In 1996, when India played host to the Miss World pageant for the first time, Irene Skliva of Greece won the title and India’s Rani Jeyraj (Femina Miss India 1996) came in fourth place! Reita Faria, Aishwarya Rai, Diana Hayden, Yukta Mookhey, Priyanka Chopra and Manushi Chhillar have brought home the crown for India over the years. It is after 27 years that Miss World is again being held in India. Repping the nation of 1.4 billion people on the world stage is 24-year-old Sini Shetty, a Gen Z-er born and brought up in Mumbai with her Karnataka roots intact.
Who Is Sini Shetty?
Born in Mumbai with her family originally from Mangalore, Sini has studied at Dominic Savio Vidyalaya, Ghatkopar. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounts And Finance from S. K. Somaiya Degree College of Arts, Science And Commerce, Vidya Vihar. Sini is pursuing CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) and works in Marketing as an executive. She has won the title of Femina Miss India Karnataka 2022 and ultimately bagged Femina Miss India World 2022.
Dancing since the tender age of four, Sini completed Arangetram in Bharatanatyam at 14. One look at her Instagram feed and you will see how passionate she is about dancing. Plus, Sini is also an enthusiastic traveller.
What Is Sini Shetty’s Beauty With A Purpose (BWAP) For Miss World 2023?
Ever since 1972, every Miss World contestant has to have a Beauty With A Purpose (BWAP). Sini’s purpose is titled Aashayein. The core objective is to bridge the gap between education and employment and contribute to a more skilled and confident workforce.
We caught up with Sini for an exclusive chat right before the pageant begins this month. From her diet to prep for the pageant to what she will do as soon as she wins, Sini bares it all to Curly Tales.
Q: Congratulations on representing India, Sini. What drove you to participate in Miss India in the first place?
A: I’ve been an accidental tourist throughout my life, believing in knocking on every opportunity’s door for growth. That is how I got through life, be it my bachelor’s in accounting, or venturing into the field of marketing. I always felt that I had a better, bigger purpose in life, and I kept seeking the same. When I came across the auditions for Miss India and when I got selected, the purpose and the intent spoke about exactly what I had been looking for. So, Miss India seemed the perfect opportunity. And, winning the title and getting a chance to represent India felt like this is just the beginning of the purpose-driven world I dreamt of..
Q: What exactly went through your mind when you won the title of Femina Miss India?
A: There were many emotions I went through before my name was announced. But the moment the host announced my contestant number, I looked at my parents. I couldn’t express how happy I was looking at the joy and pride on their faces — which was everything I ever wished for in my life. I was excited and happy and went through a roller coaster of emotions, but I also realised that this is just the beginning and there’s so much more this title is going to give me.
Q: What preps are underway for the Miss World?
A: Preparations for Miss World are in full swing, and it’s a great honour to represent India. I am putting forth my utmost effort to make my country proud. Some of the preparations that are essential for Miss World are your communication skills, ramp walk skills, and the way you present yourself because you are not only representing yourself but the 1.4 billion people of your country and what India actually stands for. And, this time we — India — are hosting Miss World after 28 years, my effort is to make it extra special for everyone here in India.
Q: Walk us through your whole diet for the prep…
A: I am a big “GHAR KA KHANA ” type girl. “Ghar ka khana” is where it’s at, right? There’s just something about homemade soul food that is different. And moderation is the most important component of the diet. So it is very imperative to maintain that balance.
My diet is like a delicious journey! South Indian breakfast with dosa and idli (absolute classics) and a glass of beetroot juice for cleansing. For lunch, I love to keep it simple, with dal rice and veggies; now, that’s the heart and soul of Indian meals. And for dinner, bringing out the Mangalorean vibes with Ganji, the brown rice porridge; my comfort food. Protein on the side is like the cherry on top!
Q: We hear you love to travel, where have you been to?
A: I am an avid traveller. If not for all these opportunities that life has given me, I would have definitely wished to have a career as a travel vlogger. I have visited Europe, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, UAE, Indonesia and more. But not to forget, my favourite locations are in India. The contrasting beauty India has, from mountains to beaches, is magical. How beautiful this country is!
Q: Where do you plan to visit this year?
A: I pray that I win the title of Miss World this year and embark on a global journey, spreading goodwill through my actions.
Q: Walk us through your fitness plan. What form of exercise/s do you incorporate to stay healthy?
A: So, let me spill the beans on my fitness mantra. I’m all about the mind and body connection. For me, fitness is not just about breaking a sweat; it’s a mental and physical symphony. Dance is my absolute jam! It’s not just cardio; it’s my happy place. I can’t resist moving and grooving — it keeps me feeling fit, fine, and fabulous. Pilates is my secret, along with some weight training, yoga nidra and meditation exercises to help me centre and align for the day ahead of me.
Quick 5 With Sini Shetty!
What are 3 cheat day meals you absolutely look forward to?
Pani puri, South Indian thali and Sushi.
Home food or fine dining — what is your pick?
Home food!
Top 3 restaurants you like eating at:
Any Asian joint for some great sushi and rice bowls. But I love Mizu, Hakkasan and Sai Leela (Ghatkopar).
Top 3 travel destinations that are on your bucket list:
Norway for the Northern lights; Yucatan, Mexico and Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic
What is the first thing you will do if you win Miss World?
Run back home and eat Neer dosa.
Also Read: Nandini Gupta From Rajasthan Crowned Femina Miss India World 2023!
When And Where Is Miss World Scheduled To Take Place?
Kickstarting on February 18, 2024, the festival will be held across India. “The Opening Ceremony” and “India Welcomes the World Gala” are scheduled on February 20, 2024, and will be hosted by the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) at Hotel Ashok in New Delhi. During the festival, some events are also scheduled at Bharat Mandapam, JIO World Convention Centre and more. The closing ceremony and the 71st Miss World global finale will be held at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai on March 9, 2024.
Will Karolina Bielawska of Poland be passing on the Miss World Crown to our Sini Shetty? We sincerely hope so!
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