An embodiment of grace, resilience, and modern Indian womanhood, Anjali G. Kothari has redefined what it means to wear the crown with purpose. As a proud Mrs. India winner, she goes beyond the spotlight—championing confidence, self-belief, and the power of reinvention at every stage of life.
In this inspiring conversation with Women Fitness, Anjali opens up about her journey, the challenges she embraced, and how she continues to empower women to rise, shine, and own their stories unapologetically.
A Journey Beyond the Crown
For Anjali G. Kothari, winning the title of Marvelous Mrs. India Season 3 was far more than a crowning moment—it was a deeply transformative journey. Stepping into a space filled with accomplished women from diverse backgrounds, she also carried her own challenges, from severe ankle mobility issues and no prior experience walking in heels to simultaneously preparing for her daughter’s wedding just 45 days after the pageant. Yet, what set her apart was her determination to push beyond limitations.
Through consistent work on her mindset, confidence, posture, and inner strength, she discovered that the true reward lay not in the title, but in the personal evolution it inspired. More importantly, the journey reaffirmed the unwavering support of her family, making her realize that her greatest wealth has always been strong, loving relationships. Winning the “Body Beautiful” subtitle further strengthened her belief that health and fitness are choices one can embrace at any stage of life.
“What does a strong and healthy relationship mean to you in today’s fast-paced world?”
In today’s fast-paced world, Anjali believes that strong relationships are built not merely on togetherness, but on growth. For her, a healthy relationship is one where both partners feel emotionally safe, valued, and supported in becoming their best selves. It is not about perfection, but about partnership—standing by each other with the assurance that come what may, they have each other’s back. This philosophy is deeply rooted in the values she shares with her partner: mutual respect, conscious communication, and an unwavering commitment to the relationship, even during times of disagreement. While love may bring people together, she emphasizes that shared values are what sustain them over time.
Parenting with Purpose: Roots and Wings
As a mother, Anjali is equally intentional about raising her children with a balance of strong values and independence. She believes that children learn more from what they observe than what they are told. By allowing them to make choices, take responsibility, and experience both success and failure, she helps build their confidence organically. At the same time, she ensures they grow up with the reassurance of unconditional support—creating a foundation that offers both roots and wings.
How do you maintain your individuality?
Maintaining individuality, especially within traditional family roles, is something Anjali speaks about with honesty and conviction. She acknowledges that there was a phase in her life when she felt restricted, particularly after marriage, when she wasn’t allowed to work. However, instead of giving up on herself, she chose to carve her own path by learning accounting and joining her husband’s practice. That experience not only helped her prove her capabilities but also reinforced an important realization: identity is rarely taken away; it is often surrendered. Reclaiming it begins with the courage to stand by one’s truth.
Mind Matters: Emotional Well-being
Her approach to mental and emotional well-being is rooted in self-awareness and continuous inner work. Whether it is engaging in activities she loves, understanding her emotional triggers, or practicing forgiveness and self-love, Anjali treats well-being as an ongoing journey. She strongly believes that a healthy mind thrives in a healthy body, which is why fitness plays a central role in her life—not just physically, but emotionally as well.
What does fitness mean to you at this stage of your life?
Fitness, for Anjali, is not about aesthetics or age—it is about freedom and capability. After recovering from severe COVID, she and her husband challenged themselves to rebuild their strength, even learning Sirshasana (headstand), which they now practice daily. Their current goal is to achieve their first pull-up, reflecting their mindset of continuous growth. Her routine is disciplined yet balanced, combining weight training five days a week, daily yoga, swimming three times a week, and regular walking, including reverse walking.
Their philosophy is simple yet powerful: they are not chasing age, but ability, hoping to inspire others to view ageing not as a limitation, but as an opportunity to stay strong and independent.
Conscious Eating for Holistic Health
When it comes to nutrition, Anjali follows a conscious and mindful approach. A vegetarian by choice, she prefers home-cooked meals that allow her to maintain control over her diet. With a focus on consuming around 60 percent raw foods, avoiding gluten and dairy, and ensuring adequate protein intake, she views food not just as nourishment but as a source of energy, clarity, and long-term wellness.
Creating Impact Beyond Self
Beyond personal growth, Anjali and her partner, Gorang J Kothari, are now committed to creating a meaningful impact in the lives of others. Their near-death experience during COVID led them to reflect on the legacy they wish to leave behind. Recognizing that emotional intelligence is often overlooked despite being the foundation of all relationships, they have taken it upon themselves to share their learnings and experiences. Their goal is simple yet profound—to help families build stronger emotional connections, creating a ripple effect that can positively influence future generations. To deepen their impact, they are also formally studying coaching, bringing structure and depth to their work.
What keeps you motivated on days when you feel low or tired?
What keeps her going on difficult days is not fleeting motivation, but a powerful vision. Anjali and her husband have always believed in striving to be fitter at 60 than they were at 20—and now, they have extended that vision to being fitter at 80 than they are at 60. On days when energy feels low, she doesn’t step back; instead, she leans into movement, firmly believing that physical activity is one of the most effective ways to uplift the mind.
For her, the philosophy is simple: when you move your body, your mind will follow—reminding us that strength, in all its forms, is a choice we make every day.