Thursday 12 / December / 2024
How did you get into beauty pageants?
Acting has always been a part of my life since school days when I was in school plays and dramas, but I wanted to be a sportsperson or an IFS officer. I never really thought that I was very glamorous when I was young. The idea of being a beauty queen or an actor never really crossed my mind. I was like a boy who would play cricket and not care about beauty or applying sunscreen or doing eyebrows or waxing. And my parents gave me the liberty to choose what I wanted to be.
One day I was surprised when my friend told me that she wanted me to try my hand at a beauty pageant. I was a tomboy back then and denied the proposal immediately. My boyfriend and my best friend got together, planned and plotted and sent my pictures to a talent agency. Soon, I got a call from them telling me that I had been shortlisted.
I was overwhelmed and nervous. I’ve always been a fitness freak, so the swim suit round didn’t get me sweating, but I called a makeup dada (artist) and hair team and asked them if they could get me ready for the rounds that were starting the very next day. I went to the competition in Mumbai and my name ended up being announced in the top 16. My parents were super supportive about the whole thing.
Since then, it has been a roller coaster ride. After winning the title in India, I had 12 days before I had to go compete internationally. Usually, people get a year or six months to prepare. I thought it was impossible, because I would be competing with 100 countries, but my team got in all the best people from around the country for my hair, makeup, and outfits. And, less than two weeks later, I was all set to participate with 12 large suitcases packed and ready to go. I’ve been very very fortunate, I would say. I’ve worked really hard and I’ve invested a lot of time and energy, but I have reaped many benefits.
How has your life changed since you won Miss India Earth?
Life has changed tremendously. My private life has changed in terms of looking the part and acting the part. The way I look, the way I dress, the way I talk to people, and even the way I sit have all changed. There needs to be a dignity and responsibility when you are publicly representing yourself to people. For instance, I’m a very friendly person, but being a public figure now I can’t be over-friendly all the time. What has primarily changed in me is that I have become very responsible, very particular with time, and very organised.
As far as my career is concerned it has taken a complete 360-degree turn. I’m more focused on my career now and I’m getting a lot of opportunities. I will be signing a film very soon and I’ve already done a few ad campaigns (for Pantene and Wildstone), which will be releasing soon. I think the title has given me a slight edge over other models because the Miss India and other international titles make you popular enough that many brands will come to you. Since I’m already a step ahead, I want to keep moving forward.
The details are still underwraps, but can you give us some hints about the new movie you are working on?
I’m working with this amazing director whose films have gone to prestigious film festivals and even to the Oscars. It is an art-meets-commercial film with a few established actors and a few newcomers working in it.
You have become a style icon, so what is fashion for you?
Fashion is something that you’re comfortable in. What you wear defines you and reflects the attitudes you hold at that moment. Basically, it is combination of what you wear, how you look, what is your attitude is, and how you present yourself. It is unlimited and diverse, so everyday you need to set new bars.
How do you feel about fashion in the Middle East?
Every country has its own sense of dressing up and expression. I’ve always believed in the old saying that the more covered you are, the more alluring you look. Middle Eastern women who are so fashionable and know exactly which accessory, handbag, and shoe goes with which burqa, are perfect examples of that style mantra.
As someone in the beauty industry, what are your views on body image?
I do not agree with the 36-24-36 ideal figure norm. Starving yourself and being anorexic is not healthy and France has now banned anorexic models. I don’t mind women having a tiny waist, but its more important to look fresh and healthy. Having a good body is great. Having a healthy body is even better. The combination of the two is what you have to aim for. Every girl’s body type is different. So you need to be the best for your body.
Social responsibility has become a major part of beauty contests. What social causes are you involved with?
The causes that I am actively involved with are SOS and Helpage India. Besides those two, I have also worked with a lot of other NGOs, most recently, a school for the blind in Mumbai.
I think that when you become slightly famous, you have a responsibility to extend a helping hand to those in need. When you have beauty or fame, you attract people’s attention, you have an authority in that people around you, including corporations, organisations, and the media, recognise you and will try to help you. Thus, it becomes easier for you to help simply because people will listen when you speak about your causes.
Which iconic women are most inspiring to you ?
Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres. They have power and they do things for people. That’s what I love about them. I also look up to Meryl Streep and Priyanka Chopra because I feel she broke a lot of boundaries and barriers to achieve her goals. All these women are beautiful from within. But I want to be my own hero and be the best I can be.
