So the D-day has arrived near, and the contestants are getting ready for Miss Kerala 2012! The event will be held at Raviz Kollam, and you can see the lissome lasses making way to glitz and glamor! With ooze of confidence and much to look ahead, the contestants for Miss Kerala are gearing up for their big day. The grooming sessions were tough yet awesome. A new learning experience to each and every contestant, Miss Kerala 2012 is going to pave way for the best in the lot.

20th October 2012 is truly expected to be a much awaited day for all the contestants. Let us wait and see who shall be crowned the queen this year!

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.

Sonal Devraj was the second runner up for Miss Kerala pageant in the year 2010. Her performance in the debut movie ‘Mullassery Madhavankutty Nemom P. O’ was noticed, and the lady is geared up to take more challenging offers in Malayalam cinema. Sonal speaks to Kochivibe. Read on

How has being part of Miss Kerala pageant changed your life?

Miss Kerala in many ways was like a finishing school. Not only did it help me develop a broader perspective towards life, but also helped me polish up the rough edges.

Some say good education plays an important role in being part of a beauty pageant and coming out successfully. What do you think?

Physical beauty is just skin deep, it diminishes with time. Knowledge however, never deserts you. Knowledge is what helps you when everything else fails and thus it is my personal opinion that a good, sound education is an imperative. Those who judge beauty pageants understand this since they have gone through the daily grind of life and have come out successfully. They know exactly how important education is and therefore keep an eye out for it whilst judging the contestants.

Which one do you prefer more to boost your confidence as a person? Being a model or an actress?

As a person, I never look at success in such glamorous fields as a way of boosting my confidence. Rather a kind word from someone whom I’ve helped in any way is more than enough to make my day and make me feel like I have made a difference.

However, if you ask me what I prefer as a career, then the choice is easy- being an actress. The ability to make someone cry or smile as they watch you on the silver screen and forgetting their headaches and problems for the duration that film is something I’d love to have.

How did the grooming sessions for Miss Kerala help you later in life?

Grooming sessions helped build my confidence .

Tell is something about your personal life.

Bonny Mary Mathew was the Second Runner-up for Miss Kerala in the year 2009. You might be familiar with the beauty, as she has appeared in umpteen ads and music videos. Oh yea! the very same lissome lass from the uber hit song ‘Palavattom’ starring Salim Kumar and sang by Vineeth Sreenivasan. So the lady isn’t beauty alone, but ooze of confidence and charisma. She speaks to Kochivibe about her experience being part of the pageant in the year 2009. Read on.

Miss Kerala is the most sought after beauty pageants in the state today. But don’t you think Malayali girls are still skeptical on entering pageants even now?

I feel Malayali girls today are much more confident, bold & driven. If they really want to get going, they have the capability & the guts to do so! Statistically maybe there still could be a lot of girls who are shy when it comes to contesting in beauty pageants but I’m sure the number of candidates wanting to participate have only increased in the past years. That I believe is a good sign .

Most girls take part in beauty pageants as a mere entry to films and modeling. Where does your interest lie?

Honestly, for me Miss Kerala happened because of my friends. I had never anticipated that I would be part of any pageant. Though I’m extremely interested in the fashion & film world, I hadn’t had any preconceived thoughts before or while being a part of Miss Kerala.

How did the grooming sessions help you?

Oh, the grooming sessions definitely helped me a lot especially considering the fact that I wasn’t prepared for any sort of a pageants. The grooming sessions in its literal sense groomed me from head to toe. From talking to walking to dressing and ultimately winning.

How do you link confidence and education especially when it comes to standing on a beauty pageant podium and answering the judges?

The two most important elements confidence & education indeed plays a pivotal role when it comes to answering the judges. Only CONFIDENCE can help you put your thoughts into words and EDUCATION is what gives you the knowledge & sensibility to answer those questions intelligently. Though for me, Confidence is the prime & most required factor because that can take you a long way and help make a mark in the judge’s mind.

Beauty according to you is…

Is something that is in every human being! I believe beauty in a person is seen in the actions one carries out…

What do you think is the biggest blessing to Malayali girls?

Though it may sound cliched, I truly believe that the biggest blessing to Malayali girls are the strong values, traditions & heritage they pocess. Having spent a lot of time across different places, I’ve realised that a Malayali girl’s strongest point is her roots that she has been blessed with being born as a daughter to a state like Kerala. And that makes me say, that I feel proud to be a Malayali!

Tell us something about your personal life.

I just completed my Masters in Marketing & Management Communications from a media school in Bangalore named COMMITS. My interests lies in compering, dancing, watching movies, shopping, travelling, eating & spending time with family & friends.

Message to Miss Kerala contestants for 2012.

Stay true to yourself, believe in yourself & just simply BE yourself. Always remember to have fun in all that you do all through the pageant because these days are never going to come back. You guys are already winners so just have a blast. All the best to all the contestants. God bless!

Rohini Unnikrishnan, contestant of Miss Kerala 2007 tells us about her experiences being part of the biggest beauty pageant in Kerala!

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

Participating in Miss Kerala was a very enriching experience. Sharing a platform with so many talented and gorgeous girls and the opportunity to be groomed by experts, who have known and are acknowledged for the same, has defined success to me.

