From KPMG boardrooms to Mumbai's poetry stage: One woman's bold career leap

Namrata Yadav once worked in corporate finance at KPMG, earning a steady salary in Singapore. Now, she's preparing for her first solo spoken-word performance in Mumbai. The show, set for March 28, marks a bold shift from boardrooms to poetry stages. Yadav's journey began in Singapore, where she wrote regularly in Hindi. Though she held a well-paying job—around 57,000 Singapore dollars a year—she felt unfulfilled. The routine of corporate life clashed with her creative instincts, pushing her to reconsider her path.

In late 2023, she took the leap, quitting KPMG to focus on poetry. Her parents initially resisted the idea, wary of an unstable career. Over time, their doubts faded as they saw her commitment. By December, she performed at a literature festival in Lucknow, testing her work in front of an audience. Returning to India, Yadav settled in a shared flat in Andheri West, paying 34,000 rupees a month in rent. For the past three months, she has dedicated herself entirely to her debut solo show. The performance will showcase her evolution from a corporate employee to a full-time artist. Her story reflects a broader, if unmeasured, trend of professionals in Mumbai trading traditional careers for creative work. Yet unlike many, Yadav's transition has been deliberate—swapping financial security for the uncertainty of poetry.

The March 28 show will be Yadav's first major test as a solo artist. Her parents now support her choice, and her preparations suggest confidence in her new direction. Whether the performance draws crowds or critical attention, it confirms one thing: her decision to leave the corporate world behind is final.