Hyderabad’s own ‘Bubbly Bouncer’ Harshitha Goud breaks barriers in male-dominated profession

For nearly 13 years, Hyderabad-based Harshitha Goud has worked in the security industry, challenging gender stereotypes in a profession largely dominated by men. Today, she runs her own agency providing female security personnel for events and celebrity appearances.

Hyderabad: Actor Tamannaah Bhatia’s film ‘Bubbly Bouncer’ brought the world of women bouncers into the limelight. In Hyderabad, Harshitha Goud has been breaking similar barriers in real life, spending nearly 13 years in a profession traditionally dominated by men and proving that women can handle demanding security assignments.

Her journey into the security profession was not merely about finding work. It gradually became a mission to prove that physical strength, courage and the ability to handle challenging situations are not the exclusive domain of men.

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The turning point came during one of her early assignments as a female bouncer. A male colleague made fun of her, questioning whether a woman could handle the profession.

“That incident changed my thinking. I wanted to show the world that women can handle and flourish in any field. We can compete with men and excel alongside them,” she says.

Today, she runs the ‘Harshitha Goud Bouncers’ agency, providing female security personnel for celebrity appearances, events involving women and occasions that require women to manage crowds.

Over the years, Harshitha and her team have provided security services at hundreds of events ranging from movie pre-release functions and college programmes to religious festivities and other public gatherings.

However, the profession comes with its share of uncertainties. Harshitha says there are busy periods when assignments bring good earnings, but there are also months when she does not receive even a single booking. 

“Female bouncers typically earn between Rs 1,000 and Rs 1,500 per event,” she says.

Harshitha fondly recalls former minister and BRS working president KT Rama Rao appreciating her and other women for choosing the bouncer profession, an acknowledgement that encouraged them to continue.

She now hopes more women will consider joining the field and urges aspiring women not to hesitate because of societal expectations or fear of criticism. Her message to women is clear. 

“Be brave, pursue your interests and do not let society’s judgement decide your future.”