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 As I entered her house, I expected to
find
copies of 'Femina' and "Women’s Era" to be lying around. But instead
I came across a library which had neatly piled books such as the
Human Resources Score Board, Journey to Self Reliance, Social
Intelligence, Sky is the Limit… These books belong to Samyuktha
Shanmughanathan, 21-year-old Adyarite, who was crowned ‘Fa Miss
Chennai 2007’ on July 22.
She also won the title ‘Miss Beautiful Skin’.
This well-trained Bharatanatyam dancer graduated in civil
engineering with distinction this May from Hindustan College of
Engineering and quit her placement for the pageant. Out of 450
contestants, she was the one who came out in flying colours. I
had a quick chat with her about the event and her experience…
Q: How did you come to know about the Miss
Chennai contest?
A: I came to know about the event through my friend. I also came
across the organisation, Viba, which organised this event and I
registered online through their portal.
Q: How do you feel after being crowned Miss Chennai 2007?
A: I am very happy. People have started to take me more
seriously. They also look up to me now. It is quite a different
feeling.
 Q: How did you prepare for this contest?
A: We had about one-and-a-half months of grooming for this
event. We had a lot of classes such as Kalari, kick-boxing and
communication skills. I go to the gym every single day and
maintain a perfectly balanced diet. I ensured that I made every
possible effort from my side for the event.
Q: How was the experience?
A: The one-and-a-half months grooming session was great. I made
a lot friends. I had the opportunity to meet people of my wave
length. I had a lot of fun throughout the event. One the day of
the results, I was quite nervous. But somehow things went with
the flow. Even if I hadn’t won, I would have had the
satisfaction that I have given my best shot. It is the
cumulative effort I made which was fruitful towards the end.
Q: How do you think this contest is going to help you?
A: Miss Chennai contest is something which I can talk about for
the rest of my life (laughs). It has made me a more confident
person. It has made me realise that if I work hard for
something, I can really achieve it.
Q: What quality in you, do you think, helped you to get this
far?
A: I would say perseverance. I kept pushing myself. Sometimes
the practice session used to go on till 12 in the night and I
used to wonder what am I doing here and is it going to benefit
me in any way. But my other half would just push me to go on. I
am quite determined about what I am doing and hard working.
Q: There must have been a lot of events as a part of the
contest. Which is your favourite one?
A: We went to this place called Nellikuppam. It is a
tsunami-affected area. We had this adventure event happening
there. It was real fun. In all 26 of us were playing in the
beach and had lots of fun. It was a memorable day.
Q: Which event do you think really helped you to clinch the
crown?
A: I think my answer to the question, which mythological woman I
would relate myself to, favoured me. I said I relate myself to
Rani of Jhansi, not because my combat skills are good, but I am
a warrior in my own right. I have fought against life and
continue to do so. Winners never quit and quitters never win.
Q: Did you come across any hurdles?
A: I didn’t exactly come across a hurdle. But I was in a
critical position where I had to make an important decision in
my life. I was placed in one of the corporate giants and I was
supposed to join them. I had to decide between the pageant and
my job. I followed my heart and went for the pageant. My dad was
quite worried about it as it was a life-time decision.
Q: How supportive were your parents?
A: Very supportive. Especially my mom. In the beginning, my
father was quite apprehensive about it. I had never been into
modeling or ramp walking. So my dad was not very happy about it.
But later, when he knew that I was quite focused and putting in
a lot of efforts, he also gave his support. He felt that I was
having a dream and proceeding towards it, which satisfied him.
 Q: Any funny incident you came across during the contest?
A: When we went to Nellikuppam, we were put as couples in
catamarans and sent into the sea. One couple got separated in
the middle of the sea and was drifting away. We were wondering
where they were and began searching for them. Then another boat
had to be sent to get them back. Besides this, every day was
enjoyable. Everyone used to crack jokes and have fun.
Q: Will you be on the ramp again?
A: Yes. If I get good offers from good companies, I may do
commercials also.
Q: Modelling is considered to be a glamorous job. Can you
comment on it?
A: Modeling is not glamorous as such. It depends on the agency
and the product you model for. Modeling is not quite as easy as
it seems to be. You have to do regular workouts, you have to
maintain a perfect diet. You can’t eat potato chips just like
that whenever you want (chuckles). Also this particular pageant
was more based on talent and personality than looks.
Q: Who is your favourite Miss India?
A: Sushmita Sen. I think she has that style element and the
grace.
Q: So what is your next step?
A: Next year I am planning to pursue MS in structural
engineering in the US and so preparing for GRE. I have one more
year to go for that. Till then I may join some construction
company. I am more into academics and modelling is just my
passion. If I get any good opportunity I may do some commercials
also.
With that I said goodbye to Miss Chennai 2007.
Dhivya
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