Jayanti Krishnan 

I have always believed that no matter what stage of life you are in, married or not married, with children or no children, those who work hard and commit to their dreams will definitely succeed.

However we often fail to do things we really want because we just do not have the time. We are so busy with work and family commitments – especially when our children are young and seem to need us constantly – that actually finding time to focus on things we aspire for becomes difficult.

More so if we are aspiring to do things in the world of beauty and fashion.

I recently caught up with one such woman, Manasi Mahadik, who overcame all the hurdles and stepped into a fashion competition – Mrs. Tiara India 2017 – with a full time job and two beautiful children.

And, she ended up in Runner Up position and won the Best National Costume award in Mumbai. Thereby proving that marriage or age can never be an obstacle to making a mark in any field including the fashion world.

If there is an urge and passion to achieve something, go and make it happen. And, as they say, the universe will conspire to work it out for you.

Here are few snippets from our conversation:

Jayanti: You have been a busy working professional and mother of two little children managing your work and home, yet you attempted Mrs. Tiara. How did that happen? What made you take the decision to participate in this competition?

Manasi: It was always my dream to be part of some beauty pageant. But after marriage and kids, I never pursued this further.

But one day, through my friend, I came to know that there is a pageant for Mrs. Tiara and I fit in their criteria. Something told me to go and give it a shot, in spite of my young children. First, I went and met the host of Tiara pageant. After meeting them, I felt this was an opportunity I was waiting for, and decided to go in for it. By God’s grace, I got selected and my family stood by me in this decision and supported me throughout this journey.

Jayanti: How would you summarise your journey? Were you mentored by someone?

Manasi: The journey was absolutely amazing. It was like a dream come true and astonishing things happened. I explored and attempted many varied activities and learnt from each of them. We had many rounds of sports, national costume, swim wear, presentations and what not! All these things helped me develop and groom my personality.

And yes, I would not have achieved all this without my mentors – Mr. Rishikesh Mirajkar, Ms. Rekha Mirajkar and Ms. Sonia Mirajkar, who were always there to help us at every stage.

Jayanti: During this journey, what was your diet, skin, hair care regime like?

Manasi: Being disciplined in every aspect was the key. Be it exercise, diet, getting up early in the mornings, regular practice etc. I still remember how I used to have only salad for lunch and dinner and how my colleagues used to tease me at work. But at the same time they appreciated my patience and control over food habits. They always supported me in every manner, they used to regularly vote for me in the contest. I really thank them for this.

Bottomline is – ‘Kuch pane ke liye kuch khona padhta hai‘. Hard work and commitment will definitely pay one day, so never leave the faith behind.

Jayanti: Can anyone participate in this pageant? What were your key takeaways?

Manasi: Yes. I believe the person who wants to learn, achieve something in life must try at least once. It does not matter whether you win, but the memories and experience that you gather in such pageants are exceptional. There are usually walk-in rounds that get announced during August. Anyone with a sporting spirit, confidence and commitment can participate.

Jayanti: How do you maintain your skin and hair now that you are not competing? And what would be your tip to the readers out there?

Manasi: Since childhood I have been very much conscious about my hair and skin. Being a woman is an asset and I believe that it is important to take good care of our skin, hair, weight and overall personality which definitely adds to the strength and confidence of every woman. While I am not competing now, I use night cream which is really very essential for maintenance of skin texture. For hair, I use a good shampoo and conditioner regularly and never miss oiling my hair. I also regularly visit the salon. I am very health conscious and prefer to keep my weight in check. Women have to eat right and should take good care of their own selves.

Overall, this experience improved my confidence and self esteem. It taught me to be patient and focused towards my goal to bring out the best in me.