The Gorgeous second runner up for Miss Kerala 2011, Maria John, shares her experience about being part of this big pageant. Read on.

How has being a part of Miss Kerala helped you in life?

Miss Kerala pageant gave me fame. This pageant was my ticket to film field. Today I’am doing a Tamil film and I’am super happy.

Your upcoming projects?

I did one jewellery ad (soon to be released), then done magazine shoots (Grihalaxmi , Cinema Mangalam, Vakdevatha (Pune mag) ). Currently I’am doing a Tamil film (Jan/Feb release). Then I am also going to work in Lenin Rajendran’s next project.

Malayali girls are still skeptical on being part of beauty pageants. Don’t you think more Malayali girls should come forward?

Yes. Girls, you should not limit your dreams. Just fly with your dreams. The famous thinker Aristotle had said , ” Hope is a walking dream” and now I would like to add to it- “Don’t let your hopes die”. Make your dreams, your passion . Don’t forget! Hard work is the key.

Tell us about the most memorable thing that happened when you were part of Miss Kerala.

The night before the finale!  All 9 days I waited to come out. I used to count days and I madly waited for the D-Day but on the 7th night, I realized that I’am gonna miss that sweet fear of Q&A training, the long wait for dinner and the late night talks after grooming (Marin, Nikita, Pooja and Shikha I miss you guys).

We usually see protestors for Miss Kerala every year outside the event venue. What would you tell them if you were given a chance to speak to those protesting?

Talent is God’s gift. If we give you a chance to come up on stage and answer the unexpected, tough, confusing questions submitted by widely experienced judges, would you be able to answer? Ladies have to prove their “BRAINS” in front of thousands. It needs talent and guts. Respect that talent and guts!

Who were your groomers for Miss Kerala?

Ritika Ramtri (pageant trainer) and Justin Bhatt (choreographer).

What drove you to be part of the biggest beauty pageant in Kerala?

My past success. I was Miss Kendriya Vidyalaya 2009-2010 (School level), and Miss Sinhgad 2010-2011(University level).

Tell us something about your personal life, and what you are doing currently.

I am a Pune based Keralite. Iam doing law. Modelling is my passion. My hobbies include photography, penning poems, reading. I love music. Both old and new. I would die without music in my life.

Message to Miss Kerala contestants for 2012.

First of all, I wish you all the luck in the world because winning is not all about beauty and brains. Luck plays the major role. Crown is not the end of life..crown is the end of pageant! Don’t run after the crown. Run after excellence. If you run after excellence, the glamor world will run after you. Best of luck. Have fun.

The ravishing reigning diva has much to speak about Miss Kerala. Elizabeth Thadikaran, Miss Kerala 2011, speaks to Kochivibe about her experience being part of the big pageant.

You are the reigning queen of the most sought after beauty pageant in Kerala, how has it changed your life?

I can’t do without posing and being in front of a camera. I am much more confident that I can face anything in life.I wake up in the morning, and I know I am a different person today. I am enjoying every second of life right now…and this confidence has made me want to achieve big things in the next 5 years.

We haven’t seen you much in ads or movies. Where do your interests lie then?

I love modelling and the film industry fascinates me. Over the past year, I’ve been doing a few ads (Real estate-Prince Holdings, I am the brand ambassador for ‘Oxygen Laptops’) modeling at shows, inaugurations and  appearing on magazines like Vanitha, Kanyaka, Family Facebook and The Femina next month. I’m so excited. Though I would love to act, doing films  doesn’t seem likely with my Dentistry course going on. As of now, I have decided to go ahead and prioritize on my studies  for another couple of years . However 2 years later, maybe if a good film comes my way I would love to try my hand in acting. After all, life’s so short and you got to explore all that it has to offer.

Do you think education plays a role in your confidence level, especially when you are into the glitz and glam industry?

