Miss. South India 2013: ANUSHA Venkataraman
Expecting life to treat you well is like expecting an angry bull not to charge on you just because you are a vegetarian! Anusha Venkataranman who describes herself to be an extreme extravert individual is a dancer, a model and was recently crowned Miss. South India 2013. Growing up in Chennai, her father Mr. Venkataraman, mother Meena Venkataraman, and older sister Suhsmita played the role of being her role model in life who has allowed her to be however she pleases to be yet help her learn many of the lessons which life helps one learn. Denisha Sahadevan chats with her to find out what it was like to win Miss. South India 2013.
The role of a beauty queen/model along with several others is also that of a role model for the younger generations today, how easy or difficult is that task?
All tasks come with responsibility. One should be aware, and willing to take up the same. A role model must be able to motivate and lead people in the right direction no matter what it takes!
What was it that drew you into the world of beauty pageants?
I’ve always loved the stage and I think it’s remarkable how a beauty pageant brings out the best in women.
How is Miss. South India different from other beauty pageants?
I think Miss South India is different from other beauty pageants as it does not include the Bikini round. India is a country known for its rich tradition and culture and not many women are comfortable in exposing their body in order to display their beauty. Therefore this contests does not restrict any woman who wants to be a model by allowing us to dress and present ourselves in a manner we are most comfortable.
How different was the stages/rounds in the contest?
We were judged on different criteria. Our overall personality was taken into account.
Our walk, our confidence and clarity in introducing ourselves, our interaction with judges and the written round (we needed to express our mind in sixty seconds!) The judgment was also based on how comfortable we were in carrying out ourselves and most importantly if we carried out a genuine smile.
How meticulously was the pageant organized?
The pageant was so well organized that it made it so easy for us to just focus on ourselves. The rest was well planned and very neatly executed.
When you were younger what was your career objective?
My only objective is to always accomplish every endeavour I pursue
Do you think that it is the inner beauty or the outer beauty which is more important?
I think what the inner beauty brings is what translates to your outer beauty. The inner beauty brings out the true meaning and expression.
What is the most thrilling thing about part taking into a beauty pageant?
You discover an entirely new side of yourself.
How did you get into the world of modelling?
I started doing advertisements when I was younger. From then on I have always opened myself to all opportunities. You never what your calling is!
You are a Bharathanatyam dancer, how long have you been dancing? What is it that you love the most about dancing?
I’ve been dancing since the young age of 6. As Shakespeare once said “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.” I absolutely love how dancing constantly makes you play some role on stage, become some character, and lose all inhibitions while performing under the spotlight!
What is your advice to young girls who dream of becoming a beauty queen or a model?
My only advice is that of what a great man one said, “Perseverance is not a long race. It’s many short races one after another.” I think when you have a dream you just have to live it. Don’t think twice about jumping into something you’re passionate about!
Who is your role model in life?
I don’t have a role model in particular but there are many people I truly admire and look up to. My Parents and elder sister to begin with. I absolutely respect how they give me the freedom to make my own decisions in life, but at the same time make me realize the consequences of my every action! My uncle, Mr. R Natraj (Former DGP ) has taught me the true meaning of selflessness and to not just dream, but to DREAM BIG (of course one should work towards living the dream). I appreciate and admire something in every person and that helps me constantly to grow as a person.
Where do you hope to see yourself in 10 years from now?
I don’t plan too far. I think I restrict myself to one plan, and then I would never drive where the road takes me!
What did it feel like winning Miss. South India? What was going through your mind at that moment when they announced you to be the winner?
I was pleasantly surprised. Each one of the contestants were versatile and talented having an equal chance of heading home with the crown. When my name was finally called out all I could say is the rising levels of tension was finally put to rest. When I was actually being crowned as Miss South India 2013, at that very second I truly felt like I was the queen of the world!!!
