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Two years ago, a confident and stunning 21-year-old Sini Shetty went on to win the title of Miss India World 2022. Born and raised in Mumbai, Shetty’s native place is Karnataka and she takes great pride in her roots. Currently pursuing a course in CFA (Certified Financial Analyst), she is also a trained Bharatanatyam dancer. As India gears up to host the 71st Miss World after a gap of 27 years, the beauty pageant winner shares her excitement about the contest and her preparations for the same. The pageant will kickstart from February 18 culminating in a grand finale at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai on March 9, 2024. Edited excerpts:
What are some of the preparations/experiences you have had since you were crowned Miss India in July, 2022 which you think will help you at the finale of Miss World?
I have always believed that observing and learning takes one a long way. I have been training for Miss World since the last two years. I believe that being your authentic self, yet getting into a zone where you better yourself with every observation and every learning you encounter is what takes you a long way. There is a set of training one goes under as a Miss World contestant, whether it is how to walk, talk, styling, hair and make-up. At the same time, you are also holding a title which comes with a lot of responsibilities. One has to attend events which are relevant and where you can voice your opinion about things that matter. There are also a number of campaigns one is part of. I am working for my project for Beauty with a Purpose called Aashayein which focuses on upskilling and personality development.
You were born and brought up in Mumbai. How have you retained your roots with your hometown in Karnataka? What values have your parents and extended family instilled in you that have brought you to this stage in your life?
My parents and extended family belong to Karnataka. They moved to Mumbai as soon as they got married and I was born and raised here. I am deeply connected to my roots in Karnataka. Every summer vacation, I go back to my hometown to visit my grandmother who lives in our native home. Karnataka, especially Mangalore has a lot of nostalgic memories for me because all my summer vacations were spent there in the company of my cousins. The paternal side of my family has a long line of freedom fighters, while the maternal side has a royal lineage. There are a lot of values instilled in me about serving before self and being in touch with my roots.
You work as a product executive and you have training in accounting and finance. How has being a professional, working woman in India helped you in your growth as a person?
I was 16-years-old when I started working. I was still studying but I did my internship at that time. The grooming I received then and the professionalism that came with it has sustained me through my journey in the corporate sector. I feel that it has aided to the growth I have today.
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The theme for Miss World is ‘beauty with a purpose’ (BWAP), and you have chosen Aashayein as your project. Can you tell us more about that?
Miss World as a platform has a beautiful initiative called BWAP in which all the girls have to come up projects that have a socially relevant cause. I have named my project Aashayein which means ray of hope. When you are pursuing your education, there is always a race to complete the syllabus but it is when you enter the professional set up that you understand what personality development is. When I researched across schools in India, I understood that while there are a lot of kids who have enrolled in government-aided schools, the conversion rate is really less when it comes to employment. The gap that is bridging employment and education is personality development and soft skills like public speaking among others. That became the purpose and vision of my project Aashayein. It focuses on how we can work on personality development as a concept for students and spread awareness around that subject. We partnered with Teach India and a lot of NGOs. In the course of nine months, we have been able to cater to 13 batches with 30 students each and I hope that in the coming months we keep increasing the batches and the numbers.
Miss World is taking place in India after 27 years. Is that more of a pressure on you because you are from the host country or does it make it more exciting because you will be amidst your people?
I am super excited. There is not a bit of nervousness in me. Most of the girls are coming to India for the first time and there is going to be a lot of excitement. We have to live up to the standard of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’. They will be in Delhi and Mumbai and I feel it will be one of the spectacular experiences for them. The girls live together for almost a month and we live like sisters. I have had that experience during Miss India as well. Staying together like that makes it feel like a home away from home. I will take up the responsibility of ensuring that the girls are comfortable and enjoy the process here.
There are so many beauty pageant holders from India who have gone on to win big at the international pageants. Who do you look up to the most and why?
I do feel that the legacy of beauty queens in India is beyond compare. It is difficult to select any one but if I absolutely have to select one and speak about someone who is very relatable is Priyanka Chopra Jonas because she is someone who is not afraid of voicing her opinions. She is someone who marches forward, has explored every passion and every professional interest of hers. That’s what I foresee in my future as well. She is definitely a role model for me.
Many of them have also gone on to make a mark for themselves in showbiz. Is that your destination as well?
Definitely; I always believe that if you have an opportunity that interests you and where your future seems bright, then you should avail of it. I would love to do that but for now, I want to complete my course in Certified Financial Analyst.
Know your Miss India
- Your favourite cuisine? Asian and Mangalorean
- Favourite movie? Ae Dil Hai Mushkil
- A beauty product you swear by? Eye liner
- A cause that’s close to your heart? Education and upskilling.
- Favourite outfit? Sari, but also comfy pyjamas and a crop top!
Photo: Sini Shetty