‘Mrs. India’ semi-finalist dreams big

It’s just a beginning, says Shanthi Krishna, mother of two

Aiming high: Shanthi Krishna who was short-listed as the semi-finalist at the recently concluded Mrs. India (south) pageant.

Walking the ramp and vying for the coveted title at a beauty pageant have been a dream for Shanthi Krishna. A city-based restaurateur for the past 16 years and a mother of two, Shanthi was never keen on investing in herself, particularly after her wedlock.

But her two-month-long endeavour to knock off those extra pounds and bring her body back to shape eventually paid off. After winning the sub-title ‘Mrs. India Inspiration’ and short-listed as the semi-finalist at the recently concluded ‘Mrs. India (South) - 2017’ pageant organised by Mrs. India Pageant and Productions Private Limited in Chennai, she says that it’s just the beginning of a long and glamorous journey.

As soon as Shanthi came to know about the pageant through Facebook, the first thing she thought of doing was hitting the gym.

“In addition to this, I also resumed my Kuchipudi dance classes as I realised that strict diet alone will not work to get that flab off my body,” she has told

The Hindu .

Her determination to give it a shot at the beauty pageant prompted her to focus more on staying in shape. “But it’s not an easy walk especially after crossing 40. There were times, when I felt out of place during the auditions as the other contestants were slim and could easily slip into any costume they wanted to. However, despite my initial apprehensions, I could pass through four rounds and eventually grab ‘Mrs. India Inspiration – 2017’ title and advance as a semi-finalist,” says Shanthi.

Encouraging response

Amidst stiff competition, Shanthi’s never give up attitude inspired a number of participants at the show. “Among 60 participants from across the southern region, I was the only contestant from Andhra Pradesh. The platform gave me a different kind of exposure and I received encouraging response from various quarters for my dedication and hard work. Most importantly, the avenue helped me make new friends and brought me closer to fitness regimen and dance classes,” she says, adding that her husband Rajendra Krishna is supporting her in the endeavour.