They slip into the highest of heels, wear the trendiest of clothes and don the quirkiest of hats. Turned out in the best couture and clinking champagne glasses in the air, these ladies on the turf are the paparazzi’s dream. Mumbai’s racecourse has for years, been home to some of the country’s most affluent families and the Poonawallas for one have been its most loyal patrons. For Michelle, daughter in-law of Zavaray Poonawalla, the president of the Poonawalla conglomerate, a Sunday of gazing at speeding stallions is a way of life.
“Races are very exciting for me especially when the ones winning are horses owned or bred by us. The recent Indian derby was very special since it was won by our star runner In The Spotlight,” she says. Racing goes back a long way for Michelle. Apart from being a family activity, it is also something that brought her close to the man in her life. “My grandfather used to buy horses from the Poonawalla farms. So we were introduced to this fascinating sport since childhood. That’s how I met my husband Yohan,” she says.
While the action on the turf is always pulsating, so is the fashion extravaganza off it. “We as a family have worked very hard to promote race day fashion. We encourage youngsters to dress well by giving out the best dressed lady and gentleman award or the best hat prize. It makes the day more fun and glamorous,” she adds. But ask her what’s her personal style and she says, “I try to dress formal on days when there are big races. But on days when my family sponsors the race, I never ditch the hat or fascinator!”
Involved with the company’s activities, Michelle believes in a fair mix of work and play. “I am currently involved with our group’s engineering company Intervalve India Ltd. As a director, I look into HR and IR activities as well as supporting future expansions. I have a background of interior design which helps me when we expand our offices and factories,” she says.
And that’s not all. Of all the things that Michelle dabbles in, motherhood clearly takes the cake, she admits. “Managing work and family can pose its share of challenges but thankfully for me, Yohan and I share the responsibilities and joys of running a family while trying to carry on our legacy and traditions. Hard work, dedication and perseverance always pays off,” she says.