Herald Café: Competing at an
international level is a different ball game. How did you manage to assay the
competition and reach the 1st Princess title?
Gail Da Silva: Miss United Continent pageant is Latin America’s biggest
internal beauty pageant and as one is aware, the South American beauties are
perfect in every sense. Also most of the contestants had some prior experience
competing in the Miss Universe and Miss World contests. So to stand up against
this competition, I had to give it more than a 100%. In a pageant such as this,
you know who your competitor will be from day two.
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The fact that I showcased and played on my best points – my walk and my bubbly
personality – held me in good stead. To clinch the title again after Purva Rana
won it last year was a bit challenging. But after we had won the Best National
Costume (which I knew we would, considering the work that went into it) and
Miss Photogenic (which I had least expected – and incidentally am the third Ms
India to ever win a Miss Photogenic contest), I felt confident that I might
have some chance at winning. I think my final answer – ‘we are all united in
beauty with a simple smile’– was a clincher and had the audience rooting for
me. It was the best moment of my life! It was also a proud moment winning the
crown for my country.
Before I left for the competition I trained hard for four months with
some of the best names in the industry in India. This and the encouragement
from my family and friends was a tremendous help.
But
beyond this, the entire experience was fun and exciting and was unlike any
staid pageant. In fact we have all become good friends. We went zip lining
together, visited an active volcano and even spent a night together in the
mountains. Later, we winners visited the tropical Galapagos Islands. These are
the memories I will cherish forever.
HC: What is on the horizon now?
GD: I have been floored with modelling
offers since I returned from the pageant two weeks ago. But beyond this, I have
also set my sights on films (Bollywood). I would love to do films. So, I have
enrolled for acting and classical dance classes. I also would like to do
something for my homeland, in terms of fashion. I have many plans on the anvil,
but for now I would like to be a consultant for aspiring contestants.
HC: What keeps you rooted despite
being in the limelight and what advice do you have for other Goan aspirants?
GD: I
have a positive and happy outlook on life. I give it my best and live in the
moment and make the most of the opportunities that come my way. That is my
confidence quotient and it is backed by the strong principles instilled in me.
To the
young aspiring girls I would say be true to yourself; be passionate and be
dedicated to your purpose.
