Meet Mehrunnisa Shaukat Ali, India's First Woman Bouncer Breaking Barriers And Inspiring Millions Of Women

Despite how much things have improved, women are still solely valued for their abilities in the home and kitchen. Many individuals continue to consider confining women inside the walls as their religion and their custom in our society and our homes today. But today's independent women have set a true example of women's empowerment by roaring in the form of Durga whenever they have been restricted from reaching their goals.

As part of Her Zindagi's new campaign, ‘Shakti Rupena Sasthita’, we bring you the stories of such remarkable women. Today, we will take you into the life of Mehrunnisa Shaukat Ali, India's first woman bouncer breaking barriers and giving a perfect example of women empowerment.

HerZindagi’s new campaign, 'Shakti Rupen Sansthita', is an initiative to bring you stories of inspiring, independent, and strong women from different corners of India. We see every woman as an embodiment of strength. Some influence the world with their professional growth, others by personal choices. We believe that there is Goddesses Durga in every woman, and this initiative glorifies their efforts to bring a positive change in our society.

Who is Mehrunnisa Shaukat Ali?

Mehrunnisa Shaukat Ali is the country's first female bouncer. Mehrunnisa works at Social, a popular cafe in the Hauz Khas Village named Social in Delhi, and also offers protection for private events and for famous people, including A-lister Bollywood celebrities. She is a specialist in resolving pub fights, identifying illegal drugs, and watching out for the security of female customers.

This is a big thing in itself because till now this field has been dominated by men. It has always been believed that women cannot protect themselves. They need a man. However, breaking all these conservative thinking, Mehrunnisa has proved that women can protect themselves and can also provide security to others.

Mehrunnisa Shaukat Ali's Family And Life

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Mehrunnisa Shaukat Ali was born in a Muslim family in Saharanpur, a small town in Uttar Pradesh, and grew up in a family where it was not allowed for daughters to leave the house. Her father believed that after education girls will be spoiled. Mehrunnisa wanted to study and dreamt of joining the Army or becoming a police officer. During her childhood days, her father turned off the electricity and even tried to burn the books after learning about her willingness to study and learn. She then had her mother as her only source of support. Although her mother could not do much in this matter, she convinced Mehrunnisa's father to study.

Mehrunnisa Shaukat Ali's Struggle

Mehrunnisa says that she and her sisters were still studying when their father got their elder sister married and now it was Mehrunnisa's turn. At the age of 12, Mehrunnisa's father started looking for a boy for her. Mehrunnisa was supposed to be married off, but as destiny would have it, she had typhoid and spent some time in bed. She was motivated to make life better for herself after her sickness. The second of four sisters, Mehrunnisa, registered as an NCC cadet because she had always wished to work as a police officer. She trained in fitness and karate to get a job with the police. When she learned that Delhi needed a female bouncer, she applied. She now makes a good living as a professional bouncer.

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Mehrunnisa Shaukat Ali Faced Discrimination At Work

When Mehrunnisa encountered difficulties at work, her fight began all over again. She mentioned that female security (What Is Y+ Security) guards instead of bouncers were the term used at the time. Male bouncers received respect, whereas female bouncers experienced discrimination. Bad remarks and improper actions were made against Mehrunnisa. But she slowly with her work, strength, and education gave a good answer to everyone who was against her in this field.

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Mehrunnisa Shaukat Ali Excelling In Her Field

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After taking up the responsibility of security of the Indian Idol team in 2004, Mehrunnisa's life changed completely. Mehrunnisa is now running a company named Mardaani Bouncers and Dolphin Security Service Private Limited. She has provided security to many Bollywood personalities including Amitabh Bachchan, Priyanka Chopra, Rani Mukherjee, Ranbir Kapoor, and Deepika Padukone.

The thinking of Mehrunnisa's family has also changed and society also looks at them with respect. It's also a matter of respect for Mehrunnisa to work as a bouncer. She wants other women to pursue jobs in this sector as well.

For more such stories, stay tuned to HerZindagi.