Interview with Miss Pune India 2013 (Saniah Baig)

Saniah Baig, Miss Pune 2013

"Every end is a new beginning", is a saying that Miss India Pune 2013 winner Saniah Baig swears by. She may have won the state pageant in the first leg of the competition but the victory has not made her complacent in any way. With her mother as the biggest strength, Saniah feels she can conquer all challenges. In an exclusive interview with us Saniah talks about her journey so far, why she thinks children in India are neglected and how planning 'winning' strategies is not her cup of tea.



You have sailed through the state pageant competition by winning the Miss Pune 2013 title and successfully made your way into the main pageant as a finalist. What is your current state of mind?

The feeling is overwhelming, it was a childhood dream and with the win at the state pageant I'm slowly inching towards the final goal, i.e. the Ponds Femina Miss India 2013. I'm all charged up and working on all aspects to turn my dream into a reality.

Tell us a bit about your journey as a model to becoming a beauty queen. What was the inspiration behind seeing yourself as a Miss India?

My journey has just begun and I am taking baby steps as of now, but the victory at Miss Pune pageant has instilled a lot of faith and confidence within me. My inspiration is my mother, for she has given me the strength to step out and take a shot at finding and discovering myself. She is truly my pillar and guiding light; I want to win the title, but I want her to wear my crown, that's how much she inspires me.

Please elaborate on the kind of training you are going through for the big day
As I said, I am leaving no stone unturned towards making a mark at the pageant. I am grooming myself thoroughly; be it my walk, talk, fitness or speech. Miss India is like the CAT exam, one has to be fully prepared to crack it.

About your fitness routine and health regime
I have always taken good care of my body, skin and hair. From the pageant point of view, I am working out religiously and following a good diet plan to keep my body in shape and mind at peace.

You'd said in one of your earlier interviews that you would want to open an orphanage upon winning the Miss India contest. Any specific reason attached to the endeavour?
If in wrong hands or without supervision, I think children are somehow always neglected or abused. Femina Miss India is a national platform and gives the contestant a kind of recognition and vision towards such causes. This platform gives me an opportunity to do my bit for the little children who, I feel, deserve all the happiness in this world.

What does it mean to be a Miss India and where do you see yourself after winning the prestigious title?
Miss India is a life changing moment for every girl. It transforms her into a national personality and opens up a plethora of opportunities. However, nothing is a guarantee or confirmation; one has to work hard to excel in any field, be it glamour or Bollywood. To be a Miss India for me is a moment to feel proud of myself, my family's support and everyone who has been a part of my journey. If at all I am fortunate to win this title, I would be sure that I am in right hands. Miss India not only gives you wings but also leads you to the right direction to fly high.

What will be your winning strategy? What sets you apart from other girls?
I have no strategies, because I am not playing it like a game. For me, I am competing with myself. If I aim to better myself each day, I know I will emerge a confident person at the finale event. What sets me apart from the other contestants is my personality which is made up of several secret ingredients. I will not reveal much as some things are best left unsaid and for others to find out.

Any subtitle contest(s)/title(s) in the pageant that you are confident of winning?
I won Miss Beautiful Hair at Miss Pune 2013, so that is one; rest I don't know but I am working hard for every subtitle contest.

Projects/advertisements you are currently endorsing
I am waiting for the journey to begin...