Beautiful, down-to-earth and intelligent - quite a combination.
But that is why she walked away with the coveted crown of Miss
Chennai 2000. In between a busy photo-shoot, she smiles and
chatters away. Meet the pretty Miss Chennai - Pooja Nair.
Height:5 feet 6 inches
Date of Birth:June 29th
Sun Sign:Cancer
Hobbies:Singing,
reading, listening to music, modelling.
Educational qualification:Doing
her B. C. A - Bachelor of Computer Application,Women's
Christian College.
So, how did your friends in college feel about your winning the title?
The next day when I went to college, all my friends cheered and clapped
' Welcome, Miss Chennai'. They were so happy.
What about your treat for them?
Yes, I promised to give them a big treat. I am trying to convince
my parents to spare some money for throwing a party to all my friends.
Any previous exposure to modelling and beauty contests?
I
previously participated in Miss Adyar and won the title in
October. But, I was not confident when I entered Miss Chennai, because
all the participants were equally good. I was mentally prepared that
there was always a possibility that I might not win. So, I thought
no matter who wins, everything happens for the best. That attitude
really helped me.
If given a chance, would you have answered that final question differently?
No, I was perfectly happy with my answer. Except for the fact that
I did not greet the crowd with ' Good evening ladies and gentlemen,
I am Pooja.' I practised saying that a million times, but that
never came to me on stage. When the question was asked, I straight
away came to the answer. Probably next time I will take care to greet
the audience.
So, how did you feel when you were crowned Miss Chennai?
I felt on top of the world. It was the happiest moment of my life.
Especially being crowned by Madhavan. It was a dream come true.
Your dream date?
Madhavan, of course. I watched the movie Alai
Payuthey seven times just to see him.
Did you undergo any special
preparation before entering the contest?
I always liked meditation. It calms me and takes away tensions. It
is also a psychological thing. If you think that meditation helps
and believe it, then it helps.
Given a choice between becoming a Crorepati and becoming Miss Chennai
- what would you choose?
Becoming Miss Chennai, because I love the limelight and the fame.
The title gave me a sense of achievement. And I am almost working
now. I am going to get paid for something I love doing. I wanted to
be on my own two feet before I got married. I wanted to be independent.
There are strong protests against Beauty pageants. If you were to
meet those protesting, what would you say to them?
I
would want them to get to know me a little. Then they will realise
that I am a perfectly nice and decent person. She has got her culture,
her values and is a nice person. I respect elders, my country
and its values. I like wearing western clothes, but you would not
find me wearing a short skirt before an elderly person. Basically,
they think that at beauty pageants, the girls who participate are
'bad' types and are immoral. But, once they get to know us, they will
realise that it is not true. Modelling is also a career and a profession.
Your favourite model?
I like Sushmita Sen. She has this look of intelligence and
confidence.
How has the whole contest helped you?
I have learnt a lot. You learn how to move with so many different
kinds of people. It improved my public relations and gave me
more exposure.
So, what is next on your agenda - the Miss India contest?
3:06:38 AM 
I
previously participated in Miss Adyar and won the title in
October. But, I was not confident when I entered Miss Chennai, because
all the participants were equally good. I was mentally prepared that
there was always a possibility that I might not win. So, I thought
no matter who wins, everything happens for the best. That attitude
really helped me.
