From Polo To DJing: Rinaa Shah Shakes Up Male-Dominated Spaces

Rinaa Shah's confident foray into the world of polo asserted that she was born to do it. For India’s first female polo player, the sport has been more than a passion; It is a haven, a battlefield, and a canvas for rewriting the rules. Shah’s spearheading journey illustrates that she refuses to be confined to a single, traditional path. Her dynamic pursuits across various fields – fashion, sports, music, dance, etc. – are bold expressions of her ambitious spirit and relentless pursuit of self-discovery.

In an interview with SheThePeople, Shah discussed her career in polo and her efforts to pave the way for more women in sports. She also shared her venture into other unique arenas like entrepreneurship and DJing, addressing the challenges she faced and the victories she achieved.

Beginnings In Polo

Polo, known for its regal heritage and male dominance, has found a powerful pioneer in Rinaa Shah, though her path has been anything but conventional. Shah grew up in Mumbai in a traditional Gujarati household. Though Shah enjoyed athletics from a young age, pursuing her passion was unexpected. 

Early on, she developed a deep love for the arts and achieved degrees in Bharatnatyam and Kathak. Shah studied computer programming before moving to New York at 22 to attend the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology. By 24, she became a shoe designer and launched her brand, RINALDI Designs in 1997.

Shah first tasted the thrill of polo at 40 and instantly found her calling. “My journey in polo began in 2011 after I watched a game that captivated me with its majestic and adventurous nature. Having just returned from New York after 12 years, I was eager to pursue a sport, and polo immediately stood out,” she described. 

However, Shah knew establishing herself in the elite, male-dominated sport would be challenging. The gender gap was evident as she faced many struggles in her early days. “I faced scepticism, was mocked, and was not taken seriously, but those obstacles strengthened my resolve to succeed,” Shah recalled.

“It required immense hard work and sacrifice, but I was determined to carve a niche and inspire other women to take up the sport… Initially, my family wasn't very supportive; they were worried about the risks, like the possibility of getting injured or even paralysed. However, I was determined to reach a high level and keep playing for as long as possible. Friends thought I was a bit crazy, but I never let their opinions affect me. If I had, I would never have achieved my goal."

Setting New Standards In The Sport

Rinaa Shah’s boundless grit empowered her to become a formidable force in the polo community. She also founded her own team, Rinaldi Polo. “It was a long-standing dream of mine. I carefully selected players who helped me grow as an athlete and shared my passion for what we could achieve together," she said.

“Seeing more women taking up polo has been rewarding. I'm proud to have inspired some of the talented young women playing today, many of whom have surpassed me, which brings me great joy. I believe the focus shouldn't solely be on gender but dedication and hard work. When you commit fully, you earn respect through your skills and determination, which was also the case for me."

Shah’s zeal for polo does not stop at participating as she is determined to elevate the game to a higher quality and create an impact. She has become a driving force for the sport’s development in India by promoting women's inclusion and ensuring the next generation has access to better opportunities and resources.

Confluence Of Passions

Beyond sports, Rinaa Shah has left a mark as a trailblazer in many other fields. Her earlier experience in dance influenced a profound journey in music, leading her to pursue passions like drumming and DJing. She has also founded an award-winning dance and music performance troop called Totem Tribe.

“When I owned my restaurant, Totem Goa, I wanted to create a platform that brought together live tribal artists worldwide. Over time, we supported around 200 artists, ultimately leading to the creation of Totem Tribe. Our vision is to take this concept across India, with the long-term goal of creating our festival,” she described. 

While nightlife entrepreneurship in India has often been a male-dominated space, Shah has broken barriers and established herself as a stylish, beckoning artist. Whether on the polo field or behind a console, her unyielding aspirations and ability to seamlessly blend these numerous passions are what set her apart. 

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“My diverse passions—whether in DJing, sports, or fashion design—are all deeply rooted in a shared commitment to working from the heart. Each pursuit demands hard work, persistence, and much discipline and sacrifice. These values have shaped my journey, no matter the field, and it's the passion that fuels everything I do.”

For Rinaa Shah, wearing multiple hats has not only given her boasting rights but also impacted her in deeply meaningful ways. “My experiences in sports, music, and entrepreneurship have profoundly shaped me as an individual,” she shared, expressing that being able to inspire people brings her a sense of purpose.

Shah expressed, “Engaging in what I love brings me immense joy, inspiring me to motivate younger generations. These passions keep me grounded, teaching me discipline and how to find happiness in solitude. They empower me to become self-reliant and offer a fresh perspective on life, helping me stay positive and resilient.”