Re: Rochelle Maria Rao (India 2012)

**dakkudaddy** Tue Jul 31, 2012 4:33 pm

Rochelle Maria Rao (India 2012) - Page 8 15196940

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27th July, 2012

The best part about being Miss India International is the expert training we have been receiving. Not only have we met eminent personalities from the field of fashion and design, but we have also had the opportunity to learn the tricks of the trade from them.

One of the experiences that I absolutely loved was the makeup sessions we had with Marvie Ann Beck. Marvie was such a pleasure to be around and what I learned from her will carry me through for the rest of my career I'm sure!

Her team consisted of a smiling, hospitable and helpful bunch of people that made us want to stay at the salon for a longer time every day. Marvie's expert analysis of each of our faces helped us understand exactly how to do our makeup and hair so that we highlight all our strengths. The sessions made me feel glamorous, beautiful and confident that I could fill the shoes of super star every day of the week!

Thank you Marvie for an amazing learning experience. Hope you will all try her sessions at some point! Ciao for now!

http://feminamissindia.indiatimes.com/miss-india-diaries/rochelle-maria-rao/july-2012/27th-July-2012/diaryshow/15196711.cms

**dakkudaddy** Tue Jul 31, 2012 4:36 pm

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28th July, 2012

This is a picture of the send off that Sunil Menon and many of the Chennai models threw for me when I was leaving to take part in the main pageant.

We were a close knit bunch and I definitely miss those fun filled days. They all supported and encouraged me a lot and I am glad to say that the Femina Miss India pageant will be coming to many more cities this year and conducting more regional pageants. This in turn is a good opportunity for me to encourage all my friends. The pageant has changed my life and I urge not only my friends in Chennai but also anyone who feels they have what it takes to enter and see where life takes them.

If you are not sure whether you fit the requirement or you are unsure of yourself, the regional pageants present an opportunity to test the waters and leave you with the tools to prepare yourself for the main pageant. They also give you the chance to get fast tracked to the finals of the countrywide pageant.

http://feminamissindia.indiatimes.com/miss-india-diaries/rochelle-maria-rao/july-2012/28th-July-2012/diaryshow/15228771.cms

**dakkudaddy** Tue Jul 31, 2012 4:40 pm

**dakkudaddy** Tue Jul 31, 2012 4:43 pm

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29th July, 2012

What a lot of you may not know about me is that I was quite the tomboy growing up and although I am a beauty queen now, I am still very much in love with the great outdoors. Every country that I visit I try my best to get a taste of whatever kind of outdoor activity or adventure sport they have to offer. Whether it's a safari ride in Singapore or riding a dirt bike through the desert in Dubai, I always jump at an opportunity to try something new.

So of course I was game to go Zip Lining in Mauritius and ride through the national park on a "Seguey". I have to admit that the walk across the narrow bridge to get to the cliff from where we caught the first line was scarier than the actual experience of zip lining itself. It's a fun ride when you are safely strapped on the line and pushed of the side of the cliff. All you have to do is hold on and enjoy the free falling/flying sensation as the ground drops away from your feet. However keeping your balance as you place one foot in front of the other on a narrow bridge is a lot tougher and the prospect of losing your footing and landing in the river hundreds of meters bellow makes it quite a "fear factor" type feat.

I was strapped to the line the whole time and was accompanied by trained professionals as well. So if you enjoy the thrill of adventure sports like me this one is a definite must for you. A recommendation by Miss India International!

http://feminamissindia.indiatimes.com/miss-india-diaries/rochelle-maria-rao/july-2012/29th-July-2012/diaryshow/15251976.cms

**dakkudaddy** Tue Jul 31, 2012 4:47 pm

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30th July, 2012

An action packed Monday is always made easier by a relaxed Sunday filled with pampering and food for the body and soul! And that is exactly the kind of day I had yesterday. I slept in after a long hectic week in Mumbai and finally got a chance to catch the 'Dark Knight Rises', in Palladium Phoenix Mills after which I treated myself at the spa. The movie was everything I expected it to be and I am saddened to think that this may be the end to an amazing series of films.

There is nothing like a few hours of spa treatments to make you feel like a brand new person. Once I got myself polished to sparkling perfection, it was time for some spiritual up-liftmen as well.

