Exclusive Interview with Shobhita Dhulipalia (Miss Bangalore 2013)

Shobhita Dhulipalia

Her dream is to fly and why not, she is after all the proud winner of Miss India Bangalore 2013! Meet Sobhita Dhulipala, a 20-year-old student from Visakhapatnam who has bagged a spot in the Top 20 for the upcoming Ponds Femina Miss India 2013 by winning the title of PFMI Miss India Bangalore 2013. Besides clinching state pageant, she has also won herself three other subtitles - Yamaha Ray Femina Miss Adventurous, Max Femina Miss Fashion Icon, and TRESemme Femina Miss Stylish Hair.

In an exclusive interview, Sobhita talks about her preparation for the dream title.

You've recently won yourself the title of Ponds Femina Miss India Bangalore 2013. How do you feel and how has been the experience so far?

The vibrancy of the moment left me with goose bumps! Femina Miss India is THE dream of almost all girls born in our country. I was thrilled, encouraged and ignited to be a part of something that grand. All the contestants were ravishing and fascinating in their own ways. I learned the importance of patience, team work and most importantly, excellence through healthy competition. Everybody put in their best and that pushed me to realize my maximum potential. How does it feel to wear the precious tiara and smile like sunshine? Absolute euphoria!

The next big step is Miss India 2013 to be held in Mumbai. How are you preparing for it?

There are various aspects that are groomed and tested. Being the closet geek I am, being updated, reading, learning about people, cultures, news etc is a great pleasure. Regarding the physical aspect, I'm someone who embraces her body type without whining about wanting to be skinny or fairer or taller and so on. I see myself as a perfect embodiment of the Indian woman. I'm curvaceous and I love it! However, I'm working on enhancing my strengths and improving my weaknesses. A healthy diet, some exercise and lots of positivity. All of it is working wonders!

Every state winner is different and will have a unique approach. What would be your strategy to crack the pageant? How confident are you of winning?

Every girl out there is a stunning mix of beauty and brains but what sets me apart from them is my curiosity to learn out of every experience. I let my passion and optimism to be my driving force and hope to deliver my best. However, the journey is what I'm eagerly looking forward to because irrespective of who the winner is, I know I will be taking back the treasures of memories that I will always cherish. I'm alluring, adventurous, and passionate and I celebrate every moment.

What all sub-titles are you aiming to win?

I'm not eyeing any one specific subtitle. Why limit myself to just what I'm good at? I love to surprise myself! Let's see what all I grab away.

In the world of Miss Indias, who is your biggest inspiration and why?

All our Miss Indias were compassionate and beautiful women. I admire Zeenat Aman and Madhu Sapre in the way they conduct themselves. They are strong, sassy, bold and beautiful. They've been iconic in breaking away from stereotypes and such women fascinate me. I also find Aishwarya Rai extremely beautiful. Among the recent Miss Indias, I've had the chance to meet Rochelle Rao in PFMI Bangalore and found her to be very charming and an absolute stunner!

What are the prominent modelling assignments you've featured in so far?

I have done a couple of local pageants before. Being relatively new to this world of glitz and glamour, I'm fresh, charged up and focused to mark my spot. Fingers crossed!

Any plans to take on Bollywood?

Right now I'm concentrating on winning Miss India and then the global title. My aim is to bring back the glory for our much deserving beauty, wit and intelligence. Only time can tell what the future holds for me.

With reference to the recent Delhi gang rape case, how do you think one can bring about changes in the society? What is your take on the issue?

I've been deeply disturbed by this incident. I believe that women are one of the most beautiful creations and it stings me to see their merciless exploitation in a country where they are celebrated. I thoroughly urge parents to inculcate feelings of respect and empathy in their children. Strict moral policing is needed right from childhood. This is not the time to feel victimized and indulge in self pity, but to develop a strong sense of our self. I'm happy with the strengthening of Section 100 of IPC (self defense act) where killing or harming the attacker in crisis is free of fault. All women should be made aware of such laws and not falter in exercising them. This may instil a sense of security and confidence in women and keep the crime rate low. I hope more such laws will be created and implemented effectively. I pray for and work towards a safer and respectful future for womankind.

Do you really think that women are the weaker sex as popular belief would have it?

Marilyn Monroe had once said, women who seek to be equal with men, lack ambition and I agree with it. A mother, a sister, a wife, a friend - there are so many forms and such divinity in our existence. We are a celebration of life and spirit. Since the beginning of time, women had greater emotional quotient while men were the strong, bread winners. The responsibilities and qualities are equally shared between the two genders, as I see it. This basis of partnership has turned into dominance by men due to the submission of women over time. And hence, such a wrong notion has become popular. I find it absolutely baseless and I'm sure deep down, men do know the truth. Love us, hate us, you still need us ;)

Do you think India is ready to accept things like homosexuality, lesbianism, unwed/single parenthood and live-in relationships outside wedlock?

I am extremely hurt when I see homosexuals being discriminated or humiliated. I believe that acceptance is optional but understanding, essential. India needs to grow up and acknowledge the fact that there is nothing wrong with them. Their choices are merely different from the majority. I totally support gay couples and hope to advocate their cause successfully. Also, I don't see how parenting is ruptured if there is no marriage to hold the couple together. As long as there is love, responsibility, maturity and the required concern, I am sure anyone could make a wonderful parent.

I'm not too sure if we understand live-in relationships. If the couple is practical and mature enough to deal with the pros and cons and not sink into a flood of regret later, then that's alright. I really hope it's not used to appear cool because that is very superficial and might fail.

Any final thoughts...
Life is like an hourglass glued to the table. Might as well enjoy it while it lasts! I'm going to be having the time of my life at Femina Miss India. The adrenaline rush is leaving a perpetual smile on my face. Bring it on!