Nayab Midha, the celebrated spoken word artist, won the Influencer Award of the Year at the Entrepreneur India Influencer Awards ceremony at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar. The award is a significant milestone in Midha’s journey from an engineer to a global creative leader. Acclaimed for her viral poem “Smile” and record-breaking solo show Princess, Midha’s win has earned her the reputation as a powerhouse in the Indian digital and literary scene.
A Night of Poetry and Recognition
A highly regarded celebrity on the scene as a special mention, Nayab Midha was one of the first on the guest list for the event. Nayab Midha is considered one of the most significant leaders in digital storytelling and cultural conversations. Her appearance was particularly noteworthy as she wore her bridal bangles after sharing her sustainable and modern wedding to Ayush Chandhok in late 2025.
During her interaction with the media, she spontaneously recited a heartfelt poem that quickly went viral, garnering over a million views in a few hours. Even the paparazzi, seasoned in celebrity encounters, fell silent, captivated by her rhythm and emotion, reinforcing the power her words have to command any room.
Redefining the Spoken Word Movement
Midha’s rise is part of the “new wave” among Indian artists. After leaving a corporate career at Infosys in 2020, she has now:
- Set Records: In late 2025, she completed a six-country international tour, the largest solo poetry shows ever produced by an Indian artist.
- Mainstreamed Poetry: She has elevated spoken word to a highly valued cultural offering through her series Princess, combining narrative and music with theatrical flair.
- Cultural Influence: Her work addresses the complexities of womanhood, identity, and financial independence, earning her the nickname "the female Zakir Khan" from figures like Roshan Abbas in the music industry.
The “Midha Magic” in 2026
The award comes at a busy time for the poet. Outside the awards circuit, she is preparing for Spoken Fest Mumbai 2026 (Feb 21-22) where she will be a headliner. Her best-selling radio show Nayab Perspective on MY FM is also topping the charts, offering a fresh perspective on life and love to the country.
Midha expressed her desire to be genuine in her acceptance speech, saying "Poetry is a space of humanity; for perspectives." For an artist who once worried her voice was too niche, it’s a declaration that there is now a world ready to listen to the power of the spoken word, as she has been recognized as the Influencer of the Year.
