DR. DISHA DINAKAR: From Beauty Queen to Renowned Aesthetic Physician and Entrepreneur
Dr. Akshatha Dinakar, better known as Dr. Disha Dinakar, is an exceptional force in the worlds of dermatology and aesthetics. Her journey is one of dedication and passion—a testament to her ability to harmonize multiple disciplines.
Holding a master’s degree in advanced Botox and fillers from the University of Sharjah in the UAE, a fellowship in aesthetic medicine from the University of Greifswald in Germany, and a postgraduate degree in clinical dermatology from the Royal College of Physicians in Ireland, Dr. Disha has set herself apart as a distinguished aesthetic physician in the UAE.
Born and raised in Oman as an only child, Dr. Disha made the significant leap from the Gulf to Mangalore, India, for her medical studies. This transition not only broadened her horizons but also provided her with an invaluable perspective.
Reflecting on this transformative period, she notes, “My move from the Middle East to India for my medical studies was transformative. It provided me with a diverse cultural and educational experience that broadened my perspectives. In India, I was exposed to a high-volume patient environment, particularly in government hospitals, which honed my skills and deepened my empathy.”
While medicine has always been her primary focus, Dr. Disha’s creative talents have also flourished. In 2012, she won the Miss Mangalore pageant, which marked the beginning of her ventures into modeling and acting.
Yet, despite her success in the entertainment industry, her passion for medicine remained unwavering. Dr. Disha’s ability to balance multiple creative pursuits alongside her medical career is a testament to her meticulous time management and passion for each endeavor.
“Balancing multiple creative pursuits alongside my medical career requires meticulous time management and a genuine passion for each endeavor,” she says.
Her exceptional contributions to the medical field have not gone unnoticed. She was honored with the Outstanding Leadership Award at the Health 2.0 Conference in 2023—a recognition that not only solidified her commitment to excellence in healthcare but also motivated her to further innovate in aesthetics and wellness. This recognition also fueled her desire to mentor others, especially women aspiring to leadership roles in medicine and entrepreneurship.
Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, it was only natural that Dr. Disha would eventually pursue a path in business. In 2019, she founded Digvijaya Herbals, a company that blends traditional herbal remedies with modern science. Inspired by her mother and grandmother, who created herbal medicines from produce on their farm, Dr. Disha’s upbringing fostered a deep respect for natural remedies. “Growing up in an entrepreneurial family instilled in me the values of hard work, innovation, and perseverance,” she explains.
At Digvijaya Herbals, quality and efficacy are of utmost importance. Dr. Disha’s family farm in India serves as the primary source for the company’s medicinal and herbal plants, ensuring that the ingredients are ethically sourced and of the highest quality. Her meticulous approach to selecting ingredients is a reflection of her dedication to promoting health and wellness through natural means. The brand’s success is evident, with products shipping to 46 countries and distributors in Bangalore, Singapore, and Sri Lanka.
Balancing her roles as a full-time physician and an entrepreneur is no small feat, but Dr. Disha has managed to find harmony in her responsibilities. Her husband’s unwavering support and her ability to delegate effectively have enabled her to maintain a thriving medical practice while overseeing the growth of her business. Social media has also played a pivotal role in building her brand, allowing her to connect with a global audience and share her knowledge and expertise.
Looking to the future, Dr. Disha is excited about the rebranding of Digvijaya Herbals and the introduction of new products that reflect her vision of holistic transformation. Her entrepreneurial journey has been filled with challenges, from maintaining product quality during rapid growth to navigating regulatory requirements in different countries.
Yet, her resilience, adaptability, and strong support system have been key to overcoming these obstacles.
As a Medical Director in highly reputed clinics in the UAE, Dr. Disha continues to face challenges, particularly in staying abreast of rapidly evolving technologies and maintaining the highest standards of patient care. However, she sees the field of aesthetics maturing in the UAE and GCC, with advancements in minimally invasive procedures, personalized treatments, and a growing focus on holistic wellness.
Despite her many achievements, Dr. Disha remains grounded and optimistic about the future. She is committed to continuing her innovations in dermatology, aesthetics, and wellness, and she hopes to inspire the next generation of medical professionals and entrepreneurs. As she puts it, “We all strive for perfection, but who defines what is perfect? I believe imperfection is what makes us each unique in who we are, what we dream for, and how we achieve it.”
Dr. Disha Dinakar is not just a beauty queen turned aesthetic physician—she is an inspiration to young girls everywhere who aspire to carve out their unique paths and make a mark in the world. Through her unwavering dedication to her craft, her innovative entrepreneurial spirit, and her commitment to mentorship, Dr. Disha continues to pave the way for future generations to follow in her footsteps.