Sound Education sets a person apart from the herd. It gives them the capability to think ahead and make logical decisions. For someone in this particular field education can make a difference in cementing the right attitude to carry forward with a successful career. Education makes you an all rounded person-working on your personality and character. It also gives off a certain aura that can only be felt and overall  makes you a self-independent individual. I love modeling and would love to do films someday too. But at the same time I’m a strong believer that “looks fade, money runs dry and fame leaves” but “education is forever.”

Beauty or Brains.  What would you say is more important to win a pageant ?

It is ones overall personality and how that is projected that to the judges. It is vital that we come out as a genuine and confident person, someone who knows what she speaks and believes in what she says, someone who is beautiful from inside and the outside… a combination of confidence,poise,elegance and femininity. So definitely a mix of both!!!

How has the grooming sessions from Miss Kerala helped you?

The grooming sessions helped me polish the way I dress, talk, carry myself and it also boosted my self-confidence. In short, it groomed me from the complete sportsperson tomboy  that I was to a prim and proper lady. I speak not only for myself when I say, that We as individuals grew because of the exposure and training given to us by experts in the field.I am truly grateful today for those rigorous grooming sessions,because it explored the hidden beauty/qualities inside of me-it changed me-and definitely for the better!!

The competition is extremely high in beauty pageants. How do you see it?

Oh there is no doubt about that!! I was amongst so many talented and gorgeous girls who were, like me after the same goal-winning the prestigious title and crown to represent our wonderful state that is Kerala. But at the same time, I am very grateful that our competition was very healthy throughout and always in the spirit of the pageant.

What role does your family have in molding the beauty queen in you?

Without the help of my elder sisters Tanya and Sonya, I don’t think I would have even realized how much I could push myself. Both of them and my mother have constantly backed me in whatever it is that I wanted to do. And I got to give it to my father too!! Despite the conservative background he comes from, he has been by my side loyally and today, he is my biggest role model. You really can’t do much without family . Only they can help you overcome life’s many roadblocks. Their approval,criticism,praises,advice are absolutely critical and today that is what keeps me going irrespective be it in modeling,  acting or  my studies.

Message to aspiring Miss Kerala 2012 contestants?

I would tell them 3 things!!!

• Make your opportunities, don’t wait for them. If you are truly passionate about it and give it your 100%, the results will show.
• Two, Naturality and confidence go a long way. Believe in yourself and you will be amazed at what is within your reach.
• And thirdly, one should try to not worry too much about the crown.  Have fun and Enjoy the entire experience of it all.. Things like this don’t   happen too  often in life…
• My best wishes to everyone!!Looking forward to crowning the next Miss Kerala on Saturday.

The Miss Kerala 2011 event hasn’t lost its glitz yet. How can we forget that Saturday evening when the Miss Kerala contestants walked the ramp, and made us all proud by showing that Malayali women are not just about beauty, but brains too! Now, get ready to witness the next big show- Miss Kerala 2012, and this time the show will be happening on the 28^th of July 2012. Yes, a little early!!

So for all those who want to be a part of Miss Kerala 2012, start grooming yourself for the D-day. There is much in store for you if you are the crowned one. Women aged between 18-24, if you are of Malayali origin, and if you think you have the looks and confidence, we say go for it!

The event organizers ‘Impresario’ announced this on the 18^th of February 2012, at an event for the launch of their fashion calendar. Miss Kerala 2011, Elizabeth Thadikaran, First and Second runners up: Sruthi Nair and Maria John (respectively), are the models that were associated with this event. These stunning beauties made their presence felt on the stage. Beauty Queen Elizabeth Thadikaran, Rima Kallingal and Former Miss Kerala Rohini Idicula released the calendar.

1. How did Miss Kerala happen to you?

I was into modelling. I have participated in a few beauty pageants as well. I had won the Navy Queen in 2010. I do my BDS course from a college in Bangalore, and used to visit Kochi every three weeks. My family stays here. That is when I came to know about Miss Kerala pageant happening here. Social networking sites like Facebook gave me better access to it. I thought I will give it a try. That is how I ended up participating.

