MAHESHWARI

Chennaibest.com speaks to Miss India Asia-Pacific 2001 - Maheshwari, on her crown, her career and the modelling scene in Chennai today.

Sun sign: Aries

Education: Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, from Ethiraj College. And a certificate course in French.

Family: Parents and a younger brother.

I have been wanting to get into modelling for the past seven years. Its like I just woke up one day and decided I wanted to be a model. My parents initially did not take it seriously. But when it was obvious that was what I wanted to do, I enrolled in a Modelling workshop and thats how I started modelling in February 1998.

I've worked with several - Prasad Bidappa, Achla Sachdev, Hemant Trivedi...Hemant Trivedi is the best. He's not just a designer. He's a one-man show himself. I'm sure all the Femina Miss India Contestants will vouch for that. Fabulous clothes, fabulous choreography...everything.

My wardrobes for the Femina Miss India contest were designed here in Chennai. They were fantastic. Yes, Chennai is slightly behind, but its catching up fast. Mumbai took 15 years to reach the stage it is at today, but Chennai has come almost on par with Mumbai in around three to four years time. I wouldn't say we are quite there yet. But the gestation period is very short in Chennai.

There is still a long way to go. There is a lack of professionalism both in organising events and with the models themselves. Its because we tend to be laid back. The competitive spirit is missing.

It is basically an individual's choice. Nobody pushes anyone to participate in a Beauty Contest. It is something we young women want to do. We feel good about it. So why talk about Women's equality if you don't let them do what they want. I know that, at the Contests, we are treated as responsible and intelligent women. They don't want just a beautiful face.

It was my seven-year dream come true. When I was crowned I really did not know what to do. I know for a fact, that many of my well-wishers were crying out of joy. My family was ecstatic. Even some of my fellow contestants, who were my close friends, were happy for me.

I plan to do my Post Graduation in Business Administration. In terms of World Languages, I've finished French. I'm starting on German next. And ten to fifteen years from now, I plan to start my own business. An Ad Agency.

Its the urge to be the best. Its the feeling that if I want to do it, I will. In fact, if somebody said - "No, you can't do it", that would actually inspire me even further. For the Miss India Contest also, several people said that I would not make it. I took that on the rebound and hats off to them, I've made it.