We are beautiful

Mona

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It was as if everything had to fall in place for Karuna Singh. Blessed with good looks, a supportive family, a guide to spot her talent and lo and behold! This Chandigarh girl wins the top slot at Gladrags Megamodel contest!

The shimmering crown sitting proudly on this daintily girl’s perfectly blown hair, family—mum-dad, uncle, dada-dadi and brother— by her sides, this 19-year-old cut a pretty picture as someone just waiting to claim her fair share under the sun. And, no, despite everything working in her favour and she being the winner of this prestigious contest, it was not an easy task. Hear it from her...

The support system

I am pursuing business economics from University of California, Irvine. The thought would not have occurred to me to apply for Gladrags here but it was Maureen Wadia, the woman behind the show, who reached out to me. Since I was Teen Miss India, I got a direct entry in the show. I turned to my parents to ask if it made sense and my dad counselled me not to miss this opportunity. I turned to my professors next, who were encouraging as well and with a promise to submit my assignments on time online, I headed to Mumbai.

The journey

For two months, we were groomed and trained under the watchful eyes of Maureen mam. Huge learning experience that it has been, yet at the same time very, very challenging. I would finish the shoots, rush to do the assignments, video conference with my guides as not to miss out anything on study front. My mum stayed all this while with me in Mumbai to support me through my gruelling schedule. Not easy, but now, that I have won, it was one phenomenal experience.

The hurdles

There was this moment when I thought that I would have to leave the show midway. My exams were due and at no cost I was going to miss that. For a model, and, eventually if one gets a chance to be an actor, is all a time bound thing. However, as an entrepreneur the scope is massive, so studies at the moment are my priority. But then Maureen mam let me go for 10 full days and finish my exams; my sheer luck that finale did not fall in that period.

A city of beautiful…

Chandigarh sure has a good run in glamour industry, the credit rests with our genes. Blessed to be beautiful with just the right amount of tradition and modernity, city youngsters shine in this field. I am not much of a fitness person, just did the regular aerobics and exercises that were part of the two-month grooming. Yet, everyone lost weight. More because all were conscious what they were eating. You should have seen boys, who were surviving just on boiled chicken and eggs! I cannot do all that. Everything in moderation works for me just fine, and then my blessed genes...

Finding role models

I have been a huge fan of Tyra Banks. Not only has she been a top model but a super successful businesswoman. In Bollywood, it’s Priyanka Chopra.

Heading on…

What next? I am completing my studies. And if an opportunity comes my way, I am not letting it go...have a good run girl!

mona@tribunemail.com