Charanya Kannan has always been on the go. A corporate professional, a trained dancer, scuba diver and former Doordarshan anchor, when maternity left her home-bound, Charanya was left searching for a positive outlet for her energy. The quest ended when she enrolled herself in the Mrs Chennai pageant organised by Virgo events in association with PGP Joyeria. Leaving home a six-month old baby can be painful, but Charanya was determined to get back to her old active life. “I was posted in Korea and came to Chennai, my hometown, on maternity break. This was when I heard about Mrs. Chennai. After being a full-time stay-at-home mom for six-months and taking care of my baby, I thought it was time to do something for myself. Mrs. Chennai was the perfect opportunity,” she says.
The contest gave her a chance to discover skills she hardly knew she possessed. “While I think the talent round saw me through the competition, where I performed Bharatnatyam dance, other rounds such as jewellery making, spot painting helped me unleash a creative side of me that I had never explored before. Hitting the gym was also refreshing,” says this resident of Mandavelli.
The semi-final rounds were the most hectic and her family ensured she could concentrate fully on the event, by taking care of the other aspects of her life. “People say it is an all new life after pregnancy. But the event made me realise that you could go back to your old life in just six months. I am going to pursue my masters in management at Harvard Business School.” She was the title winner of the contest.
Varsha Vijay, resident of Royapettah, was the first runner-up and Ashwini of Tambaram, the second runner-up.
Miss MadrasDeepika Murali had no intentions of joining the event. She didn’t think she would enjoy ramp walking. But when her sister, who was participating in the Mrs. Chennai contest, persuaded her to join, she gave her name.
“I was lethargic at the start of the event. But as we approached the semis, I was so into the event that I was determined to stay on till the finish. I enjoyed the communication round the most. And the jewellery making round has introduced me to the world of quilled ornaments,” says this resident of Alwarpet. She calls the event a launch pad for aspiring models. She was the title winner of the Miss Madras contest.
Meera Mitun of Chetpet was the first runner up and Esha Gohil of Kilpauk the second runner up.
The jury consisted of singer Sowmiya, dancer Prasanna, actors Aditya Menon and Ganesh Venkatram, music director James Vasanthan and fashion designer Richa Kapoor. The event was held at Kamarajar Arangam, Teynampet.
