JAMMU: From the serene hills of Bhaderwah in Jammu and Kashmir to the bustling heart of Times Square, Dr. Sonia Kotwal’s journey is a testament to perseverance, faith, and the power of self-belief. A doctor by profession and a global influencer by passion, Dr. Kotwal has not only defied the odds but has also risen to become a symbol of inspiration for millions.
Her story is one of breaking boundaries in a world where glamour and influence are often linked to metropolitan cities, and yet she has managed to carve a space for herself on prestigious platforms like Vogue, Forbes, and Times Square.
In a candid interview conducted by Ajmer Alam Wani, Editor-in-Chief of JK Monitor (www.jkmonitor.org), Dr. Kotwal shares the challenges she faced as an influencer from a region not traditionally associated with mainstream glamour, the responsibility of representing her roots on a global stage, and how she stays grounded while embracing her newfound fame.
Her commitment to authenticity, women’s empowerment, and social impact shines through as she reflects on her journey, revealing how her cultural roots continue to shape her as she inspires the next generation of women to follow their dreams.
To delve deeper into Dr. Sonia Kotwal's inspiring journey from Bhaderwah to global recognition, and discover how she balances fame with authenticity, challenges with perseverance, and her vision for a lasting impact, read the full interview below.
- Coming from Bhaderwah, a small town in Jammu and Kashmir, to being featured on Times Square as a global influencer is an extraordinary journey. What were the key turning points in this transformation?
Answer: As I am from Bhaderwah, Jammu and Kashmir, and currently living in Jammu city—not coming from any metropolitan area—the one thing that kept me going throughout my journey was faith and confidence. I believe we all need these qualities to overcome challenges in life, along with a never-give-up spirit, the support of our family (which is above all), and the blessings of well-wishers. These are the key factors that have always motivated me.
- What were some of the biggest challenges you faced as an influencer from a region not traditionally associated with mainstream glamour and influence? How did you overcome them?
Answer: As discussed earlier, I am from Jammu and Kashmir, where glamour and influence are still out of reach compared to any metropolitan city. However, as I mentioned, if you follow your heart and have an unwavering spirit, nothing is impossible. It’s faith that works magic, along with patience and confidence.
I am not an influencer or a social media sensation—I am a doctor. In today’s world, social media has become important when used positively, as it can bring about meaningful changes in your life and the lives of others by inspiring and motivating them. This belief has kept me moving forward, with no negativity being stronger than my faith, confidence, and persistent nature.
- In the era of social media, where trends and virality often dominate, how do you maintain authenticity and ensure that your content resonates with your audience?
Answer: To be honest, I try to compete with myself. My own self is my biggest competitor: the person I was in the past versus the person I am in the present. I focus on competing with myself, staying in my own lane, and following what my heart and soul guide me to do. When you start believing in yourself, that's when miracles begin to happen in your life.
- As someone who has represented India on platforms like Vogue, Forbes, and now Times Square, how do you balance the expectations of being a global icon while staying true to your roots?
Answer: First of all, thank you so much. I would really like to say that, to be honest, I don’t let success go to my head or failure to my heart. By maintaining this balance, I keep my nature steady and try to surround myself with people who admire me, while staying away from negativity and hatred.
On social media, I would say that if you have well-wishers, you will also encounter some negativity. It’s just up to you as a person to decide how much it affects you. You can’t change what others think about you or their hatred or jealousy, but you can choose to be around those who truly appreciate, motivate, and care for you. Stick to them. As for others, their opinions are their own.
In short, I’ve experienced, touch wood, a very positive atmosphere here. However, yes, hatred or jealous behaviour can arise once someone achieves name and fame. The key is to stay humble, focus on your work, and create content that your people will love.
- Being hailed as a pride of Jammu and Kashmir, what does this recognition mean to you personally and professionally?
Answer: Thank you, it means a lot to me. Hailed as the pride of Jammu and Kashmir, this represents my entire identity. Personally, I would say my inner self tells me, "Baby girl, whatever you've been through in the past, your own self is proud of you. Just stay humble."