I headed to Bandra to visit St. Stephens's church, whose congregation has welcomed me warmly over the last couple of weeks. It was a beautiful evening at the lovely old church and headed back home well prepared for the week ahead. When I look back on the last few months of my life, I am truly grateful to God for all his amazing blessings. Hope you have a great week!
http://feminamissindia.indiatimes.com/miss-india-diaries/rochelle-maria-rao/july-2012/30th-July-2012/diaryshow/15276468.cms

**dakkudaddy** Wed Aug 01, 2012 2:36 pm

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1st August, 2012
Looking at the recent pictures uploaded from my Chennai visit made me miss family and friends at home. Here are some pictures of me when I was 'Welcomed Home' after my win.

I spent today's afternoon with the Press along with choreographer Sunil Menon, who is responsible for discovering Me as a model and sending my pictures for the Miss India pageant and to designer Rehane, who's creation I am wearing. Rehane has been responsible for revolutionizing the field of fashion in Chennai. She has created a name for herself all across the country and has been a major support in encouraging me and bringing talents like me in the limelight. It was her ingenious sense of style and generous attitude that I won the crown with all confidence. Sunil has always been a dear friend to me and I owe a lot to him for always being a great source of advice and strength! I am so grateful to them for seeing more in me than I saw in myself at that time.

http://feminamissindia.indiatimes.com/miss-india-diaries/rochelle-maria-rao/august-2012/1st-August-2012/diaryshow/15308717.cms

**dakkudaddy** Thu Aug 02, 2012 4:48 pm

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2nd August, 2012

After my press meet I decided to spend some time with my family and visited my Grand mom on my trip to Chennai. My grand mom and I share a very special bond apart from looking very similar to each other. If you would say I won the pageant based on looks alone then you would have to crown my grand mom as well! But of course I owe the "Miss Beautiful Body" title to my mom if you are thinking on the same lines.

And how can I miss my mentor, inspiration and best friend, my sister Paloma Rao. She is the one who is responsible for giving me the grooming and the push I needed on my way to winning the crown. Well, you know what they say... behind every beauty queen is an amazing clan of Raos! Ha!

http://feminamissindia.indiatimes.com/miss-india-diaries/rochelle-maria-rao/august-2012/2nd-August-2012/diaryshow/15325039.cms

**dakkudaddy** Fri Aug 03, 2012 2:34 pm

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3rd August, 2012

I was home alone yesterday as Prachi was with her family for Raksha Bandhan. Although I don't celebrate the festival, it made me miss home as I would usually go to my girl friend's houses to help them enjoy the gifts they received from their brothers! Lol

So after a good workout I decided to read one of my favorite series of books called "the inheritance" written by Christopher Paolini. I am a huge fan of fantasy fiction and I love to get lost in the world of magic and mystery! I find losing myself in a book to be one of the greatest pleasures in life.

It is really amazing to look out on the whole of Mumbai from my high rise apartment and enjoy this quiet and thoughtful morning by myself.

http://feminamissindia.indiatimes.com/miss-india-diaries/rochelle-maria-rao/august-2012/3rd-August-2012/diaryshow/15338133.cms

**dakkudaddy** Sat Aug 04, 2012 11:01 am

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4th August, 2012

I have really started to feel the excitement for my upcoming pageant, these days. Especially yesterday when I went to Phoenix Mall in Mumbai to shop for shoes!

If there is one thing that can brighten my day, it's the fun of hitting one shop after another to find that perfect pair of shoes. The kind of shoes that make you feel like you are a modern day Cinderella with your own glass slippers! There have been times when I have planned my whole outfit around a new pair of shoes!

One of the essential requirements for being a pageant winner is knowing how to glide like a princess on stage and I am sure my new shoes are going to have the desired effect.

Well I hope your shoes are treating you well and you are having a great weekend! Ciao!
http://feminamissindia.indiatimes.com/miss-india-diaries/rochelle-maria-rao/august-2012/4th-August-2012/diaryshow/15350367.cms

**dakkudaddy** Sun Aug 05, 2012 10:16 pm

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5th August, 2012

A stranger stabs you in the front; a friend stabs you in the back; a boyfriend stabs you in the heart, but best friends only poke each other with straws.

So here's wishing my 3 best friends in the whole wide world a Happy Friendship Day! Wouldn't have made it this far without them. Shweta Postwar, Varsha Vardarajan and Meherunissa Tariq!