So haven’t you been approached by ad or film makers after being part of the pageant?

I was approached for a jewellery ad which didn’t materialize.

Do you think more Malayali girls should come forward and take part in such pageants?

Yes, definitely. It’s Miss Kerala, which has rounds acceptable to a Malayalee audience. It is reflecting our present changing culture. You have a choice in presenting yourself.

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

So many during grooming sessions!! But topping my list would be the music specially composed for Miss Kerala. It was soo beautiful!!

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?

See Miss Kerala for yourself to decide if it’s tarnishing our heritage!

Who were your groomers for Miss Kerala?

Ramesh Menon,Ram Menon

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

It was my first try at a pageant. Guess it was my adventurous streak that had me on that stage!

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

I live and work in Abu Dhabi.

Message to aspiring Miss Kerala contestants?

Go for it!

Nail care is very important. So whether it is your fingernails or toenails, you need to take utmost care for them. Nails are sensitive. Make sure you give the best to them. Manicures and pedicures help in protecting nails, to a large extent. They make your nails shine and sparkle. Here are a few more tips on how to keep your nails clean and make them look good. Read on.

Doing manicures for fingernails and pedicure for toenails (once in a month) does wonders to your hand and feet respectively. Your nails become cleaner and are shaped pretty.

• Nails determine whether you are healthy or not. Yellow pale nails show that you lack nutrients. So eat plenty and healthy. Lots of veggies and fruits do wonders to your nails.
• If your nails are brittle, wear nail polish to hide it.
• If you want to give a natural sparkle to your nails, wear the colorless nail polishes that are available in the market.
• Soaking your hands in hot water, once in a week, helps your nails become cleaner.

Make sure you try these tips for best results.

We have been giving you tips on how you can enhance the shine and sparkle on your face. From head to toe, everything has been spoken about. Hope all of you have tried at least some of them at home! Using products from the nature for your skin care is always suggested. It does not give you any side effects or doesn’t cause damage to your skin. Whereas, opting for chemicals (which helps in faster results) is the most dangerous way. Here are a few reasons to why you must not use chemicals, whereas switch over to natural products.

Most beauty enhancing cosmetics can create health hazards like cancer, in the long run. You can use them once in a while. But later, you will be affected.

• Natural products never give you side effects. But you need to keep using them on a regular basis unlike cosmetics which you give you quicker results.
• The products that you apply on your face are instantly absorbed and gets into your bloodstream. These are hazardous to your body.
• If you want to use cosmetics on your face, know what chemicals you are using. Have a detailed idea of the chemicals which you are applying on your face.

We have given you the vital reasons to why you must not use cosmetics too much. Go organic girls. It creates wonders to your skin.

Eyes are one of the most sensitive parts of your body. They need to be taken care off well. With the increasing pollution problems and dust everywhere, your eyes are often stressed and strained. We brought you some eye care tips before. And this time too, we have some really useful tips that you can help you.

Always wash you eyes with cold water once you come home from outdoors. Splash water into your eyes so that it gives you relief from the dust particles.

• Oil mixed with glycerin is a good method to keep your eyes and eyelashes dark and shining.
• Make sure you wear sunglasses while going outdoors, especially when the sun is at its peak.
• Mix cucumber juice along with rose water. Apply this around your eyes and wash it off after 15-20 minutes.
• The most important thing is, sleep well, at least for 7-8 hours a day. This gives you best results.

These are the tips that you must follow to take care of your lovely beautiful eyes. Try them today!

Who doesn’t love owning those shiny pretty and sparkling teeth?! It enhances your looks and gives you more confidence. Teeth care is important, which many people neglect today. You can own lovely teeth by taking some extra special care and practicing these tips once in a week atleast. Read on.

Make sure you don’t go for cheap brands of toothpastes and toothbrushes available in the market. Always buy the best ones for your teeth.

• You can brush your teeth twice-thrice a week with cooking salt. It makes your teeth look whiter and brighter!
• Strawberries are one of the most sought after fruits to enhance the brightness of your teeth. Eat a lot of fresh strawberries.
• Make sure you go easy on drinking coffee and tea. Cut short your smoking habits.  It creates stains on your teeth which are difficult to go off.
• Use a bit of baking soda along with your toothpaste and brush your teeth. This helps in enhancing your teeth whiteness.

So now you know how to smile with confidence, and own those pearl white teeth!

The beauty and lovely scent of flowers have always awed us. It has always been a pleasure, the sight of a flower bloomed and pretty. These flowers, which you have in your garden, have hidden beauty secrets to them. These secrets are being revealed here. Read on.

• Hibiscus has umpteen beauty secrets to it. From a perfect hair care to treatment for skin, hibiscus is used commonly for many beauty ailments. You can make hibiscus shampoos which will cure you off dandruff problems.
• Rose flower mixed with oatmeal makes a wonderful face pack. It enhances your complexion and makes you look shiny.
• Jasmine is one of the most sought after scents today. So you can put a few drops of jasmine oil into the water you bathe. The scent remains for a long time making you feel fresh through out the day.
• Vanilla is again another common scent used. It is also used for cosmetics like lip balms and moisturizers.

These are some of the few tips we have from flowers. So step into your garden and explore. You can definitely find something worth for your hair and skin!