Sini Shetty on the relevance of beauty pageants

Sini Shetty, who will represent India at Miss World this year, said beauty pageants are not about being the "prettiest girl in the room".

Transcript

00:00When I won Miss India, and I looked at my mom and dad, I just cramped up.

00:04It's not about the body, it's not about the beauty, it's not about the face.

00:12Hi everyone, this is Sini Shetty from Beauty.

00:14There is a section of people who feel that beauty pageants have no relevance in today's society.

00:19There's also a section of critics who feel that, you know, they portray unrealistic beauty standards.

00:27How would you respond to that?

00:29Miss World is more about beauty with a purpose.

00:32It's not about the body, it's not about the beauty, it's not about the face.

00:35Miss World today has raised billions of francs for people in need out in the world.

00:40So when we talk about relevance and we say it's not relevant, we're also saying that the funds that we raise,

00:46the work that we do, the philosophical work that we do in the world is not relevant.

00:52Women like me, there are millions of women who audition to be a part of such a beautiful platform.

00:58And when we talk about relevance again, it means that we are judging the women who participate in such a beautiful platform.

01:08I certainly feel that we've come a long way.

01:10We obviously started at some point and now we've come a long way.

01:13There's a lot more to evolve.

01:16But, for example, like, you know, before there used to be a high-priced video of 5'6", now we've come down to 5'3".

01:23You know, I'll be very honest because in my national pageant that I was, everyone was beautiful and unique in their own way.

01:32I wouldn't say that I was the most prettiest girl in the room and that was the reason why I won.

01:38At the end of the day, that crown means responsibility and representation.

01:43It's not beauty and perfect body.

01:46What would be the first thing you'd do if you won the Miss World title?

01:50I would go and hug my parents.

01:52They are so excited about this.

01:55I still remember that, you know, when I won Miss India, I was on the stage and when they announced my name,

02:01rather than looking at, you know, following the path and going to the place where the chair was there,

02:07I looked at my mom and dad and I just cramped out.

02:10He just stood up with both his arms up in the air.

02:13And that entire, you know, the 10 seconds of my life could always be stated as the best part of my life.

02:19And I think if I win the Miss World crown, I would really like to make them proud again and see that exact moment.

02:27What would your future plans be post the Miss World pageant?

02:32There's a lot that I want to do. There's a lot.

02:35I want to finish my CFA studies.

02:37I want to help my family with their business.

02:41I want to also explore the industry of Bollywood because it's really fascinating.

02:46Growing up, I've always danced on Bollywood songs.

02:50I've looked up to all Bollywood stars.

02:52And if I get an open gateway to that industry, I would really like to adapt.