Happy Friendship Day to all my friends across the world, wish I could name them all. Most importantly hope all of you who have supported and followed my progress are having a great Friendship Day filled with lots of love and fun. Have a blast!

http://feminamissindia.indiatimes.com/miss-india-diaries/rochelle-maria-rao/august-2012/5th-August-2012/diaryshow/15362606.cms

**dakkudaddy** Mon Aug 06, 2012 12:13 pm

**dakkudaddy** Mon Aug 06, 2012 6:27 pm

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6th August, 2012

I had a lovely weekend, the highlight being a chance to meet and get to know the world renowned Tim Sebastian. A man I have been watching on BBC for many years and never expected to have the honor of actually meeting him!

There was an excited buzz around the gorgeous ballroom at the brand new Sofitel Hotel in BKC. Everyone was talking about the upcoming show that has caught the entire country's attention "The Outsider" while our hosts Mr. Basap Paul and Smriti Shinde flitted around the room making sure everyone was having a great time.

It was a great opportunity for me to meet imminent personalities from the entertainment industry like Madhur Bhandarkar, Ken Ghosh, Ramesh Taurani, Shashi Tharoor, Suhail Seth, Neetu Chandra, Sharman Joshi and Poonam Dhillon to name a few.

Needless to say that Prachi and myself were star-struck and extremely happy to rub shoulders with such an accomplished group of people. I have to say thank you to Marc Robinson for such a lovely evening!

http://feminamissindia.indiatimes.com/miss-india-diaries/rochelle-maria-rao/august-2012/6th-August-2012/diaryshow/15373516.cms

**dakkudaddy** Wed Aug 08, 2012 2:23 pm

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7th August, 2012

The more I look at the pictures of my competitors on the Miss International website, the more I feel the excitement rising in me to win the coveted crown.

Yesterday was a day full of traffic as I headed to the gym and then to meet a few different people from the industry. I have less than two months to go for my pageant and I am starting to feel like I can't wait any longer!

Ah... Well I guess I don't have a choice! The best thing I can do is to make sure that I am as prepared as possible to win the Crown!

I am posting a picture of me practicing hair and makeup at home, in preparation for the pageant.

http://feminamissindia.indiatimes.com/miss-india-diaries/rochelle-maria-rao/august-2012/7th-August-2012/diaryshow/15386990.cms

**dakkudaddy** Wed Aug 08, 2012 2:24 pm

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8th August, 2012

Today has been a rushed day as I am off to Delhi with Prachi. After a good workout session we are rushing to pack our bags and will shortly head for our flight. We will be attending few shows in Delhi of various designers and we will also be doing a little bit of scouting for our pageant wardrobes as well.

I hope to catch up on what's hot in the fashion capital of the country! Well I hope you guys are having a good week. Ciao for now!

http://feminamissindia.indiatimes.com/miss-india-diaries/rochelle-maria-rao/august-2012/8th-August-2012/diaryshow/15402916.cms

**dakkudaddy** Thu Aug 09, 2012 6:26 pm

**dakkudaddy** Thu Aug 09, 2012 6:28 pm

**dakkudaddy** Thu Aug 09, 2012 6:34 pm

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9th August, 2012

Day one in Delhi was an absolute blast. Prachi and myself rushed to the "the grand" to catch JJ Valaya's show on day one of the couture week! It was an amazing show and the 5 lehengas at the finale absolutely blew me away.

The show definitely helped kick start the week on the right note and I'm glad I took the time to be here. Prachi and I also got an opportunity to meet the who's who of the fashion industry. The whole evening gave me an idea of the international standard of shows we will be a part of at our respective pageants.

The setup outside the show at the after party also served as a launching pad for the India Bridal Week that will take place next month in Mumbai. Here's a pic of us with designer JJ Valaya and Mr. Vijay Singh, owner of the India bridal week.
http://feminamissindia.indiatimes.com/miss-india-diaries/rochelle-maria-rao/august-2012/9th-August-2012/diaryshow/15418917.cms

**dakkudaddy** Fri Aug 10, 2012 3:17 pm

**dakkudaddy** Fri Aug 10, 2012 3:24 pm

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0th August, 2012

Last night was a lot of fun as we launched the India bridal week and luxury wedding property along with Mr.Vijay Singh and JJ Valaya at the grand hotel Delhi.

The post party was a lot of fun as well as Prachi and myself got to meet the fashion fraternity of Delhi.

