‘I take it all as a blessing’

Manpriya Singh 

It’s been crazy past couple of days ever since the homecoming of Femina Miss India 1st runner-up Meenakshi Chaudhary; starting with the crowd that received her at the Chandigarh airport; what awaits each day is a packed schedule comprising events and appearances, but the reigning beauty queen sees being busy as a blessing. “I’ve always dreamt of it all, ever since the days the posters of Miss Indias hung my bedroom walls,” shares Meenakshi, who if not a beauty queen, would have been a doctor or may be in the Army or better still, “I would have liked to serve the Army as a doctor.” 

Thrown in between is a visit to her alma mater, Saint Soldier International School, where she recalls being the perfect student to a tee. So no back-bencher stories to regale, she laughs, “I was the studious types, who always completed her homework and assignments on time.” 

Life after the title 

 It has changed for good and completely at that. So what is a typical day in the life of a Miss India like? “It’s very busy and everyday is a reminder of how privileged I am. I take it all as a blessing. And honestly being busy with appearances and events is a really good thing. I get to address people, which I have started enjoying. It’s platform to share my opinions and make a difference.” 

Then the perks that go with the turf, meeting the best mentors from the industry; she mentions Neha Dhupia as one of them. Also, getting to stay at swanky places and grooming is a plus!  

Talking swimsuit round 

With Miss America pageant being the latest to eliminate swimsuit round, is there is any round that she would like to change as part of the contest? Well, there’s none. Not even the swimsuit round, already done away with at the Miss World competition. “That’s not the only round, there’s Q and A round, gown round, talent round…I think beauty pageants look beyond just beauty these days, and swimsuit round is just a part of it. Some have it in them to make it to that round and some don’t - as long it’s not a crucial factor in determining the winner.” 

Right after the homecoming, she goes back to the grind that an international beauty pageant demands, wherein the focus shifts on grooming, diet, discipline, speeches and everything in between. Here’s hooting for yet another and even grander homecoming!             

manpriya@tribunemail.com