Determination is all it takes to win: Parvathy

Parvathy Omankuttan didn’t disappoint as she broke a draught of beauty queens and got her share of fame on being the runner-up at Miss World 2008. In a free-wheeling chit-chat with Shashank Chouhan of Spicezee.com, the young damsel talks about what it takes to be a Miss World, her favourite food and how Mumbai attacks shook her.Shashank: Congratulations on your victory. Has it sunk in yet? Parvathy: Yes I guess it has now. Actually I expected to win so it wasn’t a surprise as I had really done my best. People around me were so positive about me. I am so happy.. Shashank: So close to the title yet so far. Are you remorseful? Parvathy: There were 10 judges who decided my fate that night, but I know the world was supporting me. I realized that one may be a winner, but may not be liked by people - that isn’t the case with me. Not only am I a winner, but I am getting so much love and support. It’s a great feeling. Shashank: What was going through your mind when you were in final five? Parvathy: I was sure of my training and myself. I was telling myself that I am going to win this. My name was announced in the end of top 15 - but even as the fourteenth name was announced, I knew I was the fifteenth one. I was thinking that I can do my best in the Q/A round. There was so much applause each time my name was called that there was little space for fear… Shashank: If given a chance, would you like to change the answer you gave in the finale? Parvathy: Well I was pretty confident about my answer. All of this was at the back of my mind in the Q/A round- all the cheering that I was getting from the hundreds of Indians who were there that night, my own training and presence of mind etc. May be I would like to answer a bit slowly if given another chance, but there is nothing I would like to add or subtract from it. Shashank: Obviously expectations were high as you seemed to be sailing through smoothly and winning many other rounds as well… Parvathy: Exactly. I made friends with the girls from other country and they were surprised as well. Miss England and I were close to each other and she hugged me crying, saying that I was her Miss World! One doesn’t expect this from a competitor so that remark was a high note for me really. Shashank: And what did it take to reach so far…? Parvathy: Above all I think its determination that takes you places. It doesn’t mater that you are rich or poor, north Indian or south Indian or Hindu or Muslim etc. It’s your attitude that counts really. Shashank: What kind of training did you have? Parvathy: Oh I have always been athletic. I represented my house- Blue House- in school in all sporting activities. I was an active child so weight was never really a problem with me. My trainers just toned me up in the shape that I am now. As far as eating habits go, I am quite a foodie but I don’t hog. I take food in small quantities through the day and it’s a mix of nutrition and delicious food that any 21 year old would like… Shashank: Now that you have been there and done that, what do you think Indian girls need to win more consistently? Parvathy: I think you should have conviction first. That’s the most important thing. You also need to be proud of the fact that you are representing your country on the largest platform possible. In South Africa, I saw many girls who had just given up and they were just having fun there. But fun is just one element, there are expectations from you back home. Our trainers are the best in the world and they didn’t leave any stone unturned to groom me in a most international style. We have it all, in the end it’s the attitude that matters. Shashank: Looking at your profile, it seems you were made for winning beauty pageants…! Parvathy: I guess! I won quite a lot of competitions very young and that when my folks realized that I was serious about my dream of being crowned Miss World. When I saw Aishwarys winning and when I saw Sushmita’s interview after she had won, I really got inspired. I kept a track of these beauty queens. I told my dad at that time- when I was 7 or 8 years old- that I want to be Miss India and he said ‘ya sure, go to sleep now’. Well I didn’t quite drop the idea and God was kind. Shashank: Tell us something about your background Parvathy: I belong to a Malyali family. I was born in Kerala, but we shifted to Bombay when I was 6-7 months old. My father is in the hospitality industry- he is with the Taj. It’s a family with traditions. My father insisted that we speak in Malyalam when we were here because we were learning so many languages which was good, but it was important to keep in touch with our roots. I guess it’s this culture that makes me what I am today. Shashank: Is Bollywood calling? Parvathy: I am waiting for good offers right now. Of course I won’t have much choice in the beginning. But I am ready for my share of dancing around the trees! Shashank: What’s your New Year Day plan? Parvathy: Oh I m a very family person. New Year eve will be spent with friends and family at home. Shashank: Ok now some quickies. What’s your favourite ghar ka khana Parvathy: Avial - it’s a typical Kerala dish that mom makes wonderfully. I also like chicken, actually I love it! Shashank: Do you cook? Parvathy: I like to cook, but I don’t like to do it everyday. Dad being in the hotel industry is a help and inspiration. Once mom had to go to Kerala for three months so dad brought a cookery book for us. And we had a blast! Shashank: Which are your favourite eating out joints? Parvathy: Legacy of China and Mirchi Shashank: What would you wear on a romantic date? Parvathy: Something that would enhance my beauty- a cocktail dress perhaps. Shashank: And what kind of guy would you date? Parvathy: Good looking, quick witted, intelligent and ambitious. Shashank: And do you have someone in your mind with those features? Parvathy: No I am single..(chuckles) Shashank: And ready to mingle? Parvathy: Not really as my career is just about to launch now. I am having a ball in life. Shashank: And finally, your dad being associated with the Taj, what do think about the Mumbai attack? Parvathy: It was the most shocking incident that we ever witnessed. There have been terror incidents before, but this was just unbelievable and it stunned the world. I was away so it was doubly bad for me as I didn’t know what was happening to my beloved city. We lost some friends in Taj, some had seen me off to South Africa. My dad was really disturbed throughout as were we. I also want to say that we have to be firm with our safety measures, one doesn’t feel quite safe walking on the streets now. What if someone just barges in with a gun? I hope sense prevails and we all are united in this.