MALAVIKA VARADAN
MANAGING DIRECTOR
THE HIVE
Malavika Varadan began her journey in Dubai in 2008 as the host of the primetime breakfast show on City 1016. Over her 12 years in radio, she spoke to millions of listeners, hosted thousands at concerts and was associated with several brands – both local and international.
Her interest in public speaking and sharing ideas led her to a doing a TEDx talk called “7 ways to make conversation with anyone” – This is one of the most watched TEDx talks in the world with over 20 MILLION VIEWS.
She was also awarded the ‘Khaleej Times Woman of Substance’ award in 2019 and now writes a column for the WKND magazine on culture, and the pulse of the city.
She quit radio in 2019 to become a full time drama educator and entrepreneur who owns and manages a performing arts venue in Bur Dubai called “The Hive”. The Hive teaches children between the ages of 4 and 18 the skills of performing arts and public speaking, helping young people get over stage fright, find their voice and use it to express themselves. “The Hive” reaches out to over 1000 young people in this city.
She is also an instagram influencer, reaching out to an audience of 32,000 followers with her iGTV videos on Motivation, learning and leading. She is a fitness ambassador for the Dubai Fitness Challenge, an influencer for DEWA and it’s efforts in sustainability and an advocate for the UNHCR, To name a few.
Malavika is deeply passionate about spreading her love for theatre and public speaking to the next generation and empowering a community of young minds to speak up and be heard. She believes in building culture from the grass root level and envisions a future for Dubai as a hub for the arts.