Lin Laishram talks about her team Prithviraj Yodhas and her Manipuri cloud kitchen; says, 'It’s amazing to see archery getting recognition' - Exclusive

Lin Laishram talks about her team Prithviraj Yodhas and her Manipuri cloud kitchen

Lin Laishram is a woman of many pursuits. She's an actor, model, entrepreneur, and now co-owner of the archery team Prithviraj Yodhas. But beneath every title lies a deep sense of purpose and passion that keeps her moving forward, one meaningful venture at a time.

“It is not easy, to be honest,” Lin admits when asked how she balances it all. “But all of these things that I have chosen, I love deeply. Archery has been part of my life since childhood. My dad introduced archery to Manipur — he was the president of the state association and used to take teams for nationals. To now have a team of my own is truly amazing.”

For Lin, archery isn’t just a sport, it’s heritage. Having grown up watching her father nurture the sport in Manipur, she recalls her early days of practising by a riverbank with handmade bows. “We had only one target, and everyone took turns no matter the distance,” she smiles. “To now see the sport evolve into a league format, with India embracing it, feels surreal. I’m just proud that archery is getting recognition.”

Her new role as co-owner of Prithviraj Yodhas, competing in the Archery Premiere League in Delhi, is part of this larger vision. “India doesn’t yet know beyond cricket,” Lin says candidly. “That’s why I’m just happy something like this exists — it’s giving archers a platform, recognition, and a community. Winning or losing is secondary to that.”

Away from the archery field, Lin’s entrepreneurial streak shines through her successful Manipuri cloud kitchen in Mumbai. For her, it’s not just a business, it’s a personal mission to share the flavours of home with a wider audience. “When I started travelling, I realised how special Manipuri cuisine is,” she explains. “Every tribe has its own take on food, and there’s so much richness. I wanted to bring that authenticity to Mumbai, and the response has been amazing.”

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Authenticity, she adds, is non-negotiable. “Sourcing ingredients from Manipur is tough — it’s a five-hour flight and a lot of logistics. But I’m committed to keeping the flavours true. It’s worth it when someone writes a great review about the food.”

Beyond her work, Lin sees herself as an ambassador for her roots and a voice for women who want to pursue diverse paths. “I grew up quite cut off from my culture,” she reflects. “But the more I travelled, the more rooted I felt. The community spirit, the unity, the beauty of Indian culture — it’s something I hold close. I love every part of this country, every festival, every belief. It’s what makes India so special.”