Rakul Preet Singh: A Green Entrepreneur

Rakul Preet Singh is not your typical Bollywood star. While she has earned recognition for her acting skills and has a list of awards to her name, she is not limited to the glitz and glamor of the film industry. Rakul has ventured into diverse entrepreneurial endeavors, showcasing her business acumen and commitment to social and environmental causes.

A Multifaceted Star

Rakul has made strides in sports entrepreneurship by acquiring a stake in the Hyderabad Strikers of the Tennis Premier League (TPL). Her dedication to fitness and sports led her to invest in Wellbeing Nutrition, a plant-based whole-food nutrition company, in line with the changing landscape of healthier food choices.

From Bollywood to Baby Care

Rakul believes that fitness is not only about the body but also about the environment. In her words,

“ We need to nurture and preserve the environment.” 

The Bollywood star has made a remarkable entry into the world of sustainability and baby care by co-founding “NewBoo,” a brand that offers biodegradable and reusable diapers for newborns. The name “New Boo” stands for “new-born.” Rakul is driven by the belief that change-especially in preserving the environment, should start with the smallest steps.

The problem she addresses is both common and critical. A single baby consumes approximately 5,000 non-biodegradable diapers before the age of two or three. These diapers take around 500 years to decompose, contributing to massive landfills. In total, each child contributes to about 900 kg of non-biodegradable waste.

“Actors stepping into good causes, whether it’s soil or water conservation, is so important to educate people, and that’s how New Boo happened,” she explains.

The Innovative Solution

NewBoo is the result of two years of dedicated development and was officially launched in March 2023. What sets it apart from disposable diapers is its reusability. Instead of throwing them away, you can wash them and reuse them. NewBoo diapers are made from 100% cloth, providing a gentle, comfortable fit with maximum leak protection. The brand proudly proclaims that it rejects “chemicals, toxins, and allergens.”

The eco-conscious approach of NewBoo is reflected in its materials, primarily cotton and bamboo. The diaper’s composition is gentle on your baby’s skin while being kind to the environment.

A Sustainable Choice

Rakul Preet Singh emphasizes the ecological benefits of NewBoo, “It’s good for the planet. Where you use 5000 diapers, you use only 15 of New Boo. So just imagine how much, even if 10% of diaper-using people shift to a more sustainable way, it will help the planet.”

NewBoo offers a pack of three diapers for Rs 800, and you can purchase them online with plans to make them available in stores in the future.

The journey and challenges

When asked about the challenges and excitement of managing her company alongside her demanding acting career, she emphasized the significance of having a competent team. She explained, “Two girls, Shreya Chadalavada and Jahnavi Reddy, approached me with the idea, and we have divided responsibilities.“

Rakul oversees the overall operations and is separate from their manufacturing details.

“Of course, I stay informed about the sales performance, PR activities, marketing strategies, product testing, and various other aspects that I contribute to, ” she added.

Advice to women entrepreneurs

Rahul highlights challenges and uncertainty are a part of any entrepreneurial journey.

“Staying resilient and channeling your energy towards what you believe is right. It is the ability to effectively navigate and overcome challenges that define your character and success,” is her advice to women entrepreneurs.

Impact

In the last six months, NewBoo has prevented 30 lakh single-use plastic diapers from ending up in our landfills, and over 4,000 families have adopted them.

Rakul’s journey from the film industry to sports entrepreneurship and sustainable baby care reflects a passionate commitment to diverse causes. Her endeavors serve as a testament to the positive impact that influential figures can have on society and the environment. Rakul Preet Singh proves that making a change, no matter how small, can pave the way for a more sustainable future.