Want to be part of Tamil film industry: Miss India Universe 2017 Shraddha Shashidhar

India is gearing up to crown Miss Diva 2018 at NSCI Dome on August 31. It has been a year since Tamil Nadu’s Shraddha Shashidhar won the Miss Diva 2017 crown and represented the nation at Miss Universe and she is still on cloud nine.

Awaiting the crowning of a new Miss Diva, Shashidhar says that the journey which turned her from a media student to a glamour icon has left her reeling and yet extremely happy.

“It has been a year now and it still feels fantastic. I am eagerly waiting to get my successor and this entire year,” quips Shashidhar, adding, “It has been a roller coaster ride.”

For the next-door-girl to a quintessential diva girls look up to has been a fantastic journey, feels Shashidhar, the first Tamilian to win the crown and represent India at Miss Universe.

In a short tête-à-tête with this correspondent, Shashidhar defines what makes one Miss Diva, her experiences at the international stage and what expectations she has from her successor.

Miss India Universe to you is:

Miss India Universe to me is someone who is intelligent, glamorous, articulate and someone who has the merit to represent India internationally at the Miss Universe Stage.

Experience at international stage:

The international stage was extremely overwhelming. With 12,000 spectators coming to watch you as you go out to the stage and yell your country’s name was nothing short of being an emotional whirlpool.

It will be a moment I will hold close to my heart forever.

Interaction with Miss Universe Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters

Both of us got along really well. We sat on the same table during lunch and dinner breaks and would catch up about how our day went. She is a wonderful girl and a fantastic representative from her country.

How has the win changed your life?

Apart from people knowing who you are it gives one a great impetus and opportunity to fulfil all your dreams.

One year down, what happened to your causes and dreams?

I have completely been immersed in them. I have always wanted to orate, anchor and act and the win has given me the podium and push in that direction. I am also a part of an NGO in Dharamshala that works for Tibetan refugees in India.

Expectations from new winner?

Miss Universe as a pageant is about beauty indeed, but it is more about intelligence.

It is about your persona, how you carry yourself, you need to be the best of yourself.

One has to be real and well read. And I expect nothing short of that from the new winner.

Future plans:

Waiting to do movies and anchoring. Always been extremely interested to be in front of the camera. Being a Tamilian, I want to be part of the Tamil film industry.

If not movies, then what?

If not movies, I always wanted to join the Indian Army, but acting and anchoring are my forte and I know am good at it. I have my blinkers on and I want to be in this field and I know where I am.

Message for youngsters:

Absolutely believe in who you are. Trust yourself and follow your heart. Be intelligent, take wise decisions and you can conquer the world.