2. How did the grooming sessions go?

Grooming sessions were rigorous. It was awesome being with the other contestants. We were groomed by experts. Ritika Ramtri, who has been grooming contestants for many beauty pageants, was a part of Miss Kerala 2011 grooming. The lessons she taught us were of immense help, and it will help us not just for pageants, but later in our lives too.  Justine Bhatt was also amazing. Murali Menon also took grooming sessions for us. He was brilliant. He is witty, and makes you laugh so much.

3. How do plan to shoulder the responsibilities of being Miss Kerala 2011?

The theme this year is ‘Save the girl child’. We will be showing people how important education is, and that a girl can do things in par with men. We hope to do something to reduce female foeticide.

4. You are currently staying in Bangalore. Don’t you think that will affect your work as Miss Kerala title winner?

We are doing work for ‘Save the girl child’ campaign. You can do that from Bangalore, or for that matter from anywhere else in the country. You don’t have to be here in Kerala for that. But yes, I’ll be coming here every 3 weeks. I will make sure that my work here is accomplished well.

5. What was the first thing that passed your mind when you were announced Miss Kerala winner?

I was trying to concentrate on my breathing. I could see my sister from the stage. I was looking at her. She was constantly asking me to keep my hair back and stuff. I could see my family also. I was looking at them.

6. Have you got any movie or ad offers till now?

Well, Impresario the event organizers are taking care of all that. But as of now, I haven’t personally got any invites.

7. So is this pageant a shortcut for you to enter movies?

Not really. I’am concentrating on my studies now. Maybe if I get a really good script, I might think of acting.

8. A message to Kochivibe readers?

I love Kochivibe. It’s a lovely website to read. People, keep reading Kochivibe.

It’s the grand finale of Miss Kerala 2011 today, the beauty pageant which Malayali’s across the globe has been looking forward to. The 20 contestants are set to make a mark in the glitz and glamour field. You can see them showcasing their talents on-stage. The pageant will be held at Hotel Le Meridian at Kochi.

Are you staying outside Kochi? Here is a chance to witness the pageant live!! Watch it on Kochivibe.

Go click http://www.kochivibe.com/watch-miss-kerala-2011-live, and watch Miss Kerala live right here on Kochivibe.

The much awaited pageant is here. Miss Kerala 2011, which has been in the news for the past few months, is happening tomorrow, the 8^th of October 2011. Crowning the next beauty queen of Kerala, the lady who will be the true ambassador of Malayali culture, the pageant will be held at Le Meridian, Maradu.

There are 20 smart ladies to choose from. The judges will have a tough time determining the pageant queen. The contestants will have to walk the ramp for three different rounds before the winners are announced. Sari wear, Party wear and Gowns- these are the three rounds. And it’s not just the Miss Kerala 2011 title which the girls are contesting for. The other titles are Miss. Beautiful smile, Miss Talented, Miss. Photogenic, Miss Congeniality, Miss Sensuality, Miss Beautiful Voice, and more which we can look forward to.

Here are the contestants for Miss Kerala 2011! Shikha Santhoshkumar from Calicut, Jesna Kunji Kannoth from Mumbai, Pooja Iyyer from Calicut, Justina Mathew from Pathanamthitta, Thrupti S from Trivandrum, Kasturi Krishnan from Dubai, Prathibha Premnath from Dubai, Sanjana Kumar from Dubai, Richa Sudheer Chandran from Dubai, Sreelakshmi Pillai from Ahmedabad, Nikitha Nair from Ahmedabad, Vidya Nair from Bangalore, Nikitha Cicy from Trivandrum, Rupika Ramnath from Bangalore, Nimisha Sivram from Bangalore, Anisha Ummer from Malappuram, Liz Thadikaran from Kochi, Maria John from Pune, Merin Babu from Kochi, and Sruthi Nair from Kochi.

So all you need to wait and see now is who amongst these lovely girls will be the next crown owner. Just one more day to go!!!

Miss Kerala 2011 is all set to hit town. Come 8th October, and we can witness the biggest beauty pageant in Kerala. With 20 contestants from across the globe contesting for this years’s Miss Kerala, it will sure be a great treat. So what have been our pretty ladies upto lately? How are they preparing for the coming days of photoshoots, portfolios and limelight?

