
Mumbai, Maharashtra, 28th of September, 2026 : Shanaya The Doll Stands With Punjab: From Flood Relief to Continued Support for the Sikh Community and Golden Temple
For Shanaya The Doll, Punjab is more than the place where her story began — it is a part of her identity that she says she carries with her everywhere she goes.
Born in Punjab and now building her life and public career in Canada, Shanaya proudly describes herself as a “Punjabi Persian Doll,” celebrating both sides of her heritage while remaining deeply connected to the Punjabi culture she grew up around.
“Punjab will always be a part of me,” Shanaya says. “No matter where I live or how much my life changes, there is no way I can let go of my roots, my culture and my faith.”
She credits her father with making sure Punjabi traditions remained present throughout her childhood. According to Shanaya, he consistently encouraged her to understand where she came from and to remain connected to the values, customs and spiritual teachings that surrounded her family.
“My dad always made sure the roots of Punjab were present in every aspect of my life,” she says. “That is something I will always be grateful for.”
A Childhood Shaped by Faith
Sikhism, Shanaya says, has remained especially close to her heart.
Much of her childhood in Punjab was spent visiting the Gurdwara, where she grew up surrounded by prayer, seva, community and the teachings of Sikh history.
Among the spiritual figures who have had the greatest impact on her is Baba Deep Singh Ji, the revered Sikh warrior and martyr remembered for his extraordinary devotion, courage and sacrifice.
Shanaya describes herself as a strong believer and says her devotion to Baba Deep Singh Ji has remained with her through different stages of her life.
“My belief in Baba Deep Singh Ji is very strong,” she says. “Whenever life changes around me, my faith reminds me where I come from and gives me strength.”
For Shanaya, that connection to Sikhism is not simply something she speaks about publicly. She says the principles of seva — selfless service — and helping those in need are values she tries to incorporate into her own life.
Standing With Punjab During the Floods
When severe flooding affected communities across Punjab, Shanaya says watching families lose homes, belongings and access to basic necessities was particularly difficult because of her personal connection to the region.
She says she contributed financially toward efforts providing food, shelter and other necessities for people affected by the floods.
“Seeing Punjab suffer was heartbreaking because that is my home,” Shanaya says. “When people are struggling for food or somewhere safe to stay, you cannot just watch. Whatever I was able to contribute, I wanted to contribute.”
For her, helping during the floods was an extension of the values she says she learned growing up — supporting community members during difficult moments without expecting recognition in return.
Continuing Seva at the Golden Temple
Shanaya says her support for Punjab has continued beyond moments of crisis.
Several times throughout the year, she says she contributes toward seva connected with Sri Harmandir Sahib, popularly known as the Golden Temple, in Amritsar.
According to Shanaya, she generally makes such contributions approximately four to five times a year, viewing them as a personal expression of gratitude and faith rather than simply a charitable gesture.
“The Golden Temple holds a very special place in my heart,” she says. “For me, doing seva there is about gratitude. No matter how far I go in life, I always want to give something back.”
The tradition of seva has long been central to Sikh practice, particularly through community service and langar, the communal kitchen tradition that serves meals regardless of a person’s background or social status.
Shanaya says those values have stayed with her even as her lifestyle and public image have evolved dramatically.
Glamour Without Forgetting Her Roots
Known publicly for her glamorous “doll” image, fashion, music and larger-than-life aesthetic, Shanaya believes there does not have to be a contradiction between embracing modern self-expression and remaining deeply connected to tradition.
Behind the luxury imagery, she says, remains the same person who remembers spending her childhood in Punjab, visiting Gurdwaras and learning about faith from her family.
“I can be Shanaya The Doll and still be that Punjabi girl who grew up going to the Gurdwara,” she says. “One does not erase the other.”
She also proudly embraces her Persian heritage, making the phrase “Punjabi Persian Doll” an important part of the identity she presents to the world.
For Shanaya, the combination represents something deeply personal: a modern life shaped by more than one culture while refusing to abandon either.
Punjab Will Always Be Home
As her public profile continues to grow, Shanaya says she hopes her connection to Punjab will always remain visible alongside her career.
Her support during the floods, her continued seva and her devotion to Sikh faith all come back to one principle, she says — remembering where she came from.
“You can travel anywhere in the world, become successful and build a completely different life,” Shanaya says. “But your roots stay with you. Punjab gave me my culture, my faith and so many of my childhood memories. I will always be proud to call myself a Punjabi Persian Doll.”
For Shanaya The Doll, supporting Punjab is therefore not simply about charity.
It is about faith, gratitude, identity and giving back to the community that helped shape her.

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