First runner-up to the Miss World 2008 crown Parvathy Omanakuttan returned to Mumbai from Johannesburg, South Africa two days ago. Parvathy, 21, is the country's first-ever Miss India of Malayali descent and many believed that her excellent performance at the pageant would secure first place. Here, in a tete-a-tete with rediff.com she discusses her disappointment at missing out on the crown, her New Year Plans and how she keeps herself looking great.
As an eight-year-old, Parvathy had stars in her eyes when Aishwarya Rai and Sushmita Sen won the Miss World and Miss Universe titles respectively. Since then, this young girl had one dream and one dream alone -- to wear that same crown on her head someday.
"I started modelling at the age of eighteen and I consider Hemant Trivedi my mentor," she explains. "He gave me my first break at the Mumbai Festival fashion show and helped me gain the confidence to come so far." Parvathy then started participating in beauty pageants and bagged several titles. When Miss India World finally happened to her, the rest of the country had to sit up and take notice. Would this be the next girl to bring the coveted title home?
Unfortunately, in what she describes as 'bad luck', Parvathy lost out at the Miss World pageant by a whisker. "After the last question-and-answer round," she says, "I thought that the title was mine and so did all the other contestants." So when she was announced first runner-up, the tears that poured down her cheeks weren't the practiced ones associated with the pageant -- they were real tears of sorrow and disbelief.
"To me, I was the best and I performed the best. That is something the entire nation felt," says the lissome lass.
"I have no future plans as of now, apart from spending time with my family and friends. I want to study further and Bollywood is definitely something I'd consider and like to explore -- but for the present, relaxing is what I'm looking forward to. I really need a vacation," she laughs.
And how does Parvathy maintain her marvellous figure? "Eating in moderation," comes the reply. "I love to eat, whether it's extra cheese or chocolates. But you have to limit things to keep your body fit. Your mind has to be satisfied that you've had what you want, but your body shouldn't have to work extra either."
So is she planning on indulging herself this New Year? "Oh, I'm planning on staying home," she says. "I like to spend New Year with my friends and family instead of going out, because the entire country's out on that day! It's better to sit at home, relax and enjoy yourself."
Also see: How to get toned: Fitness tips from Catwalk Queens
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