Our ladies are busy getting groomed by experts. With experts Ritika Ramtri (Pageant groomer) and Justine Bhatt (Fashion choreogrpaher) who were grooming the girls on the 4th of October, they are preparing hard. The sessions are being held at Kochi, and they will very soon have other maestros including Semu & Atit (fashion Designers) and Sooraj Masood (Health and Wellness Consultant) grooming them in the days to come. Here are a few pcitures of the girls getting set for the D-Day. Trupti, one of the contestants celebrated her birthday with fellow contestants on the 4th of October in between the sessions!!

The stage is all set for the crowning of the next Malayali beauty queen. The grand finale of Miss Kerala 2011 will be held at Le Meridian Convention Centre, Cochin on 8th October 2011 at 6.30 p.m. It is that time of the year again when the pageant rolls its annual carnival in serach of a Kerala beauty who symbolizes the true values of a Keraliite, its land, its vast richness and cultural heritage and someone who mirrors the modern Kerala woman. Modern, yet traditional in her values. Ambitious, yet rooted and grounded to Kerala and its ideologies and beliefs. A true youth ambassador for Kerala.
The pageant was officially declared open at a press meet in Kochi on 13th July 2011 by announcing the event and this year’s sponsors, and affiliates for the beauty pageant. With a majestic success of previous year’s contest NUPAL owned brand ‘Hairomax’ for the third time will be the title sponsor for the event. The event would be acclaimed ‘Hairomax Miss Kerala 2011’.
The 11 years of success has encouraged the pageant producers to take up a leap forward by joining hands with ‘SAVE THE GIRL CHILD’ mission again. The association with ‘Save the Girl Child’ mission is in harmony with year’s pageant theme- Beauty with a purpose. The winner would devote herself in working for ‘Save the Girl Child’ programme. To promote this cause, Impresario produced a short film titled ‘Sita’ which was screened at various short film festivals.
This year, the pageant rolled over to the other parts of Kerala and outside India, where Malayalis are based. The auditions were conducted in Cochin, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, and Dubai. From 400 applications received, Impresario has shortlisted the best 20 talented young girls for the finale.
The final 20 contestants will be groomed for 8 days by an expert panel of achievers and celebrities before the contestants take the final stage to vie for the coveted tiara of ‘Hairomax Miss Kerala 2011’. The one week grooming session not only helps the contestants to boost their interview skills, confidence, onstage presence, but also their public appearances and communication skills.
The pageant is supported by Parakkat, Time Ads, Le Meridian, Club FM, Anna Properties, Citizen, Kochivibe, Gili, Elite Matrimony and Parinaya Wedding Management Solutions.

“I dream with eyes open because I believe that those dreams come true,” says Parvathy Omanakuttan. This stunning and smart Kerala’s own elegance has proved that sky is not her limit. Dreaming high and working hard towards those dreams have made her stay ahead a winner.

Bringing the Miss India 2008 and Miss World 2008– First Runner – up crown, home she has made us proud. This beauty queen has other honored beauty pageant winning tales too to her credit.

• Miss Malayali 2005

• Malayali Manka 2005

• Miss Navy Queen, Cochin – 2006

• Miss SVKM (Sarva Vidyalaya Kelvani Mandal, Mumbai) – 2006

• Miss Navy Queen, Vizag – 2007

• Lions Club Dreamgirl 2007

• First Ever Pantaloons Femina Miss India South – 2008

How did Miss India and Miss World happen to you?

It was my most treasured dream ever. I wanted to pursue it, initially my dad was hesitant, he told that I have to complete graduation then only I can take part in these beauty pageants. I was crowned Pantaloons Femina Miss India South in 2008, then I happened to see Miss India application, I applied and got through, once I won the crown, I could represent India in Miss World 2008.

How have beauty pageants helped you?

I have participated in various pageants in and around Mumbai and Kerala. I have never taken any grooming or personality development classes before participating in any of the pageants. It has helped me polish the way I dress, talk, carry myself etc. In short it has groomed me from a tomboy to a prim and proper lady.

