From a humble town called Jalgaon, Tanvi is a former Radio Jockey, Miss India Multinational 2019, and a host.
She believes in making people smile and is currently dreaming of her way to
success.
1. Tell us about your background and journey.
I come from a family of artists and educators which meant both academics and extracurricular activities were given importance. My parents would make sure that I completed my syllabus before the term began and focused on my activities like swimming, dancing, hosting, acting once the school started.
From a young age, my family pushed me to perform, on stage, at parties, or on any occasion they found. Something I found myself uncomfortable doing soon became my reason to thrive.
I started hosting shows in school, my father wrote all my scripts and my mother made sure I practiced my lines. I remember her waking me up at 4 am and asking me to rehearse for the competitions. She kept telling us, “Decide that you want to win and don’t be afraid of the work.”
I was in 6th grade when I lost at my school-level beauty pageant. I couldn’t believe it. Given that my family always called me ‘Sushmita Sen’, the former Miss Universe; the thought of me not winning here was disturbing. Since then the seed of participating in pageants began.
Even though I had never openly shared my dream to become a Miss India, somehow everyone close to me knew. It was my father who gave me my first modeling assignment. It was for a dairy product and I realized how much fun I have in front of the camera.
While I was pursuing my liberal arts degree, I was appointed as a radio jockey. While being an RJ, I was given many opportunities to shine both behind the camera and in front of the camera. I was given the opportunity to talk in front of massive audiences and I loved it. I thrived.
But the dream to become a miss India still kept me awake at night. It was after the glorious win of Manushi Chillar that I decided to work on my dream.
Two years of serious preparation led to becoming miss India state finalist, Miss India Earth Finalist, and finally won Miss Multinational India 2019.
2. How did you become a model and reach this stage?
I don’t call myself a model because modeling is extremely difficult and I personally don’t think it’s me. I love being clicked but as far as modeling is concerned, I haven’t been doing that a lot.
3. What is your opinion of body image created by the media and how hard is it to put up with it?
I strongly feel that media and society at large have messed up our idea of beauty. It is so ingrained in girls that being a smaller size is always better and more appealing. It is told to us over and over again to occupy as little space as possible that it has affected our growth. I wish I hadn’t wasted so many of my years becoming thinner. I think I could have become an entrepreneur had I invested the same time and energy.
4. How important is social media validation in your profession?
I have been rejected from advertisements solely because my Instagram following was not as good as the other girls auditioning for the same role. Girls who are validated more on social media come with more confidence than the ones with no support online which affects performance.
Today with talent what you also need is the talent to properly represent and be liked by the people. Social media validation is very important. It affects my profession more than one could expect.
5. How can one take care of their mental health in this high-pressure glamorous field?
I don’t speak for everyone here but what works for me is taking the support of my family and dear ones time and again. I know that I can always rely on them in difficult times. I also am quite confident that my talent and heart will take me to a place I rightfully deserve. I know that with patience, hard work, and consistency I shall accomplish all my dreams. I am quite delusional and dreamy which helps. Working out, journaling, cooking, and Netflix usually help as well.
6. What are some of your upcoming projects?
Well, I have been writing a book on beauty and beauty pageants. Hopefully, that should come out soon. I am also hosting shows and events and acting. I am hoping to have my own show one day. Let’s hope for the best.
- Tanvi Malhara
Interviewed by Dimpy Mavar
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