Ever since the Vivel Miss Chennai crown happened in 2009, life's been a whirligig for Sahithya Jagannathan. After a flurry of shows and endorsements, this student of Journalism from MOP Vaishnav College is poised to enter the orbit of international beauties by participating in the 23rd World Miss University pageant in Seoul (December 12).
Minutes before take-off from Chennai, Sahithya is oh-so-excited. “This contest goes beyond beauty. College students from across the world join hands to promote peace. So we are essentially emissaries of peace,” she says. “After the Miss Chennai crown, I understand that beauty pageants are not just a pretty girl thing anymore. You need to have substance to survive these shows. It's been quite a tightrope walk for me. College, on the one side, and modelling assignments and preparations for the pageant, on the other. But I think if you manage your time well, you can succeed,” she says with an air of confidence.
Korean culture
“There will be over 50 participants from different countries. So I've worked real hard. I went to InKo Centre in Chennai to pick up the nuances of Korean culture and have also learnt to make small conversation in Korean.” That's not all, for the Talent round, Sahithya will perform a combination of Bharatanatyam, Kalari, contemporary dance and yoga. “VIBHA, that presents the Miss Chennai pageant every year, wanted something that's truly traditional, yet with a modern appeal. Titled Indian Phoenix, the presentation has been choreographed by Geethan Britto and Bhavna Balakrishnan.
Always interested in clothes, she's had a brief spell of work experience at designer Rehane's store. “Clothes — the cuts and colours — fascinate me. And thanks to Miss Chennai, I've polished my tastes. Now, I know what to wear and how to use make-up to advantage. For the Seoul pageant, designer Sidney Sladen has done my clothes. It's a golden peach number with jewel embellishments. For the national costume, I have a peacock-inspired outfit. The gowns are gorgeous. I can't wait to wear them!”
A “nerd” in class and a “ bindaas girl” at parties, Sahithya says she loves being different people. “If handled right, there's nothing quite like showbiz. You evolve very fast and you learn to handle people better. And of course, recognition is the icing!”
You too can help Sahithya win by voting for her. Log on to the World Miss University website: >www.wmu.or.kr.
