Shefali Dhiman

My name is Shefali Dhiman, and I am an entrepreneur, storyteller, and aspiring journalist
based in Chandigarh. While my professional journey began in entrepreneurship, my curiosity
has always extended far beyond business. I have always found myself drawn to people, their
experiences, their choices, and the stories hidden within everyday life. I am fascinated by the
idea that every person carries an entire world within them, often unseen by those around
them.
Over the years, this curiosity has evolved into a deep interest in storytelling and journalism. I
am particularly interested in exploring themes of culture, migration, social inequality,
children's rights, access to education, and how larger systems shape individual
lives. I believe some of the most important stories are not always the loudest ones. They are
often found in ordinary places, among ordinary people, waiting for someone willing to pause,
observe, and listen. This belief led me to create Underneath Stories, an independent
storytelling platform dedicated to documenting lives, experiences, and perspectives that often
remain overlooked. The name itself reflects my approach to storytelling. I am interested in
what exists beneath the surface—beneath headlines, assumptions, and first impressions.
Whether through writing, interviews, visual storytelling, or documentaries, I hope to create
work that encourages empathy and a deeper understanding of the world around us.
Outside of storytelling, I am deeply connected to the arts. I am currently learning Kathak and
Hindustani classical music, has taught me the value of discipline, patience,
and expression. I find it fascinating that stories can be communicated not only through
words, but also through rhythm, movement, and melody. These art forms have strengthened
my appreciation for culture and the many ways in which human experiences can be preserved
and shared across generations.
I am also an avid reader and an unapologetic lover of music. Books have shaped the way I
think, while music has often helped me make sense of emotions that words alone could not
capture. Some of my favourite moments are spent with a good book in hand or discovering a
song that feels like it understands a part of me I hadn't yet articulated.
At my core, I am someone driven by curiosity. I ask questions, often too many of them. I am
interested in understanding how people live, what they dream of, what they struggle with, and
what connects us despite our differences. Through journalism and storytelling, I hope to
continue exploring those questions while contributing to thoughtful conversations,
humane, and rooted in genuine engagement with people and their lived experiences.

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