Shreya Rao – Being Called Aishwarya Rai as a Child Always Made Me Smile (Crowned Femina Miss India 2018, 100K+ Followers)

"Every time my parents play with my daughter, I feel like I’ve won at life—that's my biggest achievement."

1. Who was your earliest role model, and how did they shape your aspirations?

Like most people, my first role model was my mother—and she still is. The way she balanced motherhood with her professional life has always inspired me. Now that I'm a mother myself, I realize just how incredible she was. She worked hard, excelled in her career, and still managed to be fully present for me and my father. I never had to ask for her attention because she was always there. Her ability to juggle everything with grace is something I deeply admire and try to emulate in my own life. She showed me how it’s done, and for that, I’ll always be grateful.

2. How did participating in Miss India 2018 change your perspective on life and career?

Miss India was a turning point—it transformed not only my career but my entire outlook on life. I had a clear path in mind: become an architect, pursue a master’s in London, and work as a project manager or home designer. But life had other plans. Today, I’m a speaker who addresses prestigious platforms like IITs and IIMs.

There was a time when my mother believed I should focus solely on academics. Ironically, I now visit those same institutions to inspire and motivate others, which has become one of my greatest passions. Miss India opened the door to that purpose.

3. What prompted you to transition from architecture to becoming a TEDx speaker and entrepreneur?

Honestly, being on a platform like TEDx feels surreal—I never planned for it, nor did I dream of it. It just happened, and I believe it was part of God’s plan.

After Miss India, I explored modeling and did a lot of on-camera work. But it never felt like my true calling. Then came my first TEDx talk, and everything changed. I realized that’s where my heart truly was.

The most amusing part is how I convinced my parents to let me participate in Miss India. I showed them a TEDx video of a former Miss India who was doing exceptionally well in the tech industry. She spoke about how the pageant pushes you beyond your comfort zone and opens doors you never imagined. That convinced them—and now, as a five-time TEDx speaker, it’s all come full circle.

4. What's your favorite childhood memory that still brings a smile to your face?

Being called Aishwarya Rai as a child always made me smile—and it still does, especially when people in the industry give me similar compliments today. It feels like too big a comparison, but it’s heartwarming nonetheless.

I was a performer at heart—I loved dancing and singing. Like many kids, I’d happily perform whenever my parents asked. Those moments might seem small, but they’re special to me because I genuinely enjoyed it. Even now, thinking about them brings me joy.

5. What personal mantra do you live by, and how does it motivate you daily?

My guiding mantra has always been to make my parents proud. As their only daughter, I felt a deep sense of responsibility to fulfill their dreams—whether it was marrying at the right time or building a loving family.

I was fortunate to meet the love of my life at the right time and to become a mother to a beautiful daughter, who I consider my greatest personal achievement. I always wanted to be a young mom and give my parents the joy of being young grandparents. Watching them enjoy time with her every day fills my heart—it’s a dream come true.

6. What inspired you to start your own ventures, and what challenges did you face?

Starting something of my own was always the dream. Even though I had a brief stint in the corporate world, I realized early on that I wasn’t cut out for it. I wanted to be the boss of my own life.

Building a business requires big dreams and even bigger determination. The challenges are constant—it’s a 24/7, 365-days-a-year commitment. It takes time, energy, consistency, and a lot of patience.

Yes, I sound driven, but there are tough moments too. I have my share of self-doubt and days when I need motivation. But I believe that consistency, patience, and hard work are the keys to long-term success.

7. How do you prioritize self-care amidst your busy schedule as a mother and entrepreneur?

Motherhood is a full-time job in itself—it’s demanding and often thankless. Add entrepreneurship to the mix, and the responsibilities multiply. That’s why self-care is non-negotiable for me.

I prioritize my mental health, fitness, skincare, and haircare. These are small but essential routines that keep me grounded. Even while breastfeeding my daughter till 3 AM, I never skipped my nightly skincare routine. Sometimes, it’s as simple as treating myself to a cup of hot chocolate.

Taking care of myself ensures I have the energy to care for others. If my cup is full, I can pour into others’ lives more meaningfully.

8. What are your long-term goals for your educational initiatives, and how do you plan to achieve them?

I have endless dreams when it comes to education. One of my biggest long-term goals is to build a center for children with autism—somewhere that offers the best care possible.

I’m also in the final stages of launching a nutrition and fitness initiative for young kids. These are the goals that keep me going.

I believe the universe aligns with your vision when you’re clear about your purpose. My success is built on three pillars: consistency, patience, and hard work. Even if the world doesn’t always support me, my family does—and seeing my daughter every day reminds me why I started.

9. What message do you hope to convey to young women who look up to you as a role model?

Being seen as a role model is incredibly humbling—it’s my biggest motivation. I’m so grateful to the girls who have supported me over the years, especially since Miss India. Even seven years later, their love means the world.

My message to young women is simple: be your own inspiration. One day, your story will inspire others. Every challenge you’re facing right now has the potential to motivate millions. That’s how I live my life, and I hope you do too—because whether you realize it or not, you’re already an inspiration.

10. What do you consider your most significant personal achievement to date, and why is it so meaningful to you?

Without a doubt, my greatest personal achievement is making my parents proud. As their only child, I’ve always felt responsible for bringing them happiness—whether that meant marrying at the right time or starting a family.

I was lucky to meet the right person and build a life that includes our beautiful daughter. Becoming a young mother and giving my parents the joy of experiencing grandparenthood in their active years was always a dream.

Seeing their faces light up every time they’re with her—those moments are priceless. That joy they feel? That’s my biggest accomplishment.

Bio:

Shreya Rao Kamavarapu is a passionate Healthy Lifestyle Advocate, Mindset Mentor, and true embodiment of "Beauty with Purpose." Crowned Femina Miss India 2018, she has since evolved into a dynamic force for positive change—gracing stages as a 5x TEDx speaker and earning certifications in NLP and Child Psychology. Shreya is the visionary founder behind Simplfy.ed and Ahea.ed, two powerful platforms dedicated to education, wellness, and empowerment.

With a mission to transform lives through holistic health, mindset mastery, and self-discovery, Shreya continues to inspire change—one thought at a time.

Instagram 

Interviewed by: Insiya Nulwala 

Edited by: Shantanu Singh