The journey of The Miss Vizag contest has not only grown bigger with time, it has also brought about a change in social perception

Over the past 50 years, the official Miss India contest has given wings to the dreams of many women and the slew of Miss World and Miss Universe titles in the later years only added more sheen to the glamour. All along these years, the beauty world was witnessing yet another metamorphosis which resulted in similar events mushrooming across the country’s smaller cities.

The long journey of The Miss Vizag contest has not only grown bigger with time, it has also brought about a change in social perception of the beauty world and provided a platform to many girls from middle-class families, lifting their dreams to the next level. For majority of the participants, the contest had been their first tryst with the fashion world. While a few made it big, for others it was like a sweet and short moment of glory that will be cherished for years to come.

For Shobhana Guddela, who bagged the title of Miss Vizag 2014, the month-long experience of being a part of the contest brought about a life-changing phase. “My life has become very hectic all of sudden. People are recognising me on the streets,” says a euphoric Shobhana.

While she is enjoying all the attention and limelight now, she does miss the carefree days when she could ride her two-wheeler in the busy city roads without being noticed by the public. “Just the other day, I was returning back in an auto-rickshaw when a group of people started calling out ‘Miss Vizag’ loudly on the road. And many started taking pictures! It is all a different experience for me. Now even to step out to the neighbouring store, my parents have to come along with me,” says Sobhana, who completed his graduation from Pydah College of Engineering.

She quickly adds, “But my first priority is my higher studies. I want to pursue MS in Construction Management.” While she prepares to apply for higher studies abroad for the fall season next year, Shobhana says she is open to exploring modelling assignments and film offers as and when the “right opportunity” comes. “I got two film offers but I haven’t committed myself to any project yet. My parents are looking at all the offers and I will go by whatever they suggest,” says the 22-year-old, who is now working on her fitness levels and joined Zumba classes to be in shape.

Life may have shifted gears for Laxmi Bharadwaj, the first runner-up of Miss Vizag 2014, but she still wants to take it slow and tread carefully even as she explores her dreams in the tinseltown. The day after the grand finale of the beauty pageant, Laxmi signed her first film offer. Reluctant to divulge further details, the former air hostess says that the film is a romantic flick with a tinge of horror.

“The experience at the beauty pageant has helped me in a big way personally. My family is very happy and they now have the confidence in me and know that my film dreams are finally coming true,” says Laxmi. Cautious not to get lost in the mirage of all the sudden attention and celebrations, Laxmi says these are just the initial days. “I want to have a long innings. And for that I need to make a strong foundation by honing by acting skills and maintaining the fitness levels. I have no background of acting, so I have to take training for the basics,” says Laxmi, who has joined a short course in acting before she starts shooting for her first film early next year. This weekend, Laxmi will be on her way to Hyderabad to meet the crew of another film project.

Suryamayee Mohapatra’s phone keeps ringing these days. “I get so many calls from relatives, friends and Odiya and Telugu filmmakers! It’s like a dream for me,” says the 19-year-old. “But I am sure of one thing,” she pauses and adds, “I don’t want to get into films. The modelling world is where I think I will do well.” The stage and the lights were not new to Suryamayee. Being a trained Odissi dancer for over five years, she had given performances at the national level. Ask her what made her participate in the beauty contest, pat comes the reply, “I knew I had a good stage presence and once I was in it, I was confident of making it to the finals at least,” says Suryamayee. Studies remain her top priority as she gets ready to appear for the medical entrances next year. But doesn’t she miss all the glitter of the beauty pageant now that it’s over?

“Oh yes! I had put in so much effort to present my best. That peacock attire I wore during the final rounds of the contest, that one was designed by my sister. We both were so much involved that she made sure I never repeated a hairstyle! I miss the days now,” adds Suryamayee.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> MetroPlus> Fashion / by Nivedita Ganguly / December 10th, 2014