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.

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!

Indu Thampy was the Miss Kerala queen in the year 2010. She also won Miss Beautiful Eyes, Miss Radiant, and Miss Sensous. Indu made her debut in the movie ‘Father’s Day’, and her performance was noticed. Indu Thampy speaks to Kochivibe about being part of the pageant and more.

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?

Yes. Malayali girls are still skeptical when it comes to beauty pageants. But that is mostly because of the negative hype that surrounds such programs. Parents are still a bit weary. I consider it not merely as a beauty pageant but a personality competition. Your personality is ultimately the main point that shall get you the crown. And when I say personality, I don’t mean just brains only. It includes looks, brains, and character. It includes everything!

Most girls take part in beauty pageants to enter films and modeling. Where does your interest lie?

I entered the competition with my sister as I was interested in personality contests in school and college. It’s an opportunity to grow, learn, explore and have fun. I do not think a title holder needs to be an actor or model in order to be recognized or successful. If she does so, well for her. But the title in itself is a prestigious feather in any lady’s crown!

How did the grooming sessions help you?

We had a one week grooming session. It was fun and we got to learn how to walk the walk, and talk the talk! These sessions were also important in making us comfortable with each other and warding away our individual fears. With exercises, speech sessions, games, classes, dress fittings, ramp walk training, question answer sessions and all, we had a time we would never forget in our lives.

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

Education gives you confidence. When you know you can answer what is asked, you naturally are ready to face the judges and their questions. General knowledge, tact, knowing how to word your answers, all this comes under education. This will definitely help a lot when it comes to exuding confidence and answering questions. And not only on a stage but throughout your life.

Beauty according to you is…

Beauty is a concept much debated on. External beauty does count, yes. But that beauty lasts only for a while. Your overall personality, the being you are, how you deal with your life, with others, all that comes near to my definition of the criteria used to judge a person as beautiful or not. That beauty lasts forever.

Biggest blessing to Malayali girls…

Malayali girls are well educated. Yes. We seem to have beauty and brains and that combination goes a long way.

Personal life.

I belong to a nuclear family consisting of my father mother sister and grandmother. We are simple people who have their roots planted firmly in our beliefs and culture but are also progressive and broad minded. My personal life revolves around my friends and family.

Message to Miss Kerala contestants for 2012.

Being selected to be the contestant of Miss Kerala in it is a blessing. It is not about being who everybody is; it is about being you and having fun. It is a great experience and may the best lady win. But the others are all winners too for no girl goes back a looser from this competition. All the very best!!

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!

Bhavya Prem was a Miss Kerala contestant in the year 2009. She has much to share about her experiences being part of the pageant. And she says there is lots to cherish at the event. Read on.

Very few girls from Kerala are keen on being part of beauty pageants. Do you think this scenario is changing?

Definitely!!!The fashion industry has been growing rapidly in Kerala. The stereotypical views about beauty pageants are vanishing with time. The sophisticated beauty pageants aren’t about walking the ramp in the skimpiest clothes and sporting a million dollar smile. It is a question of beauty with brains and the young generation surely understands it.

How was the experience being part of the pageant?

I was a part of miss kerala 2009 and lasted till the fourth round. Though I didn’t win any titles, I felt I was a winner in my own way for I have conquered my fear of talking in front of a big crowd. I will cherish this experience for a lifetime as it groomed me into confident young woman.  It actually marked the start of my print modeling career.

Is beauty merely skin-deep, according to you?

Real beauty glows from within, and it is not something that can ever be truly defined. Beyond that, I also think that it is important to find beauty within yourself before you can accurately distinguish beauty in other aspects of life. If an individual doesn’t recognize beauty within themselves they may be mesmerized by superficial representations of beauty in the real world.

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

Confidence is a factor when it comes to public speaking, and education provides the necessary intellect to comprehend yourself in the best possible way.

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

I completed my ENC engineering from MIT, Manipal and I am planning to go to Australia for my masters degree. There is an ounce of cooking skills that I inherited from my mom, so    baking cakes is a redundant hobby. I spend an adequate amount of time in the gym as I am a fitness freak. I love being captured by the camera and I guess that’s the reason why I prefer print over ramp modeling.

How has the grooming sessions for Miss Kerala helped you in life?

The grooming sessions were very helpful as it is a confidence booster. The sessions covered both personal and beauty related topics. I can now confidently declare that I have learned to maintain grace even when I am under pressure.

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

In this new generation, every field turns into a competing platform. To a certain extend this level of competition is required as it helps in self evaluation. Personally, this became a driving force for my overall personality improvement.

Message to aspiring Miss Kerala contestants?

The competition is more about the journey rather than winning. If you go into it with that positive attitude, it will be a gratifying, fruitful and enjoyable experience that will have lasting benefits.

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!

So girls, the biggest beauty pageant is hitting town soon. And the auditions for Miss Kerala 2012 have been going on in full swing since the past few weeks. From Dubai to Bangalore and more, the jury has hit the major cities. Now its Kochi’s turn! The Queen of Arabian sea and the host for the prestigious Miss Kerala 2012, is hosting the auditions next week.

The auditions will be held at Hotel Wytefort on the 7^th of October 2012. The event shall happen from 10 a.m to 1 p.m. So girls, get ready for the big show. Wear your attitude and confidence and walk the ramp in style.

For more details, you can contact the organizers at 9349- 414131.

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.

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!