Updated: August 22, 2025 at 16:27 IST
Tanya Mittal, hailing from Gwalior, shot into the limelight first as Miss Asia Tourism 2018—a title that laid the groundwork for her future as an entrepreneur, speaker, and influencer. With an architecture degree from Chandigarh University, she pivoted from blueprints to branding by founding her handicraft venture, HandMadeLove, at just age 19—reportedly with an initial investment of only ₹500.
Through Instagram, she grew the brand into a national phenomenon, serving over 20,000 customers in six months. This underdog success resonated with anyone who’s dared to dream big with little to begin. Amid this entrepreneurial arc, she also faced heartbreak and societal expectations—her boyfriend critiqued her looks and perceived flaws, challenging her confidence. Instead of retreating, Tanya doubled down—she lost weight, refined her communication, and walked into pageants. Her victory as Miss Asia Tourism Universe 2018 in Lebanon was not just a crown but a turning point, symbolizing how belief in oneself can rewrite narratives.
Today, she stands as a motivational speaker (having delivered multiple TEDx and Josh Talks sessions) and bills herself as the “youngest millionaire entrepreneur” with an estimated net worth of ₹2 crore. On social platforms, her footprint is sizeable: 1.8 million followers on Instagram, 89K on Facebook, 63K on YouTube, plus a sizable audience for her business brand.
What’s Her Content Like and Why Do People Click?
A. Cultural & Spiritual Exploration
Tanya’s content heavily leans into temple tourism and devotional storytelling. She shares aesthetically rich reels of temple visits and spiritual experiences—often described as mystical or culturally immersive.One standout experience was her guided Varanasi tour arranged by Inderneel, where she immersed herself in pilgrimage and ritual. She visited Kaal Bhairav Mandir, and described it as powerful and mystical. Tanya also received Sparsh Darshan at Kashi Vishwanath Temple, wherein she physically touched the Shivling—an exceptionally rare experience. The last leg of her tour comprised of exploring Shree Annapurna Mandir and participating in the evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, culminating in a reflective moment of release and gratitude with floating diyas.
B. Graceful Traditional Fashion
Fashion remains a visual cornerstone of her content. A heartfelt post titled “My most loved saree of 2025!” showcases her brand, Handmade Love, blending traditional attire with personal affection. One of the most emotionally resonant moments was when Tanya visited a weavers’ cooperative in Varanasi, diving into the intricacies of handloom Banarasi sarees. Her fascination with the delicate craftsmanship and devotion to tradition was clear—she tried her hand at weaving and, notably, purchased several sarees. As a Gwalior native, her appreciation for indigenous artistry felt grounded, not performative. Whether she’s in the misty landscapes of Pachmarhi or the serene forests of Ranthambore, one thing remains consistent – her six yards of elegance.
C. Inspiring Persona & Talks
Her persona remains motivational—rooted in her past as a TEDx speaker and entrepreneur. Posts remind followers of her roots: model, influencer, business founder—all part of a compelling success story.
D. An Integral Part Of Mahakumbh 2025
When the lights dimmed across the vast ghats of Prayagraj earlier this year, Tanya Mittal wasn’t just another attendee at the 45-day Mahakumbh Mela—she became part of its unfolding drama. But what captured headlines was her unexpected transformation from observer to responder during the chaos of Mauni Amavasya night. Tanya was present near Jhunsi Sector-21, where a tragic stampede erupted. In her own recounting, she called authorities repeatedly, sent her location, and pleaded for intervention—yet help did not come in time. Along with her team and bodyguards, she managed to bring children and the elderly into safety—sometimes even risking local shop owners’ ire—rescuing as many as 100 to 150 people overall. In a particularly poignant detail, she recalled pulling mobile phones from the deceased—just so she could attempt to get a network to call for help.
E. Brand New Chapter With Entry Into Big Boss 19
Known for her inspiring shows, motivational talks, and her unique ability to balance tradition with modernity, Tanya’s entry into one of India’s most watched reality shows has created a buzz that refuses to die down. Her reputation as someone deeply rooted in spiritual values and cultural pride has set high expectations. Viewers are curious to see how she translates her calm, grounded persona into the high-pressure, often chaotic atmosphere of the Bigg Boss house.
Strengths in Her Content Strategy
- Visually compelling storytelling: Her temple and traditional wear reels are highly cinematic—rich in culture, soothing, and shareable.
- Narrative consistency: From pageants to entrepreneurship to devotional content, she weaves a coherent journey of transformation.
- Cross-medium presence: With Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, podcasts, and reality TV, she continues diversifying her content frontier.
Praised—But Also Under Scrutiny
A. From Admirers & Supporters
Some view Tanya as a force of positivity—an ambitious creator who blends culture, motivation, and aesthetic content. Her philanthropic side is also notable: she has volunteered with Girl Up, Pink Legal, and serves as Associate Director of Biss Foundation, even fostering two children from a village near Gwalior. Reference to her giving-back mindset can be found in some audience commentary and coverage, like a Lallantop interview mention, though details are scarce.
B. Critics & Controversies
- Business Complaints: Over on Reddit, several users levelled serious claims—missing saree deliveries, unresponsive customer support, suspicions of white-labelling (i.e., relabeling other people’s products), and poor quality. One user wrote: “She sells poor quality sarees … never delivers … clearly white labelling.”
- “A fraud who has realized the only way to gain followers is be sankaari or not wear clothes … now pretending to be a long-lost princess.”
- Content Strategy Doubts: Many allege that her shift from fashion to religious content feels opportunistic—focused more on grabbing algorithm-friendly attention than genuine belief. A Reddit user commented, “She used to do GRWM videos … then … a religious tourism influencer? … religious content but also back shots … to grab eyeballs.”
- Political Sensitivities: In a high-visibility moment post-Pahalgam terror attack, Tanya said “terrorism has no religion,” which prompted the MP Tourism Department to issue a clarification that she was not officially associated with them. The comment sparked both criticism and support, but led to official distancing.
Conclusion
Tanya Mittal is a personality who refuses to fit neatly into a single box. For some, she’s the glamorous storyteller whose reels feel like a pocket-sized escape—serene, colorful, and temple-lit. For others, she’s the embodiment of aspiration: a young woman who turned a ₹500 idea into a multi-crore enterprise, who walked from classrooms of architecture into pageantry spotlights, and eventually into the crowded space of public speaking and digital influence. Her ability to weave heritage, fashion, and spirituality into her content helps her connect with audiences who crave both tradition and modernity.
At the same time, Tanya remains a subject of debate. Admirers point to her philanthropy and her resilience, while critics argue that she knows how to play the algorithm just as much as she knows how to drape a saree. Ultimately, Tanya Mittal’s story is layered. She is part entrepreneur, part creator, part provocateur—someone who blends inspiration with drama, and cultural reverence with calculated branding. Whether you see her as a role model or a strategist, there’s no denying that she has mastered the art of keeping people watching, talking, and questioning. And perhaps that’s exactly why Tanya Mittal continues to stay relevant in today’s crowded digital world.
