The 23-year-old, bubbly girl-next-door Shreya Kamavarapu, is getting high on her winning title that she holds now as the second runner-up in Femina Miss India 2018. She belongs to Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh and is an architect by profession. At a glittering ceremony, she was crowned by Miss Intercontinental 2017 Priyanka Kumari.
While Anukreethy Vas was declared as Femina Miss India 2018 and crowned by Miss World 2017 Manushi Chillar. Besides, first runner-up Meenakshi Chaudary of Haryana, was felicitated by Sana Dua, Miss United Continents 2017.
Cindrella Daryani from NewsKarnataka had a candid conversation with Shreya Kamavarapu. Shreya interprets how a grooming makeover is possible just in 30 days? But, beauty pageants do it! They work like an institution that comprise several vigorous sessions for their contestants.
Excerpts:
1. Are you satisfied with your title as the second runner-up? How do you take it?
I have no regrets about my title as I am still representing India. It was a challenge to prove my mettle against 30 handpicked contestants. I have always been optimistic about my way. The journey throughout the competition was the opportunity of a lifetime. However, I still want to work on myself and make some improvements but this is not for any pageant title.
2. You left a secure job after your selection in a beauty pageant audition. Was it a calculated move? Your father was also sceptical about your participation. How did you put his mind at ease?
I was content working those eight hours as an architect until a friend recommended me that entering a beauty pageant wasn’t on my bucket list! I haven’t been in front of a camera before. But, when I realised my potential in this new passion, I expressed my desire to my parents. After hearing my plans they were stunned and asked me the reason for taking such a step.
I told my father that it is more than glamour and modelling. I would be able to represent my state and country if I win. Besides, I am the only daughter of my parents. My happiness was important to them. When they gave me the nod, I worked diligently.
3. Apart from modelling, what else do these beauty pageants teach that the contestants look for?
Beauty pageants have several edification seminars that truly empower you from within. They have 30 days of power-packed sessions that consist of posture and body language, wardrobe styling, speech enhancement, communication skills, health and emotional well-being, cultural etiquette etc. Such symposiums work as a booster that gives a complete transformation to one’s aura.
Hence, for finalists, it is significant that they should get primped and ingrained with all the grooming aspects that they have learnt.
4. How was your equation with the other contestants, along with Anukreethy and Meenakshi?
Most of us shared a similar state-of-mind since we were of the same age-group. Anukreethy is so young and new to this field. Many a times I have shared my experiences with her. From then on, she fondly addresses me as her mommy.
While Meenakshi and I shared a sisterly bond, both of us were pragmatic and there was a healthy competition between us.
5. For which international pageants are you going to prepare in coming months? Any plans to work in movies?
I am sternly concentrating on getting a bigger crown for India. By far, it is not clear in which pageant I will participate next! We are contemplating that. It might be Miss Grand International or Miss United Continents or some other.
If I am offered a good movie script perhaps after a year, I may take it up or I can resume my work as an architect. It is an alternative.
6. Any social cause that is close to your heart that you would like to associate with?
I certainly want to work for the welfare of kids who suffer from autism. Besides, I closely look upon the activities related to autism that’s done in my aunt’s school named “Sandipani”, which is located in Hyderabad.
7. What message would you like to deliver to women?
We can’t underrate a woman today. Being an architect, if I can change my goals and achieve it, then nothing is impossible. Negative circumstances can come in any form in anyone’s life. Dealing with that optimistically is crucial. It is one life; chase your dreams, feel free, work hard and reach the pinnacle!
