One step closer to the crown

One step closer to the crown

The Pune auditions of P N Gadgil and Sons presents Sakal Beauty of Maharashtra pageant were held at Amanora, The Fern Hotels and Club on Wednesday. The event saw a sea of young participants, all dressed in white and blue, showing little nervousness and lots of confidence — to face the judges and show everyone what it takes to be the Beauty of Maharashtra.
 
Catching up with the judges and the participants present at the venue, we find out what the pageant means to them.
 
Image consultant Lovell Prabhu, who has been associated with Sakal Beauty of Maharashtra since its inception, says, that one thing that he has noticed about this contest is that it is reaching more and more rural women and giving them a platform to showcase their talent and present themselves to the big wide world. “There is nothing that is missing in these lovely young women. Though they come from rural pockets, they are confident and have the right attitude required for a beauty queen. I have a feeling that these girls will outdo the ones who are more ‘modern’ and give them a run for their money,” Prabhu feels.
 
Neha Kelkar Deshpande, who won the title of Haute Monde Mrs India Worldwide 2017, believes that women are no longer confined to their homes. “They can be whatever they wish to be, they can take up whichever career they want to and even pursue the world of pageants,” she says.
 
She believes that the ramp is an empowering platform as it gives equal opportunities to all. “Though people have this preconceived notion regarding beauty pageants that they are only about beauty, in reality, the participants are also judged for their brains and thoughts,” she clarifies.
 
According to her, to be able to spread their wings, what women need are a platform, guidance and the people who believe in them. Then they are ready to take on the world. “Sakal Beauty of Maharashtra is exactly doing this — giving women from different regions and walks of life, an opportunity to grow and explore their potential,” she says.

The contest is more than just a beauty pageant — it is beauty with brains, she adds. 

Simran Sharma, a contestant, says that what she likes the most about the pageant is the fact that it is open to everyone. “The spirit shown by fellow contestants and the desire to prove yourself makes this pageant really competitive. The reason I am here is to overcome my stage fear.  I always believed that if I participated in a contest where there are several contestants, I would be able to position myself better and further learn valuable lessons on how I should present myself as a model. I am so glad that I am a part of this pageant,” she says.
 
Another contestant Sayali Kale, a mechanical engineer who is also doing her PhD, says that for her, this contest is a platform that will help her bring a change in society. “I want people to listen to my thoughts and pay heed to them. It is through such competitions that you are recognised and can stand out to make a difference,” she feels.

When asked what is that one thing that she would like the contestants to follow, Nirupama S, judge and a nutrionist, says, “For any woman, what she eats is very important. If you eat right, your body works right and you practically glow.”
 
She also adds that this contest is giving a platform to the girls to pursue their dreams. “The girls are living their glamour dream as well as pursuing their careers. It is fascinating to see how these girls are balancing their lives and finding opportunities to fulfil their dreams. That does not however mean that they should be skipping their nutritious food intake; ultimately,  that’s where they will draw their energy from, to take their career and cause forward,” she says.
 
The finale of the Sakal Beauty of Maharashtra will be held in the city on February 16. 

Sakal Beauty of Maharashtra Partners

  • Design and Costume: Shruti Mangaaysh
  • Coiffure & Make-up: Lee’s Beauty and Spa
  • Lifestyle Partner: Amanora Park Town
  • Ethnicwear Partner: Ethnicity
  • Venue Partner: Amanora The Fern Hotels and Club
  • Travel Partner: Girikand Holidays Pvt Ltd
  • Nutrition Partner: Fitlifestyle
  • Smile Partner: Dr Pharande Dental Hospital
  • Handwriting Consultant: Renovision Management Consultant
  • Wellness Partner: Shree Vishwanand Chikitsalay
  • Radio Partner: Radio One
  • Magazine Partner: Tanishka
  • Portfolio Photographer: Nilesh Kale
  • Backstage Support: INIFD

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