We are off to the airport now, to head back to Mumbai and gear up for a busy weekend and week thereafter. Hope you are having a happy Janmashtami, ciao for now (PS catch Prachi and myself in the Delhi times today!)

http://feminamissindia.indiatimes.com/miss-india-diaries/rochelle-maria-rao/august-2012/10th-August-2012/diaryshow/15433730.cms

**dakkudaddy** Sat Aug 11, 2012 7:22 pm

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11th August, 2012

After a busy Delhi trip, it's time for a bit of grooming today. I visited Dr.Jamuna Pai at Blush clinic to give my skin the pampering it needs to glow and look radiant. This evening I will visit Dr.Sandesh Mayekar (dentist) to perfect that dazzling smile of mine!

I'm sure I will turn some heads this evening and have a fabulous weekend looking glamorous! A big thank you to people who are making it all possible!
http://feminamissindia.indiatimes.com/miss-india-diaries/rochelle-maria-rao/august-2012/11th-August-2012/diaryshow/15447615.cms

**dakkudaddy** Mon Aug 13, 2012 7:57 am

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12th August, 2012

It's a fun relaxed Sunday after a long week. Last night I reconnected with some old friends from school and we have come to the Salt Water Cafe to catch up on old times.

It's a fun girly afternoon and I'm looking forward to a great week ahead, lots planned but u guys will have to wait to find out what I am up to.

Hope you have had a good weekend!

http://feminamissindia.indiatimes.com/diaries/rochelle-maria-rao/august-2012/12th-August-2012/diaryshow/15460296.cms

**dakkudaddy** Tue Aug 14, 2012 8:01 pm

13th August, 2012

My great weekend ended on a very sad note when I received the news last night that the legendary photographer Prabhudha Dasgupta passed away due to a heart attack. The man has held the title of India's best and most controversial photographer for so long that he is nothing short of a legend in my eyes.

The erstwhile winners speak of what an honour it is to be shot by Prabhudha and that he understands how to shoot a woman better than anyone else. The country mourns the loss of someone so talented and I wish I had the honour to shoot with him myself. His work and books will continue to inspire us in the years to come and everyone in the media and entertainment industry will never forget him.

Rochelle Maria Rao
http://feminamissindia.indiatimes.com/diaries/rochelle-maria-rao/august-2012/13th-August-2012/diaryshow/15474943.cms

**dakkudaddy** Tue Aug 14, 2012 8:03 pm

14th August, 2012

Last weekend, Prachi and I also got a chance to catch up with the very glamourous designer Jaya Mishra who was responsible for all the fabulous evening gowns we wore at our regional pageants.

I am so excited to inform you all that Jaya will be making few pieces for each of us at our international pageants as well. I can't wait to see what she surprises us with! Her designs made me feel confident and beautiful at the Miss India South pageant and I am really looking forward to wearing her work again.

http://feminamissindia.indiatimes.com/diaries/rochelle-maria-rao/august-2012/14th-August-2012/diaryshow/15489605.cms

**dakkudaddy** Wed Aug 15, 2012 8:51 pm

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15th August, 2012

Yesterday's photo shoot was a lot of fun. Photographer Jittu Savlani did his best to make us feel comfortable and really brought the best out of us in front of the camera. The make-up was phenomenal and stylist Amit Hansraj was great as usual. Amit, Prachi and I had a lot of fun catching up and working together. We had time for a fun dinner as well since today is a holiday.

I hope all of you are having a great Independence Day. Make sure you take a moment out to remember the families of those who have given their lives to protect our borders and also remember those who continue to fight for our safety. Remember if something needs to be improved in our country then it is our duty as the youth to strive to bring that change.

Respect the police and law makers and let's look forward to another year of prosperity and unity in diversity.

Happy Independence Day to you all

See yaa!

http://feminamissindia.indiatimes.com/diaries/rochelle-maria-rao/august-2012/15th-August-2012/diaryshow/15504764.cms

**dakkudaddy** Thu Aug 16, 2012 3:29 pm

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16th August, 2012

Shooting with Femina again today! This time I'm on my own. Really looking forward to today's shoot as it is not very often that a girl gets a cover of her own!

I have seen the outfits and I think the shoot is going to be a lot of fun but you guys will have to be patient to see the final product!

Here's a picture of me from our first Femina cover together, which was taken during the shoot!

Hope you are having a great week so far and enjoyed the holiday yesterday! Ciao!
http://feminamissindia.indiatimes.com/diaries/rochelle-maria-rao/august-2012/16th-August-2012/diaryshow/15514164.cms

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