When 22-year-old Nandita Kaviti was asked whether success was a better teacher or failure, she responded: “Success amplifies growth and self worth. But failure comes with criticism and offers new perspectives. Failure pushes me to work till the goal is reached.” This was the answer in the final round that won Nandita a crown at the Miss Vizag 2018 beauty pageant.
“If all women are treated like beauty pageant participants, the world would be a better place,” laughs the graduate from Andhra Medical College (AMC). She is currently interning as a house surgeon at AMC and wants to pursue a career in hospital administration or apply for the civil services.
The pageant
The beauty pageant was the 11th edition of the city-based event management company, Entertainment Network. From nearly 120 participants in the age group 18-25 years, 23 were shortlisted for the final round. Mumbai-based fashion choreographer Amit Pandey spent six days with the finalists to groom them. Nandita calls that a blessing, she says as it taught her about posture and a good walk.
Nandita and her fellow participants took part in three rounds where they had to wear an evening gown, an Indian outfit and a Western one.
For the ethnic round, Nandita wore a bright red lehenga with heavy stone work. For the Western wear category, she chose a black cocktail dress. “The black dress was from the kid’s section,” She laughs. “I liked it so much I couldn’t pick anything else. My mother altered it a bit, added a bow belt and I temed it with Steve Madden black stilettos.”
She isn’t only one in her family who wears a crown. In 2013, her elder sister, Sindhura Kaviti won the beauty pageant. “I saw the changes in my sister after she won Miss Vizag. That motivated me to push my boundaries,” she says. So there were no apprehensions about the pageant and this time around her parents were better informed about the rules and the fashion industry. “I saw videos on YouTube with my mother and practised walking in front of her,” says Nandita.
All about Nandita
Loves Kathak and contemporary dance. In 2014, she won accolades at a Shiamak Davar summer camp.
Loves animals and is sharing her home with six stray dogs.
Thinks Beauty Pageants are gateways to new adventures.
Dreams of acting in films.
Runners-up
First runner-up, Rachana L Vepa 20, student and singer.
Second runner-up, Shruthi Verma, 21, works at TCS.
Nandita is savouring her success and a two-wheeler that she won at the pageant. The runners up won gift hampers.
Published - December 19, 2018 05:13 pm IST
