‘If you are your authentic self and true to your roots, nothing can stop you’

Sini Shetty, Femina Miss India World 2022 | Dance through your life and hustle through your journey, that is my mantra: Sini Shetty

- Onkar Kulkarni

For someone who studied finance, the goal was simple — to join her parents in their hospitality business. However, one incident led to a change in Sini Shetty’s career choice, who participated in Femina Miss India this year and won the title. As she proudly flaunts her crown and sash, flashing that beautiful smile, the Karnataka girl, who was born in Mumbai, opens up about her journey. In a conversation, she speaks about how she single-mindedly pursued her goal, the winning moment and gearing up to represent India at the Miss World pageant. Excerpts:

What was that moment like when you were declared Femina Miss India World 2022?

As much as I wanted the crown, I knew for a fact that all the other girls contending for it were worthy of the title. I wasn’t sure if it was going to be me, till the last moment. I held the hands of the girls on either side. I was just blank… not feeling or hearing anything. I was praying continuously. It is only when Miss Meghalaya whose hand I was holding pulled my hand after my name was announced is when I realised that it’s ME! The first thing I did was see my parents’ reaction. I could see them from the stage and as soon as my name was announced they got up from their chairs with such excitement that one chair almost fell (laughs!). We made eye contact and I thanked my parents. Then I prayed to God, and thanked mother earth for letting me perform on her soil and be who I am.