Mary open to acting offers

Local girl Mary Khyriem has become the star of the North East after winning the dazzling Sunsilk Mega crown of the year. The 19-year-old student of St Anthony’s College says it’s her wanderlust that drove her to the first big fashion arena. The former Miss Shillong says despite her strict food regime, she manages to gorge on her favourite roadside delicacies. “But I would prefer traditional food like phan and tungtap, Jadoh, doh nei iong, putharo,” says the foodie.
Khyriem does not call herself a socialite. Rather, she is among the reclusive ones and opens up only among friends. When alone, she focuses on reading and writing and at times singing.
In an email interview, the North East beauty tells Sunday Shillong’s Heather Phanwar about her experience at the pageant and gives a snapshot of the road ahead.

You are a known face in Shillong. But were you expecting this feat to come your way?
I have done shows here with reputed designers like Daniel Syiem, Arif Mukhim and others. As for Sunsilk Mega Miss North East, it is something that I have always wanted to achieve. Former winners like Jessica Ruth Marbaniang and Natasha Wahlang, who are from Meghalaya, are my inspirations. This year, I finally pushed myself and was encouraged by my friends and loved ones. And here I am, finally achieving my goal.

What’s next? Are you eyeing Miss India or other pageants?
As of now, I am still dazed and overwhelmed and it (my winning the title) is but God’s blessing and plan… Talking about Miss India, yes it is most girls’ dream to achieve that and I am one of them. It’s hard to say really considering that I am still a student. Studies are my first priority but again my teachers have been so supportive and encouraging.
Maybe my winning and my experience will motivate more girls to come out of their shell and face the world around.

Your most memorable moment at the competition and the most embarrassing/scary moment (if any) at the event…
Most memorable moment at the competition would be meeting and interacting with the 49 contestants all over the North East. To have formed such a strong and genuine bond is unlikely to happen in most competitions.

Which brands in and outside Shillong have you modelled for?
I have only walked for designers in and around Shillong and have not tried outside the city yet.

Who do you want to thank for the achievement?
First, I owe my success to the Divine One without which I cease to exist. It is through His blessings and guidance that I have reached here. My parents, family members, friends and loved ones have always been so encouraging and supportive. Special thanks to my mentors, the panel of judges and Mega Entertainment and especially Sir Abhijit Singha for crowning me as the 15th Sunsilk Mega Miss North East 2017.

Do you want to be in modelling or try for silver screen as is usually the trend?
Yes, I am passionate about modelling. As my course deals with video works, producing, directing, as well as acting, so if I were ever given a chance to be in the silver screen I would definitely grab my opportunity, not because it’s in trend but because I find interest in it and it co-relates with my career. And because I know I would be contented with the work.

How competitive is it for NE models in the mainland? Any personal experience that you want to share…
In any competition, the aspect and essence of competition will always arise and prevail. But we northeasterns should not be alarmed or disheartened. What I learn from Sunsilk Mega Miss North East is something that I will always remember. I learnt that you should never look at the competition but at yourself only then will you strive to better and it makes you a better person. You learn to appreciate others for who they are.

Who is/are your role model(s)?
My parents, my dear ones and many others who inspired and motivated me each day. But if I had to name one, it would be my sister Donna Khyriem, former Miss Shillong 2012. I have always looked up to my sister. She is my best friend, my teacher, my counsellor. Her striking personality, her humility and the zest to never give up will always encourage me to chase my dreams. That no dreams are too big to achieve if you are willing to achieve both success and failure in life is what she made me believe.

What is your style statement?
My style statement would be anything I am comfortable in. I do not really have a particular style, I change from time to time but I like to play little and be different. My style also depends a lot on my mood. If you’re comfortable in what you wear you shouldn’t worry about what people think because at the end of the day everyone is different and not everyone will have the same opinion.