DIVYA

Born in Chennai, brought up in Calcutta, Divya, the second runner-up at Miss Chennai 2000, has been modelling for the past three years now.

We have very close family friends living in Chennai. Their daughter was modelling. When they had come to Calcutta, where I was living, they suggested "Why don't you, also?" My mom who was averse to the idea, said "Nothing doing". When we came to Chennai, we met these people. They took us to a model co-ordinator and they gave me my first break in one or two days. I went to Kerala for my first assignment. So that was the way I started.

Initially, it was difficult to make them accept what I was doing. A couple of times my mom came for my shoots and saw what happened. That convinced her that it is a decent place where you can be assured that your daughter is safe.

I would'nt say a career in modelling, because as a career, it is not long lasting. I am looking at Advertising as a career. In modelling, as long as you are there, you enjoy it. I would like to direct and be a part of the camera.

I don't think so. Not that I am not interested. But the fact is that it means a lot of commitment. I am not ready for such a commitment. I believe in completing my basic education. I would like to complete my Bachelors; maybe a Masters and then perhaps, think about it.

When we did the Miss Chennai there was a protest. But I don't feel that these protests are valid. One thing, beauty pageants give you a lot of confidence. You get to meet a lot of people and that teaches you how to tackle people. In this industry we get to meet lots and lots of people, of all ages. So the more you are exposed to people, the more you know how to deal with them. This has given me an opportunity to improve my personality. I have the confidence and that helps.

I feel beauty pageants are essential because they bring out the talent in you. They bring out the woman in a girl, they bring out what ever you have inside you. These events definitely make you feel confident, because there are thousands of people watching you.

My father is Phd in Physics. He heads the Metreological Department of South india. My mom was teaching earlier. Now she doesn't because of health reasons.

I like travelling. I play the piano. Little bit of bathroom singing. Theatre is my passion. Reading.

Favourite Author

Sydney Sheldon. I also read Jeffry Archer and Eric Seagal.

I dress according to my moods and what I am comfortable in. I like the color red.

Almost all types. Remixes, Enrique Iglesias, lots of others... Kenny G is my favourite.

Peshawari, Cafe Mercara at Chola Sheraton, Match Point at Taj and of course, the normal hang outs like Cafe Coffee Day.

I admire Aishwarya Rai. I wish I had eyes like that.

Favourite Model

I like Bipasha Basu. I like the way she walks and carries herself. And Naomi Campbell.

Ritu Beri, Suneet Verma, Rohit Bal.

My parents have been a great source of inspiration.

I don't think so. I was very natural at that time. So I don't think I would like to change that.