Aayushi Dholakia - Clinching the International Title and Becoming the First Asian to Win the Title in 27 Years Was a Life-Changing Moment (Miss Teen India’19)

I feel success is not about the results it's about the journey and the process!! Every opportunity that comes our way and as we explore and discover it with time, we take in a lot of learnings, and the experience teaches us a lot! 

1. Tell us about your background and journey.

Well, talking about my background I come from a family of doctors. My father Dr. Maulesh Dholakia is a urologist and has been practicing for the past 15 years. My mother Deepali Dholakia, who is the wind beneath my dreams, has completed her post-graduation in Medical Microbiology but now is following her passion for designing. 

She’s a Fashion Designer and mostly all my outfits are her creations. 

I was 7 years old when I stepped into the field of pageantry and started participating in local contests. It was my mother who introduced me to this field and I couldn’t be more grateful to her for doing so. Since my childhood I have loved performing on the stage and being in front of the camera be it modeling, dancing, debating, or just speaking in front of an audience. 

I’m passionate about dancing and am currently pursuing my Visharadh in Kathak, an Indian classical dance form. Over the years I started taking part in personality contests and it was in the year 2018 when I came across the Miss Teen India pageant. 

Having my 10th grade that year I decided to participate the next year but I kept a follow-up on the pageant for the whole time. Eventually, I got selected for the nationals and with gods, grace won the title which gave me the opportunity to represent my country internationally at Miss Teen International 2019

Winning the international pageant was something that I had never thought of, all I had hoped for was to put my best foot forward and represent 1.3 billion to my level best. Clinching the international title and becoming the First Asian to win the title in 27 years was a life-changing moment and the journey continues from thereon.

2. What inspired you to participate in a beauty pageant?

It was in 2013 when I first saw Femina Miss India for the very first time on television and for a little girl, all the extravagant gowns and sparkling tiaras were a whole world of fascination. Little did I know that it was my calling and what I actually wanted to do in life. 

Growing up I have watched Sushmita Sen, Aishwarya Rai, Priyanka Chopra, and more recently Manushi Chillar who made our country proud by winning the prestigious international titles and they have inspired me to step into this field. I have realized that beauty pageants are way more than just beautiful dresses and waking the ramp, it’s about becoming a better version of yourself and serving humanity. Hoping to do the same and contribute my bit. 

3. What is your idea or mantra to stay fit and healthy?

Being a total Bollywood fan my mantra of staying fit and healthy is ‘Kuch Paane Ke Liye Kuch Khona Padta Hai’! I was a very chubby kid in the initial stages but when I decided to step into beauty pageants I realized that I had to get in shape. 

Giving up chocolates, pizzas, pasta, cheese, ice creams, and what was no cakewalk for a 16-year-old but it was the dream that kept me going. Throughout the journey, I understood how much important is it to stay fit and healthy at all times. Having a balanced diet and waiting for nutritious meals keeps your body active and makes you feel happy and confident. 

One of my very good friends told me once

Sweat + Sacrifice = Success 

So exercising and replacing junk foods with healthy meals will give you your desired results..!!

4. What are your future goals?

Currently, I’m in my 12th grade right now and will be appearing for boards this year so for the time being my focus is scoring well and getting into my dream university. I wish to pursue Mass Communication in the future on the education front. And at the same Femina Miss India is definitely next on target.

5. How would you define success?

I feel success is not about the results it's about the journey and the process!! Every opportunity that comes our way and as we explore and discover it with time, we take in a lot of learnings, and the experience teaches us a lot! 

Using those experiences and implementing the learnings in our future that’s what success is all about! With every progressive stage in life when you strive to become a better person that’s the true meaning of success for me. 

6. Who do you admire the most and why?

The person that I admire the most is my mother. As I said she’s the wind beneath my wings and has been my pillar of strength this whole time! I have learned so much from her and wish to do the same all my life. The biggest learning that I have received from her is to balance your professional and personal life. 

Striking the right balance and drawing a line between the two is absolutely necessary for life. One line she always says to me is ‘Jo bhi hota hai ache ke liye hota hai’ meaning, whatever happens, it happens for a reason and for our good. This one statement keeps me hopeful and positive at all times.

7. Which is your favorite book and why?

I’m not an ardent reader and am pretty picky with the kind of genre I opt for reading books. But if I had to choose one then it will be ‘I too had a love story by Ravinder Singh. I’m more inclined towards the romantic genre of the book and I love the way the author has curated his story in the book. 

It’s a perfect blend of romance, emotion, and a simple yet strong message which we humans fail to recognize. The best part about Ravinder Singh is that every book of his had a social message which the society needs to acknowledge. 

Aayushi Dholakia

Interviewed By - Khushi Garg