Could you please elaborate how the line of experts you had after the winning of Miss India World helped you?

I was fortunate to get groomed by the line of experts after I won Miss India World. Hemant Trivedi; the famous groomer, Sabira Merchant; the diction expert, Deanne Pandey; the fitness expert, Dr.Apoorva and Sonal Shah; the hair care experts and  Dr. Purnima Mahtre ; the skin expert are the people whom I want to thank dearly for the person I am now.

Would you give any tips to the Miss Kerala 2011 aspirants, to prepare for the Q&A round?

I would tell them not to mug up any answers or even go through previous pageant questions and answers. Stay away from mugging up or doing any prior rehearsals for Q & A round because if you forget even a word in it, you won’t be able to answer, thus you would miserably end – up making a fool out of yourself. Be bold to speak your heart out. Be yourself; throw your thoughts as answers.

Do you think that answering in the language; English only will get you the crown?

I think it is a myth. At the end what matters is how confident and strong you are in your views or thoughts. Be it Malayalam, Maratti, Tamil or any other local language; don’t hesitate because language is not at all a barrier to win the tiara. In international pageants the contestants answer in their mother tongue or any other language they are comfortable in. Hence put your thought across clear and loud in which ever language you are proficient.

How did the Miss India and Miss World glory help you?

It has helped me to a very large extent. I still enjoy its recognition and fame. People recognize me, most of the time when I travel people come up to me and talk. Some tell that I am their role model and they really look upto me. Such words are really overwhelming to hear.

If you judge Miss Kerala 2011, what would you look for in a contestant?

I would look for; how original is she in the way she talks, carries herself, thinks and presents. In short someone who is proud of being who she is.

What is your message to Miss Kerala 2011 aspirants?

Enjoy every moment of the pageant, make good friends, be yourself. Lots of girls craving to be in the limelight try to fake their self. Like; they wear something they aren’t comfortable in, they imitate someone else’s persona or style, they try to put fake accent or diction etc. In my case I never went out my way to prove myself. Therefore where ever it is; you have to be who you are. Not just in a pageant, in your personal as well as professional life too.

How important is a healthy yet competitive relationship among the contestants?

According to me it is very important. The fun time you share with your fellow contestants can really help you evade all those negative vibes and fill yourself with positive vibes. In my case, during the pageant days we used to laugh so much that ours jaws and stomach would start aching. These good times shared with the contestants can free you from tensions. Also you should never be with the mentality, “why should I help her?” Be helpful to others, it will increase your good will. After all we are human beings so be kind.

Could you please share an unforgettable fun moment in your pageant days?

Once we were in South Africa for the Miss World contest. I still remember my first meeting in the bus with Miss England, Laura Coleman. As we were travelling she started singing the Hindi film song, “chori chori hum gori se pyaar karega,” to my surprise she knew a whole stanza of the song. When I heard her singing I stood up on the bus and started laughing my gut out. Even now, we laugh when we talk about this incident. I feel that Britishers are born with amazing comic sense.

What are your future projects?

I have a few in the pipeline. Currently I am shooting for Billa – 2 opposite Ajith Kumar.

What is your message to our readers?

I want to wish them all the very best. Dream with eyes open!

Just 8 more days for the much awaited beauty pageant in Kerala!! With 22 contestants across the globe, who are here to showcase their talents and smartness on stage, the show is going to be one of its kind. The D-day will host the best of performances. So, our young women are preparing for the 8^th of October. Yes, with the ice-breaking sessions that were held on the 30^th of September, contestants for Miss Kerala 2011 are all set to catch the limelight.

The grooming sessions were started off by Murali Menon. This actor and dramatist have proved his talents through umpteen movies and plays in which he did pioneer roles. Truly a talented soul, Murali Menon will acquaint the ladies with the basics of the grooming sessions. There is so much to explore and know about. Our contestants are in the best hands, and let us wish them all the good luck before entering the final stage on the 8^th of October. The world awaits you out there, so prepare for it!