{{short description|Entrepreneur and activist for disabled people}} {{Use dmy dates|date=April 2025}} {{Use Indian English|date=April 2025}} {{Infobox person |name = Geeta Poduval |image = Geeta Poduval |caption = |image_size = |birth_date = |birth_place = Ahmedabad |occupation = {{hlist|Entrepreneur|activist}} |years_active = 2012-present }}
'''Geeta Poduval''' is a social entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and activist for disabled people. She is the founder of DRZYA, a firm that trains disabled people to perform and provides a platform for disabled performances, talks and workshops. She is also the founder of Drzyashakti Trust, an NGO for the services of disabled people.
She was previously an actress and news anchor. The two notable films to her credit are Sukumarji's ''Kandethal''<ref>{{cite web |author= |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/Sukumarji%E2%80%99s-Kandethal-Traces-the-Journey-in-Search-of-Inner-Peace/2014/02/10/article2047654.ece |title=Sukumarji's Kandethal Traces the Journey in Search of Inner Peace |publisher=Newindianexpress.com |date=2014-02-10 |accessdate=2015-03-30 |archive-date=2016-06-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604053323/http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/Sukumarji%E2%80%99s-Kandethal-Traces-the-Journey-in-Search-of-Inner-Peace/2014/02/10/article2047654.ece |url-status=dead }}</ref> and Madhu Kaithapram's ''Vellivelichathil''.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/at-home-in-an-alien-land/article6423846.ece |title=At home in an alien land |newspaper=The Hindu |publisher=Thehindu.com |date=2014-09-19 |accessdate=2015-03-30}}</ref>
==Early life and background== In 2017 she founded Drzya,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/a-stage-for-differently-abled-performers/article19923570.ece|title = A stage for differently-abled performers|newspaper = The Hindu|date = 26 October 2017|last1 = Mumbai|first1 = Varda Sharma}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://newzhook.com/story/geeta-poduval-drzya-arts-sports-disabled-mumbai/|title=Geeta Poduval believes arts has the power to transform the lives of disabled people|date=20 December 2019}}</ref> a firm that offers disabled artists opportunity to showcase their talent professionally and participate in inspirational talks and workshops. Later in 2018 she founded Drzyashakti Trust<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newsband.in/?tag=drzyashakti-trust|title = Drzyashakti Trust Archives}}</ref> to serve and promote the causes of disabled people. Presently she is involved in capacity building of disabled people, counselling and mentoring them, delivering workshops and inspirational talks.
==Acting== Geeta has acted in films, TV serials, corporate films and advertisements. * ''Vellivelichatthil – In the Limelight<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfEeSoGwCUc |title=Vellivelichathil - Official Trailer |publisher=YouTube |date=2014-08-04 |accessdate=2016-05-15}}</ref>'' (Malayalam, released 2014). She played the second heroine in the film as John Brittas’ wife. Directed by Madhu Kaithapram. * ''Kandethal – The Revelation''<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/film-on-runaway-children/article6168441.ece|title=Film on runaway children|work=The Hindu|date=2 July 2014|accessdate=15 May 2016}}</ref> (Malayalam, released 2016). She played the female protagonist. Directed by Sukumarji. * ''Crime Branch'' (Malayalam, TV serial, 2014). Played the lead role of Assistant Commissioner of Police for eight episodes for Kairali TV Channel.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nettv4u.com/about/Malayalam/tv-serials/crime-branch?alink|title=Malayalam Tv Serials Crime Branch - Nettv4u|work=nettv4u|accessdate=15 May 2016}}</ref>
==Training and speaking== Geeta has been a speaker at various forums and events. She was a speaker at TEDxYouth@JGIS.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ted.com/tedx/events/26678|title= TEDx @JGIS Theme: How to Face Failure|publisher=|accessdate=15 May 2016}}</ref> She was invited as the Keynote speaker during the Daughters’ Day celebration of the Bengaluru chapters of PRCI and YCC.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://prapport.blogspot.in/2015/07/grass-root-action-to-break-glass-ceiling.html|title=Grass root action to Break the Glass Ceiling! - PRapport|publisher=|accessdate=15 May 2016|archive-date=4 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604004452/http://prapport.blogspot.in/2015/07/grass-root-action-to-break-glass-ceiling.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> She has been conducting training programs and motivational talks for corporate houses and government organisations for many years on a wide range of topics including women leadership, diversity and inclusion, POSH, managing life and life goals among others.{{fact|date=April 2025}}
==References== {{reflist}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Poduval, Geeta}} Category:Living people Category:Year of birth missing (living people) Category:Actresses in Malayalam cinema