Hey Aishwariya,
I’m so glad to receive such an email from you. I’ve always wanted people to be a little more aware about what really happens behind the scenes in a pageant. Theres a lot more that goes on than what meets the eye. I hope I can do justice to your questions asked.
1.Could you tell us about the beauty pageant(s) you have taken part in?
Earlier this year, i participated in a personality cum beauty pageant called “Face of Navi Mumbai”. It was the pageant’s first year and fortunately, it happened to be a huge success. For someone like me who’s been alien to the world of pageantry, modelling and everything else that follows, i couldn’t have asked for a better platform to showcase my abilities and be honed by the best of people in the business.
Due to the success of this pageant, this new year i.e. 2019 we’ve managed to broaden our prospects with a new season wherein “Face of Navi Mumbai is now, “Face of Mumbai”. I also happened to win the title of ‘Miss Best Personality’.
2. What made you decide to take part in a beauty pageant?
Well, it happened purely by chance. I was in my second year of studying law when i came across this pageant through social media. I realized i had tried everything, except something like this. I was so skeptical about giving the auditions, mostly because of my inhibitions. I somehow never thought i’d fit the bill. The universe apparently had different plans. This pageant definitely made me more self aware and gave me that necessary push that i certainly needed. I’m glad i took the first step. The rest just fell into place way better than expected.
3. What are your thoughts about beauty pageants – the good, the bad, and the ugly?
I can honestly only speak about my experience since every pageant is different.
As an audience, one wouldn’t be able to tell about the amount of effort that goes into grooming an individual for a pageant. Which is why, the groomers that are pitched in are extremely crucial. I was fortunate to have the best international groomers(Karl Sir and Anjana Ma’am-from Diva Pageants) that knew exactly what they were doing. The entire organizing team was so supportive that it made everything a little easier.
The grooming sessions tend to be long and tiresome and theres only that much that you can work on in a short period of time. The nitty gritty needs to be taken care of because on the day of the finale, thats all that really matters. As fun as it is, it can really take a toll on your body especially if its someone like me who had to juggle multiple things at a time. My journey has taught me one major thing which is that winning of a person is completely subjective and uncertain when it comes to pageants. Irrespective of who wins, there’ll always be someone who will find reasons to prove that you didn’t deserve it. That’s when you need to hold your ground and work on your perspective.
The longer you are in the business, the sooner you realize the value of genuineness. Coming across superficial individuals no longer comes across as a surprise to me. The hunger to make it big makes people do some pretty mean things, to themselves and others.
4. How do you think society views beauty pageants?
Its 2018, but people still carry a stigma about beauty pageants which i found appalling initially. Although i came out triumphant, i found myself being bombarded by questions from the people around me which can be grueling if not dealt with efficiently. I began to question a plethora of decisions i made along the way because of the peers that were trying to pull me down.
One of the most integral aspects about being part of a pageant is to have a solid constitution and unwavering self confidence. The sooner you realize that you’re all in it for the same goal and the way to go ahead is not to tear each other down but to rejoice in the experience is what’ll make so much of a difference. It certainly helped me. Although i was skeptical at first, i believed that i needed to enjoy every bit of it and rest is history.
5. What are your thoughts on the #Metoo movement?
I’m glad that the #MeToo movement has given women all over the world a platform to share their experiences with sexual harassment and come out in solidarity with survivors.The #MeToo movement started trending in India after the Bollywood actress Tanushree Dutta came out with her story which brought up so many other stories including many big-wigs of the industry. It takes courage to come out about such sensitive issues especially if you’re a public figure and the person thats been alleged is from the same field of work as it puts your position and image in jeopardy in some capacity. Though on the flip side, these powerful people are then left powerless, which is another reason for more men and women to speak up about their atrocities.
6. What are your thoughts on beauty?
I truly believe that beauty is that light that shines from within. It shines so bright that the exterior seems insignificant thereafter. Its the confidence, the zeal, the humility and most importantly, integrity which radiates brighter than what you look like. Having the right attitude is what its all about at the end of the day.
Most often, you realize that its not the prettiest girl that wins, its the most confident and the one who truly believes that shes got what it takes.
Although times are changing, I believe more and more people need to believe that there is beauty in imperfections and quirks. Certain traits that you believe are imperfections is what really gravitates people towards you.
Greetings,
Sunethra
This article was first published on Women’s Web in 2018.
