Meet Rudrani Devi

We were lucky to catch up with Rudrani Devi recently and have shared our conversation below.

Rudrani, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

For years, I thought purpose was something you chased — a prize waiting at the end of a long, winding road. What I discovered is that purpose isn’t something you find; it’s something that *finds you* when you start living with intention, curiosity, and heart.

My path to purpose began in the unlikeliest of places — in the aftermath of the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attack, where I was severely injured and forced to rebuild my life from the ground up. In that darkness, I found an inner light that refused to go out. That moment became the seed of my first book, *Soul Survivor,* and the beginning of everything that followed.

Relearning to walk — and eventually run again — gave birth to my second book, *For the Love of Running,* and the incredible moment of crossing the Boston Marathon finish line after a shattered leg and years of healing. That experience taught me that purpose often emerges from pain; it’s the alchemy of turning loss into meaning.

Then came *Choosing Happiness,* my third book — a declaration that joy is not a mood but a daily decision. When it was translated into eight languages, I realized that purpose isn’t limited by borders or language — it’s a universal energy that connects us all.

Today, my purpose continues to evolve through storytelling — as an actress, singer-songwriter, model, and healer. Every performance, every song, every word I write is another way to remind people that resilience is beautiful, creativity is sacred, and happiness is something you can choose again and again.

Purpose found me when I stopped searching for it and started *living it.*

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

My work has always centered around one thing: helping people rediscover their joy — whether that’s through storytelling, song, energy work, or the simple act of choosing happiness. I wear many creative hats — author, actress, singer-songwriter, model, and holistic practitioner — but they all connect to the same mission: to inspire others to find light in the dark and courage in the unknown.

As an actress and model, I’ve appeared in film, television, print, and runway shows, bringing a mix of authenticity and passion to every project. As a singer-songwriter, I perform with my band Ru Devi & the Dudes, blending soulful storytelling with high-vibe energy. As an author, my books — Soul Survivor, For the Love of Running, and Choosing Happiness (now translated into eight languages) — chronicle a journey of resilience, transformation, and joy after surviving the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attack.

Through my wellness brand, Devi Essentials, I create essential oil blends and offer energy sessions that help others reconnect to balance and peace.

Right now, I’m working on my fourth book, new music collaborations, and a few exciting film and modeling projects — including upcoming fashion events and new roles with my agents at Sterling Images and Crystal Ship Artists. Every chapter of my journey feels like an invitation to blend the spiritual and the creative, proving that healing and art are two sides of the same beautiful coin.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Three Most Important Qualities, Skills, and Areas of Knowledge

Looking back, the three qualities that have most shaped my journey are resilience, intuition, and authenticity.

Resilience became my lifeline after surviving the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attack. I had already run nine marathons when that day changed everything — a shattered leg, a long road to recovery, and the question of whether I’d ever run again. But I did. I ran my tenth marathon, the Boston Marathon, as living proof that faith and persistence can rewrite any story. My advice? Don’t resist the hard chapters. They’re often the ones that reveal your strength and shape your purpose.

Intuition has been my true north in every area of my life — from creative choices to collaborations. Whether I’m pulling tarot cards, writing, or stepping into a role, I trust that inner whisper. For those just starting out: learn to get quiet enough to hear your own guidance. It never steers you wrong.

Authenticity is what keeps me grounded. Whether I’m on stage, in front of a camera, or writing a book, I’ve learned that real connection only happens when you show up as yourself — unfiltered, imperfect, and full of heart. That’s where the real magic begins. ✨

If you knew you only had a decade of life left, how would you spend that decade?

If I knew I only had a decade left, I would live it exactly as I do now — but even more intentionally, more joyfully, and with fewer hesitations. I’d write the stories that still live inside me, sing the songs that make people feel alive, and continue to create art that heals. I’d pour my heart into every role, every stage, every page, and every connection — because each moment would matter that much more.

I’d also spend time teaching others how to choose happiness, how to trust their own inner knowing, and how to turn pain into purpose. I’d travel, laugh too loudly, dance barefoot, and tell the people I love exactly how much they mean to me.

Mostly, I’d keep doing what I came here to do — spread light, create beauty, and remind others that joy isn’t something you find at the end of life; it’s what gives life its meaning. ✨

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Karen Will Rodgers, Photographer

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Mental Health
Mental Health: Inspiring Stories of Perseverance and Resilience

As the prevalence of mental health issues increases and affects an ever larger number of

Leadership Development
Finding & Living with Purpose

Over the years we’ve had the good fortunate of speaking with thousands of successful entrepreneurs,

Leadership Development
How did you find your purpose?

Core to our mission is helping our audience and community reach their full potential and