In a world where career paths often follow predictable trajectories, Hiba Irshad’s story stands out as a testament to following one’s passion, embracing serendipity, and building communities that matter. From her roots in the Midwest to her groundbreaking work in Bollywood and her latest venture, the South Asian Strength Club (SASC), Hiba’s journey is one of resilience, creativity, and a deep commitment to her community.
Born and raised in the Midwest, Hiba Irshad’s life has been shaped by her multicultural upbringing. With roots in South India and a family spread across the US, India, and Dubai, Hiba grew up navigating multiple identities. Her mother, born in East Pakistan (present-day Bangladesh), and her father, a South Indian, created a rich tapestry of languages, cultures, and traditions that influenced her worldview.
Hiba’s early career was far from the glitz and glamour of Bollywood. She started in healthcare, conducting cancer research at Northwestern University. But her heart was always in entertainment, specifically South Asian entertainment. A serendipitous opportunity to work on a Bollywood tour featuring Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, and Abhishek Bachchan marked the beginning of her journey into the world of entertainment.
Hiba’s transition from healthcare to entertainment wasn’t easy. Despite her family’s initial expectations for her to pursue medicine, she followed her passion for South Asian entertainment. Her big break came when she joined Saavn, a music streaming platform, where she played a pivotal role in shaping the independent music scene in India. She greenlit hits like Bomb Diggy, which became a global sensation, and facilitated collaborations between artists like Marshmello and Pritam, and Nas and Divine.
As one of the few female music executives in the industry, Hiba faced challenges but remained steadfast in her mission to elevate South Asian music on the global stage. Her work not only transformed the music industry but also inspired a new generation of artists and executives.
While Hiba’s career in entertainment was thriving, she found herself drawn to another passion: fitness and mental health. During the pandemic, she rediscovered her love for weightlifting, which became a transformative experience for her mental and physical well-being. This personal journey led her to recognize a gap in the South Asian community—a lack of focus on physical and mental health.
Inspired by the growing popularity of run clubs, Hiba founded the South Asian Strength Club (SASC). The club is more than just a fitness community; it’s a movement to empower South Asians to prioritize their health and strength. With a mission to address the community’s high rates of preventable diseases like diabetes and heart disease, SASC aims to create a space where South Asians can build strength, both physically and mentally.
Hiba’s commitment to mental health is deeply personal. She has openly shared her struggles with anxiety and depression, emphasizing the importance of therapy and a strong support system. For Hiba, physical fitness and mental health are intertwined. Strength training, she says, has not only transformed her body but also made her mind “bulletproof.”
Through SASC, Hiba hopes to break the stigma around mental health in the South Asian community. She envisions a future where South Asians can openly discuss their struggles and seek help without fear of judgment. Her goal is to create chapters of SASC across the globe, empowering people to take charge of their health and well-being.
Hiba’s vision for the South Asian Strength Club is ambitious. She hopes to expand the club beyond New York, creating chapters in cities around the world. Her ultimate goal is to make SASC a global movement that empowers South Asians to lead healthier, stronger lives.
As Hiba continues to break barriers in entertainment and fitness, her story serves as an inspiration to anyone looking to make a difference in their community. Whether it’s through music, fitness, or mental health advocacy, Hiba Irshad is a force to be reckoned with.
If you’re inspired by Hiba’s journey and want to be part of the South Asian Strength Club, follow SASC on social media and stay tuned for upcoming events. Together, we can build a stronger, healthier South Asian community—one rep at a time.
