'I'm Here, I Sparkle, Get Used To It': Dubai Bling's Farhana Bodi On Her Cannes Glam

Farhana Bodi, best known for her impeccable glamour and no-nonsense charm on Netflix's Dubai Bling, is poised to walk the Cannes Film Festival 2025 red carpet. No stranger to the coveted gala, she is all set to represent her vibrant multicultural roots and powerful presence in one head-turning look. "I like to dress in a way that says, 'I’m here, I sparkle, get used to it,'" she exclaimed in an interview with SheThePeople.

Style is second nature for Farhana. "My style is glam meets boss energy. For me, fashion is self-expression. Whether I’m in a couture gown or just rocking a blazer and sneakers, I always want to project strength, femininity, and a bit of that Farhana flair," she said. Farhana also spoke about her journey as a reality show star, entrepreneur, and single mother.

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Farhana Bodi on her journey in entertainment 

Born in Gujarat, Farhana Bodi was raised in South Africa and now lives her "best glam life" in Dubai. "Let’s just say my passport has more stamps than my wardrobe has shoes," she joked. "My journey began as a beauty influencer and entrepreneur, and somewhere along the line, reality TV knocked on my designer door." While her presence on Dubai Bling is unmistakable, the offer came to her like a "plot twist," she said.

Interestingly, Farhana is the only Indian-origin woman on the show. "My Indian roots are my foundation, literally the masala to my life! My culture is always with me, whether it's my love for Indian fashion, dance, or spicy food. It’s kept me grounded, centred, and proud. It’s also why I can throw on a lehenga just as easily as a Louis Vuitton."

Farhana described her time on the Netflix reality show. "Dubai Bling has been wild, glittery, dramatic, and honestly, unforgettable. The cameras see everything, but they also show you a version of yourself you didn’t know existed. I’ve grown, I’ve learned, and I’ve gotten a crash course in patience," she expressed. While the women on the show are known for their sass and drama, Farhana has found a genuine sisterhood among them.

"Reality TV loves to pit women against each other, it’s like their favourite plotline. But real life? It’s different," she said. "I’ve been lucky to find some incredible women in this industry, strong, bold, beautiful souls who’ve had my back through thick lashes and thicker drama. When women support women, the glow-up is unbeatable."

Farhana, beyond the camera

Although Farhana's on-camera presence is captivating and intriguing, it is her real-life persona that truly strikes a chord with her audience. In every facet of her life, she reflects resilience and unrelenting dedication. She is the founder of I Am Woman Of The World, a platform that connects women-led brands and clients through lifestyle events. And as a single mother, she embodies the perfect balance between strength and sensitivity.

"Being a single mother is my superpower. It’s a love story between me and my son, and it’s made me fiercely protective, endlessly patient, and surprisingly good at math homework! He’s taught me to slow down, to laugh at the little things, and to lead with love, always."

Farhana acknowledges that the resilience did not come easily; she built it through challenges and lessons learned along the way. "You don’t choose resilience, it chooses you. Life threw its curveballs, and I caught them in heels. I had to learn to be my own hero, to hustle harder, and never to let anyone else write my story. Independence isn’t just about paying your bills, it’s about knowing your worth and never settling for less than you deserve," she expressed.

Being in the spotlight, too, has its own set of challenges. "The spotlight is beautiful, but it can burn sometimes. The judgment, the trolling, the pressure to always be "on"—it’s real. But I’ve learned to switch off, literally. I put my phone away, pour myself some green tea, light a candle, and just breathe. Also, spa days and staycations," she said. It’s this balance of authenticity and power that resonates with Farhana’s audience.

Farhana Bodi's confidence, charisma, and optimism can only be described as inspiring. When asked what message she would share with her younger self, she said, "Dear baby Farhana, stop doubting yourself. The things that make you 'too much' now will be your superpowers later. Trust your gut, laugh more, worry less, and don’t ever dim your sparkle for anyone. Oh, and invest in a good skincare routine, thank me later!"