High fashion, glamourous after-parties and prestigious modeling assignments are what we associate with a beauty pageant. But Deepali Phadnis, who was crowned Mrs Asia International 2012, says “For me, winning the title meant much more. I have always wanted to work with diabetics. The title gave me recognition and I was able to spread awareness about it.”
Deepali, who will fight it out with 56 others for the Mrs International title in Chicago (July 17-21) , says, “Winning this title will give me an identity and I will be able to help people in a better way.”
Contrary to what many may think, Deepali’s journey to the top has not been a smooth run. She confesses that she had always wanted to walk the ramp for a beauty pageant but it never happened because of financial constraints and educational limitations. “I also met with an accident after which I gained a lot of weight. My dreams were shattered then,” she adds.
The enthusiastic person that she is, she says, “The idea behind participating in such beauty contests after wedding was to send across the message to every married woman that life doesn’t stop after marriage.”
Like many others, Deepali too was and still is inspired by former Miss Universe (1994) Sushmita Sen, who adopted a baby girl Renee in 2000. “I have always been a huge admirer of Sushmita Sen and her work. She is the reason I took up modeling,” she confesses.
Competing at a beauty pageant may not be as easy as one would think, and definitely not if one is married. Apart from being a career-minded woman with erratic working hours, Deepali is a social worker and also has a family to look after. When asked how she juggles her work, she says, “I work late hours but that’s good because my work fetches me money which is essential when you are competing in a beauty pageant. I also do not make frequent visits to salons; I mostly get my skincare done at home using homemade products.”
Revealing little about her ensemble for the competition, she says, “The opening gown by Sherri Hill and fitness wear will be sponsored by the organisers. I chose and designed a peacock blue gown that I will be wearing for the gown round. For the meet-and-greet event I will be wearing a Sidney Slayden creation.”
The contest will have three rounds – gown round, fitness round and personal interviews — and will be judged by five eminent personalities from across the world.
The contestants will be judged on their fitness, social work, presence of mind and the like. They will also be judged in a charity auction round. Ask her how it feels to compete at the international pageant, she says, “Having won a crown once, I am hopeful about it this time.