Rochelle Maria Rao (India 2012)

richard321 wrote:PFMI INTERNATIONAL 2012 Rochelle Rao's interview with FEMINA

How did you feel when they announced your name?
The five of us came back on stage and I had gotten into position. I didn't even have time to start to get nervous because my name was the first one they called out. The first few seconds, I think I was in a daze. I remember I walked in the wrong direction and then I remembered I had to go towards Ankita Shorey (laughs). Only when I was walking down the ramp, it sunk in that I realized that there's a crown on my head and that I was one of the Miss Indias. It's a crazy feeling!

You have been a model but how did you prepare for this?
The pageant is a completely different ballgame. When I went for the south pageant in December, I was unprepared and had no idea what pageants were all about. I came second and I was unsure whether I should take part in the PFMI competition. But after grooming myself for two months, getting styled by Sidney and Rehane, I gained confidence. I knew Chennai was backing me and a lot of people had faith in me and that made me work hard. Over the last 30 days, I have realized that if you work hard, it pays off. With modelling, it's different because you don't have a whole team of experts focussed on making you the best that you can be. And that's what the last 30 days have been.

Was there anything you found tough to handle?
For me, the toughest part was that every day you were being judged; it's a huge hit to your confidence. Having been in the modelling industry for the last few years, it was difficult for me to accept that there were a lot of things I didn't know or was doing wrong. Halfway through, I figured that I either learn quickly or I am going to get left behind. Marc Robinson played a very big role in our training and I am proud we had someone like him train us.

Your family was supportive?
My family was there with me every day telling me I could do it and reminding not to get down. That support definitely got me through the last 30 days. If it wasn't for my sister Paloma, I don't think I would be here right now. She is my inspiration.

So you're hoping to come back with the Miss International crown now ?
I am really confident of coming back with the crown and I have been preparing for it. It's about being international and having a face and personality that'll work anywhere in the world. More than anyone else, I think I do meet the requirement. I always had the issue of looking too international so now I think I am in the perfect role! And the whole team of experts and Marc are going to be with us for the few months training us so that's fantastic.

Do we see you heading to Bollywood or Kollywood?
I would love to get into movies but right now I need to focus on the pageant. I would love to be in the Tamil film industry. But all of that will have to wait till the international pageant is over. But I think I have an advantage in the south film industry as I am from there and I think it'll work in my favour.

What advice would you give our city girls who are aspiring beauty queens?
I think I was scared of stepping out of Chennai for many years. I wish I had done it earlier. The best way to step out of Chennai and to follow your dreams is through a pageant like this. You'll never get the opportunity otherwise to go out into the world with a whole team preparing you and protecting you. It's difficult to do it on your own. Don't be scared, follow your dreams and work hard!