Professionally, as a doctor, it brings even greater responsibility, especially now that people consider me a social media sensation as well. This adds a lot of responsibility and reinforces the need for humbleness in my present life.
- Winning this award must have been a significant milestone. How do you think this recognition shaped your career trajectory?
Answer: I received the *Forever Star India Award* as the Best Influencer from India, and it contributed significantly to my personal and professional growth. This was my first recognition and award, making it incredibly special to me. Receiving it from Malaika Arora, who is herself considered a style icon, set a benchmark in my journey.
- As a woman who has shattered stereotypes and risen to global fame, how do you see your role in inspiring young women, especially from underrepresented areas?
Answer: As a role model for women, I would say I am the kind of person who always listens to her inner voice. I would like to convey to every woman that a woman is not less than a man; she is equal to a man. She is now doing the same things men do. Gone are the days when a girl had to depend on a man for her survival. She is educated now, she can earn, and she can take care of the home too.
To every woman, no matter where she is from: she should be wise and educated or have faith in any talent she possesses. She should carry that talent forward and never lose hope.
- How do you incorporate the essence of Bhaderwah and Jammu and Kashmir into your work, and how has it influenced your identity as a global influencer?
Answer: As a global influencer from Bhaderwah, Jammu and Kashmir, I have always believed that if you have faith and believe in yourself, every obstacle is a stepping stone to success. To be honest, it is my cultural roots that have kept me grounded and humbled in life.
9. While social media has been a platform for your success, it also comes with criticism and trolling. How do you handle negativity and maintain mental health in such a public role?
Answer: Great question! Yes, I believe social media has both pros and cons. On the positive side, it serves as a platform where we can share our lives or anything that might help or motivate others, which is truly beneficial. However, on the negative side, we know that trolling and negativity often come with social media.
But if you focus on your work, stay in your lane, and only share what is necessary or meaningful to you, you can make a great difference. Of course, if you choose to share everything you do, you may attract both admiration and criticism. Ultimately, it's important to use social media wisely. It all comes down to how we handle it and how we use it. We should use social media, not let it use us. I hope that makes sense!
10 Do you envision leveraging your influence to venture into areas beyond social media, such as philanthropy, entrepreneurship, or advocacy?
Answer: I do practise in my profession by organising free medical camps for those in need. As a doctor, I am also involved in public service and try to help people as much as I can, whether through Instagram or my professional work. In both ways, I make an effort to understand people's problems and bring about positive change in their lives wherever possible.
11. How do you plan to use your platform to create a lasting impact, not just on the internet but in real-world issues like education, women's empowerment, or climate change?
Answer: Education is insurance, as I always say, and women's empowerment is both essential and necessary. Regarding climate change, we are entering an era where the entire climate is changing due to global warming. These important topics must be discussed openly to make an impact and achieve fruitful results.
12. Having achieved so much already, what are the next milestones or projects you are aiming for in your journey as a global icon?
Answer: I want to thank God for everything He has blessed me with, and I will always be thankful and grateful. I believe in having less attitude and more gratitude – this is how I want to flourish in my life. Whatever I achieve, it is all by God’s grace.
13. In an age where virality often overshadows substance, how do you define meaningful fame?
Answer: Fame is meaningful if you don’t let success go to your head and remain humble and grounded. Beyond that, it varies from person to person, as everyone thinks differently.
14. As someone with a massive following, how do you navigate the responsibility of influencing public opinion and ensuring your message is positive and constructive?
Answer: As mentioned above, I always give my best, place my trust in God, and believe in myself. I try to stay focused on what I want to achieve in life and work hard towards it. In the end, I leave the result to God, as while karma is in our hands, the outcome is entirely in God's hands.
15. What do you want your legacy to be, both as an internet personality and as someone who has put Bhaderwah on the global map?
Answer: As an internet personality, I am gaining global recognition, and as a Bhaderwahi, it is my roots. I am proud to represent it on the global map and platform. Thank you so much; it was a pleasure interacting with you.
