A Complete Woman

A single mother of two growing children, 36-year-old Meena Chabbria, Regional Head (Sales) in PVR Cinemas, played a contributory role in achieving a rare distinction for a cinema chain, of being the 'official multiplex partners' for ' Kabali,' a first in the South Indian film industry. She speaks to Provoke Lifestyle about the highs and lows of her life and career 

Born in Coimbatore often referred to as the "Manchester of South India" to parents running a kids garment unit, Meena had a humble and simple childhood. She owes her confidence to her father who inculcated an independent way of thinking at a very young age. Meena recalls how her busy father used to make it a habit of carrying lunch to his children with a view to keep a close connect with them. Her mother born in a family of 13 children could not complete schooling but ensured that her children were not devoid of learning and good education. "These were my early lessons on how to balance work life", she says. 

Meena got married at an early age of eighteen. "Probably my parents thought their daughter had grown old to handle married life", she says. Respecting her parent's decisions, Meena settled down to being a wife and daughter-in-law. Today her two children, 16-year-old daughter Prarthna and 13-year-old Vinay, treat her more as a friend than a mother. Meena says she finds it quite strange when she comes across cases of parents not being able to relate to the children. Probably getting married at an early age was a blessing in disguise, she says. 

Wanting to give the best to her children, Meena started her professional career with Shiamak Davars Institute for the Performing Arts, Chennai. They found her to be a good administrator and soon she started managing their shows, classes, promotion and their PR. Her keenness to serve society led to join the Rotaract Club, Chennai where she handled more than 50 events nationally and internationally. During this period, she also won the best Female Rotarian (Rotary Youth leadership Award).