Indian Aphrodite best describes this ravishing belle, Kanishtha Dhankar.  Winning the Miss India 2011 crown she avowed the saying, “A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.”

She says that, always stick to your persona and let that show up throughout the pageant as well as life. This 22 year old beauty queen has had the esteemed opportunity to walk The Red Carpet at The Cannes Film Festival 2011, representing India.

What does a beauty pageant grant a contestant?

A beauty pageant is a respected platform which gives a young girl a chance to showcase not only her physical but inner beauty as well. It helps her grow into a young confident woman.

Do you think that a contestant can compete in a beauty pageant like Miss India without any prior preparation?

One could, but I personally feel that before entering such a coveted pageant one should be well prepared to compete if they want to showcase their talent and put their best foot forward.

Did you have any prior preparations? If so what were they and to what extent have they helped you win the crown?

Yes, I did. They were both physical and mental preparations. Reading a lot, keeping up to date with the current affairs and interacting with inspired and intelligent individuals helped me grow in my thoughts and working out religiously helped my body be in perfect form. A healthy and balanced diet is very important as well.

Everybody tells that on a beauty pageant stage ‘you have to be yourself.’ According to you how easy or practical is this statement?

I completely agree with the statement as I think the most important thing to remember in any stage in life is to always be you. Believe in yourself and let your personality shine through. That is what will make you stand apart from the rest.

Did you have a special pageant coach? Does having a private grooming session help a contestant? How?

No, I did not have a private coach. But if someone needs a private coach to help them understand things and excel at what they are not confident about, there is nothing wrong in it. It is always better to have a little insight and experience before entering a pageant of such great respect.

Could you please share your achievements so far with our readers?

• One of my biggest achievements is being crowned Pantaloons Femina Miss India 2011, which was possible thanks to the unconditional love and support of my family and friends.

• I will be representing India on the world stage at The Miss World contest 2011 which I believe is an achievement in itself.

• I walked The Red Carpet at The Cannes Film Festival 2011 as a muse for designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee and a representative of my country.

Could you please share some tips to prepare for a pageant Q&A round?

Do not get nervous. Keep an open mind and let your thoughts flow. Read a lot and be up to date with the current affairs in India and the World.

What is your message to Miss Kerala 2011 candidates?

To all the beautiful girls from Kerala, always believe in yourselves and let your individuality and personality shine through. Work hard and work out harder to be at your healthiest best.

Be confident, graceful, respectful and poised.

What is your message to our readers?

Always stay positive, dare to dream and put in everything you have got to achieve those dreams