When I met Geetannji, an ex-Miss India Delhi Finalist, I was not only awestruck with her beauty but with her spontaneity, humility, and chirpiness.

She shared with us the backstage secrets, the experience of Miss India pageant, her future aspirations and much more.

Here’s a sneak peek into our conversation with Geetannjli:

Me: Tell us about your modeling career and your selection for Miss India Delhi, last year.

Geetannjli: I have been into modeling since 2009. I participated and won Miss Rajasthan in 2014 and then last year, I was selected from Jaipur for Fbb Femina Miss India Delhi along with other 15 girls and was amongst the top 5.

Me: You always wanted to be a model or it happened by chance?

Geetannjli: It was my and dad’s dream that I would become a model; and when I participated in Femina Miss India, it was a dream come true for both of us.

Me: So, did you also practice in front of the mirror, as we see in the movies?

Geetannjli: *giggles* All the time! It was my daily routine to talk to myself and pose in front of the mirror.

Me: Wow! What was your daily schedule while training for the big day of the pageant?

Geetannjli: Our training was 7-day long, and we were trained by mentors like Anjali Raut & Alesia Raut.  It was one helluva week. Four hours of our day went into makeup and then, there were back-to-back rehearsals, fitting trials, gymming, public appearances, press conferences, etc. We didn’t have time to even sleep.

Me: And, what according to you was the most straining part of the training?

Geetannjli: High heels, pheww! With makeup on and lack of sleep, we had to stand and rehearse in high heels for like 12-15 hours a day. It’s harder than you can imagine. However, it’s a lifetime experience, and I enjoyed every minute of it.

Me: Is it true that models have to starve themselves to be in “good” shape? Are they body-shamed and have to conform to a particular body type?

Geetannjli: In my case, I have been blessed with a lean body, but, still for body toning I follow a fitness schedule two hours a day that includes weight training, yoga, etc. But of course, to be in the industry, you have to be in shape for which they have set standards. I have seen other girls who train hard and are on strict diets to maintain their weight and lose inches. Being said that, it’s also up to us, the models to feel comfortable and confident in our own skin and body.

Me: What about sexism and casting-couch in the industry? Does it exist?

Geetannjli: I haven’t experienced it, so can’t comment. I have worked with very good people till now. *touchwood* And, as far as sexism is concerned, I feel women are more favored in the modeling industry.

Me: Now, Spill some backstage secrets, please, will you?

Geetannjli: *thinks* So, while you see us walking the ramp with so much calm and poise, behind the stage, it’s crazy. After every round and walk, we have to literally run for change and touch up etc. There’s pushing, shoving, screaming etc. going on backstage.

Me: Ooh! And, tell me honestly, does there exist any rivalry between the contestants?

Geetannjli: All of us girls stay together all the time during the training. So, there’s gossiping but no negativity or sense of unhealthy competition amongst us. We all support each other!

Me: How has life changed for you after Femina Miss India?

Geetannjli: My life and I have changed completely, but of course, for the positive. I am so confident now. If you had met me last year before the beauty pageant, you would have known the difference. *laughs*

Me: Describe yourself in one sentence.

Geetannjli: I am very spontaneous and bold. My motto is: if you believe in yourself, you are unstoppable which will help in achieving all that you desire.

Me: Your role models?

Geetannjli: Koyal Rana and Lara Dutta

Me: Proudest moment of Miss India?

Geetannjli: When I was announced the Miss Aqua Maiden.

Me: And the worst moment, if any?

Geetannjli: I’ll not say it was worst, but of course, I was hoping to win the contest and was disappointed when it didn’t happen.

Me: There’s always a next time! BTW, what’s next?

Geetannjli: I am going to Chandigarh, next week, as I have been selected for Miss India Universe. And, guess who’ll train us: Lara Dutta! That’s a big motivation for me to work hard

Me: Any plans of entering Bollywood? Please, say yes!

Geetannjli: Actually, I am not interested. I don’t know how to act, and it’s not my cup of tea. I want to be a businesswoman. I do a lot of art and craft which I also sell online. So, maybe that’s what I’ll do in future.

Geetannjli concluded, “I want to inspire girls to pursue a career that they love. And, I feel that parents should support and believe in their children as it boosts their confidence and they become more focused.”

#FunFact:

Geetannjli does not use any surname because her father said to her, “Your name is the only identity you need.”

Wow, we wish Geetannjli all the best for her future endeavors.

Photographer