Petite, personable, pretty… and packed with tigress-like mental and physical power – that’s Dr Sheetal Gagrani in a nutshell. Her journey from radiology to social reform is filled with passion and purpose. A gold medallist at medical school turned NHS consultant in the UK, she champions menopause awareness, cyber safety, and holistic well-being. By balancing career, family and social impact, she’s defining what it means to care — in medicine and in life.
By Andrea CostaBir
Dr Sheetal Gagrani’s journey is a testament to perseverance, adaptability and a relentless drive to make a difference. She seamlessly balances a thriving medical career with meaningful social initiatives. Whether advocating for menopause awareness, tackling cyberbullying through ‘Brush of Hope’, or championing holistic well-being, she has dedicated herself to transforming lives. As the wife of Dr Bhushan Gagrani, the Commissioner of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), she actively engages with communities, proving that true leadership extends beyond titles. In this candid chat, she shares her inspiring story, perspective on healthcare, and her vision for a healthier, safer future.
Excerpts from the interview…
Could you share your journey as a radiologist and what led you to work at the University Hospital of Sussex in the UK? With such impressive credentials (MBBS, MD, DMRE, FRCR), what inspired you to pursue radiology?
My journey wasn’t planned — it unfolded naturally. I was studying medicine in Raipur, Madhya Pradesh (Raipur was part of MP then), and I was a merit holder in my college. I would have done my post-graduation there only, but during my final year of MBBS, I got married to Bhushan, who is an IAS officer; I was all of 22! He was posted in Maharashtra and if I wanted to pursue my post-graduation, I would have to stay on in MP. We were in an arranged marriage and our parents said, right now, don’t live separately. Bhushan then told me, “Whenever the time comes, I’ll stand behind you in your career, and you will take your decisions about your career.” After a six-year gap due to motherhood, I chose radiology, which was rapidly advancing at that time, and found myself deeply enjoying it.
I completed my MD from Mumbai University as a gold medallist. During my exams, I learned that my sister-in-law in the UK had breast cancer. While visiting her, my brother encouraged me to take the FRCR exams. Despite my initial reluctance, I cleared them step-by-step, eventually obtaining GMC specialist registration.
By chance, my brother’s hospital in Yorkshire needed radiologists, and they offered me a role. I took it up for six months, which later extended into flexible work arrangements. This balance allowed me to manage both my career and family. Over time, my experience led me to the University Hospital of Sussex, where I eventually accepted a permanent consultant role. That’s how I started dividing my time between India and the UK; and it’s only thanks to the support I received from Bhushan and my mother (she came down to help look after my son every time I was in the UK) that I could work out this long-distance arrangement.
In India, radiology is a dependent specialty, but in the UK, NHS (National Health Service) consultants play a pivotal role in managing resources and patient investigations. The worklife balance, autonomy, and ethical framework in the NHS appealed to me. I also valued the independence — my achievements and failures were mine alone, away from societal expectations that come with being the wife of an IAS officer.
How has your work impacted your perspective on healthcare?
As a radiologist, I see the entire spectrum of diseases across the body. This exposure has given me immense gratitude. There are countless illnesses, yet having a healthy body is often taken for granted. My work has reinforced how incredibly fortunate we are to be healthy, shifting my perspective from focusing on imperfections to appreciating well-being.
What led to your current semi-sabbatical, and what does your work-from-home role involve?
I took a sabbatical from my role in Sussex but continue teleradiology, reporting MRIs for a few hours daily. This flexibility allows me to spend time with my husband, Dr Bhushan Gagrani, and participate in social initiatives, especially in healthcare, education and cleanliness. While I don’t handle official duties, I accompany him on visits, engaging with communities and adding value where I can.
What inspired you to advocate for menopause awareness?
My personal experience. At 48, I faced typical menopause symptoms and also noticed changes in my decision-making and energy levels. In India, HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) was rarely discussed, but in the UK, I saw many women benefitting from it. A pivotal moment was when a GP told me she would have quit her job if not for HRT. That led me to research, start HRT, and see a significant improvement in my quality of life. Now, I openly discuss menopause, strength training, and breaking myths around HRT to encourage women to seek proper healthcare.
You had shared an interesting aside with me… of how you “believe in having a health span, not a lifespan.” Could you elaborate on this philosophy and how it influences your approach to life and health?
Life isn’t just about longevity — it’s about quality. A long life without mobility or energy isn’t fulfilling. Prioritising a strong, disease-free body through exercise, nutrition and modern medicine, like HRT, enhances the years we live. I believe in adding life to our days, rather than just years to our life.
How did losing your niece, Swara, lead to the creation of ‘Brush of Hope’?
Swara passed away after her NEET exam, initially believed to be due to exam stress. Later, through her diaries, we discovered she had a stalker. Even in her death, there was fear of societal judgment, highlighting how victims are often silenced.
‘Brush of Hope’ was born with a deep purpose to combat non-financial cyberbullying, sextortion, and online abuse by providing victims with counseling, legal guidance, and intervention support. In partnership with Maharashtra Cyber, Brush of Hope is creating a safer digital space where individuals, especially young people, can seek help without fear.
How has your family’s experience shaped your approach to tackling cyberbullying?
It made me realise how little support exists for victims. We have set up a helpline and collaborated with experts to educate parents and teens about digital safety. Our aim is to ensure victims don’t suffer in silence, but receive the support they need.
You’ve worked with cybersecurity experts to tackle cyberbullying. Can you tell us about these collaborations and their outcomes so far?
We’ve worked on awareness campaigns and initiatives to curb cyber harassment. The goal is to create safer digital spaces by advocating for stronger policies and providing victims with access to resources and support.
Balancing a demanding career, diverse social impact initiatives, and your role as the wife of Dr Bhushan Gagrani, the Commissioner of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), must be challenging. How do you manage these responsibilities while staying true to your passions?
Discipline and prioritisation. I maintain a balance by dedicating time to work, family and social causes. Fitness is also a priority — I exercise every morning with Bhushan, ensuring we start our day on a positive note. This routine also gives us some bonding time together, before our hectic work day begins.
You and your husband prioritise fitness. What advice would you give others for a healthier lifestyle?
Consistency is key — 80% discipline, 20% fun. I introduced fitness at home, gradually getting Bhushan into strength training, and now he’s regular. A healthy lifestyle isn’t just about looking fit — it’s about respecting the body we are blessed with.
You live in a beautiful colonial home and have refurbished part of it amazingly… Do tell us what a day in the life of the wife of the BMC’s Commissioner is like.
It’s dynamic. From managing my work to joining Bhushan on visits to worker colonies or schools, each day is different. While I stay away from official duties, I enjoy being part of initiatives related to healthcare, cleanliness and education.
Tell us about your bond with your son, Nisarg. According to you, what role do parents play once a child becomes an adult?
Nisarg, now 29, is independent, and our relationship has evolved into mutual respect and friendship. As parents, our role shifts from guiding to supporting, ensuring our children have space to make their own choices while knowing they always have our backing.
Whether in healthcare, cyber safety or fitness, what’s your vision for the future?
I want to continue driving awareness and change in these areas — helping women navigate menopause, ensuring mental and digital safety for youth, and promoting a holistic approach to health.
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