In a conversation with Mrs. India Earth 2016
Who says that beauty pageants are only for women who aren’t married or don’t have babies? A mother knows the real beauty of giving birth or managing the home for your loved ones. The definition of beauty for people is changing rather than being fake or unrealistic, beauty is now real and fresh.
With this thought in mind, Mr. Vinay Yadawa and Ms. Ritika Vinay came up with a pageant called the “Mrs. India Earth” which honors the spirit of womanhood . it gives a platform to talented married women, who have happily sacrificed everything for their home and kids.
It gives them a chance to upcoming talent which is lost in the crowd or simply doesn’t get a chance to showcase. Every year the competition is getting biggerand better. This year’s judging panel included a diverse jury from skin experts to Bollywood actresses.
We at AAW got the delightful opportunity to talk to the Winner of Mrs. India Earth pageant, Mrs. Paris Keswani. We talked about so many things; from her inspiration to how she prepared for this pageant.
How did the Mrs. India contest happen?
Since 2004 I have been volunteering in different non-profit organizations. I am a member at UNICEF, United Nations Environmental Programme, New York Cares and have also opened a foundation called Prince foundation after my son Prince. When I came across this contest I applied for it without even thinking for a second for the simple reason that it is not just a beauty pageant it is beauty with a cause. I would love to thank our national directors, Mrs Ritika Vinay Asia Pacific & Mr. Vinay Yadawa for creating such a beautiful platform for all the married women & giving them the opportunity to come forward and make their dreams come true.
Was it difficult to break the stereotype that women should only look after their home and children?
I have a very supportive and understanding family. When I first applied for this contest I didn’t tell anyone that there were 2000 plus people who also applied for this pageant. After I became a finalist, I told my whole family about the pageant. They were really proud of me. My family went out of the way to help me win this pageant. So I would say, if you have a strong backbone (in my case my family), nothing in the world is impossible.
Was it difficult to convince parents and in-laws?
No, not at all. My parents and in- laws were very happy. In fact my mother in law came to the show. I also had full support from my parents as they flew in from New York to help me with my son so I could focus at my contest.
Are you a mother? If yes how did manage to maintain that body after baby?
Yes I am a mother of an adorable 6 year old. When I got pregnant I was only 100 pounds and everybody scared me that I am to skinny to carry a baby. To have a healthy baby I started eating a lot… LOL. This made me gain 56 pounds & I looked like a balloon. But after the baby was born, I joined the gym, and ate healthy food. Within a year I was back to my pre pregnancy weight. To maintain I just eat healthy like proteins, vegetables, fruits and have lots of water
Who is your inspiration?
My mother is my inspiration. She is strong, loving, kind, caring and very generous and have always given me unconditional love and always encouraged me to do better. She is an inspiration and a blessing for me. The lady standing in front of you today, is only because of her.
What all preparations you did before participating the in the contest?
As soon as I got the news of being a finalist, I was super excited but also had a lot of preparations to do. I hired a fitness trainer, Dee Hudson, she helped me get fit & toned. I started looking for a pageant coach. Every top pageant coach I contacted in the United States said they are not aware of Indian pageant system and gave me one name, Ritika Ramtri at The Tiara. I contacted her and was lucky enough to get a seat in September Batch. As soon as I landed in India, I stated my training. Subas Dhang prepared me for my talent round, Shilpa Gupta Designed my Traditional Round Outfit, my long evening gown was designed by Mc Duggal, accessories were by Rajiv Dhingra in Khan Market. I got pageant shoes from Chinese Laundry and hired a makeup & hair stylist from Mumbai.
What do you think were your prime qualities that helped you win the contest?
Being myself, my confidence, determination and focus helped me to be who I am today. I don’t compare myself with anyone. There was so much talent everywhere that if you start comparing yourself with others, you lose your focus and get distracted. So the key was to be myself and do my best.
What are your future plans as Mrs. India? Do you want to try in Bollywood or TV industry?
As you know I am a jewelry designer, I am designing a line which is made out of 100% recycled materials. I am planning on launching the new jewelry line by Treasures of Prince before Christmas. All the proceeds from this line will go to a project that aims at improving & protecting the environment. I want people to understand the importance of recycling, reusing and reducing Besides this I also want to help children with special needs as well.
There are plans with Mayor Michael Gonnelli to work with children with special needs. I have plans with our national directors Mrs Ritika Vinay & Mr Vinay Yadawa to support a 100 plus cardiac surgeries for little kids at Aims. At the moment I am working towards bringing a change in the world. So no to Bollywood for now.
Do you think people’s perceptions about you have changed after winning?
Yes, definitely. My voice has more power and I feel like a celebrity. I have already got a lot of modeling projects, TV series and movie offers but right now I want to be careful in every project I pick.My focus is on helping children with special needs & I already have projects lined up to help & protect the environment.
How has this competition helped you grow as a person?
Competition is always healthy, it makes you want to be better and do better. ‘Boosting others actually helps you’ is a simple thought which made a big difference. I learned that by helping other succeed you can also achieve success.
The weirdest comment you got after winning the competition?
I don’t get any weird comments. There was happiness and smiles all around me. All the contestant were very happy for me and joined me in the celebrations. I made so many new friends but I really Mridula Oberoi who won the title of Mrs India Earth face of west.
Any message for other ladies?
My message to other ladies is, live your dreams. Success does not come easy to anyone,you need to work day and night and make things work. If you want to excel in the fashion industry, then Mrs. India Earth is a prestigious platform which will help you to make your dreams come true. The organizers are all about keeping their contestants safe and encourage them to be better and do better. Everyone treats you with love and respect.
Now we can say that marriage and kids Is not the end of a women’s career. If you believe in yourself and your dreams, then nothing should be able to stop you. Also you should never give up on your dreams, no matter what.
