sexual preference that makes you feel worse. "I am a well-known person. I have brought a lot of fame to India. I have made my country proud. I pay my taxes. I give employment to 300 people. Why should I be considered a criminal? This was not acceptable to me. That's why I decided to come out in the open," Ritu asserts. She felt that the unjust law would affect the future generations.

About the reaction of the general public when she filed the petition, Ritu says, "There was a lot of trolling for two and a half years. But that was a small price to pay for what we have achieved." When asked if she ever faced any workplace discrimination, the 45-yearold restaurateur who has been in a relationship for 18 years now, says, "I heard a lot of comments behind my back about my sexuality. I have always ignored it." She wants to make sure that discrimination at work place goes away

Punita Sabharwal

Entrepreneur Staff

Managing Editor, Entrepreneur India

Science & Technology

Why We Shouldn't Fear AI in Education (and How to Use It Effectively)

Facing resistance to new technologies in the educational process is nothing new, and AI is no exception. Yet, this powerful tool is set to overcome these challenges and revolutionize education, preparing students and professionals for a future of unparalleled efficiency and personalized learning.

Business News

A Former Corporate Lawyer Now Makes Six Figures on YouTube — Here's How She Does It

Here are the secrets to starting and growing a successful YouTube channel, according to a YouTuber with millions of subscribers.

Growing a Business

How to Determine The Ideal Length of Your Marketing Emails Your Customers Will Actually Read

Wondering how long your marketing emails should be? Here's what consumers say — so you can send them exactly what they like.

Business News

New Southwest Airlines Major Investor Wants to Force Out CEO, Slams Company's 'Stubborn Unwillingness to Evolve'

Elliot Investment Management announced a $1.9 billion stake in the Dallas-based Southwest Airlines on Monday and is urging shareholders to vote for new leadership.

Business News

Elon Musk Threatens to Ban Employees from Using Apple Products, Says Will Lock Devices in 'Cages'

The Tesla founder sounded off on X following Apple's 2024 Worldwide Developer Conference on Monday.