Shillong-based model, Barnana Dutta Choudhury recently bagged the Mission Dreams’ Miss India runners-up title which was held at the Eco Park Kolkata in December last year. She also won titles such as Miss Elegant and Miss Beauty with a purpose in the prestigious platform.
During an interaction with Sunday Shillong, Barnana said she exclaimed “Is this real?” when her name was announced.
“I remember being so surprised and wondering if this was really my reality. It takes some time to soak it all in, but once the crown was on, it felt more real,” the Shillong based model who has been part of the fashion industry for the past seven years said.
When asked about takeaways from the event, she said that she had learnt so much more than she had ever imagined from this pageant.
‘I have become more self-disciplined and determined to achieve my goals. I have shed my shy and inhibited side. I learnt to support and love the very girls I was competing against. I learnt more about who I was and to conduct myself with more confidence” she said.
Responding to how an event like this inspires young adults, Barnana said that pageants like these promote goal setting and will truly inspire young adults to search their soul, think about the future and make a plan on how to get there.
“Sometimes, the pageant, itself, is a stepping stone to achieving those goals. I personally believe that these platforms aid in voicing the glories and challenges of various countries and cultures from all over the world,” she said.
According to her, events as such help in empowering people especially women who have a vision of making themselves stronger, and come together as one.
Barnana further said that unity in diversity and empowerment are some of the key things that are being focused on more than just the physical beauty of the people who compete.
Barana however expresses that humility, patience and staying true to one’s roots has helped her throughout the pageant.
When asked how Shillong played a role in her success at the pageant, she said that Shillong has always been a part of my success.
“I have started my journey from Shillong and my state will always stay a part of me. I owe all of my success to the people who supported me throughout my journey. My friends, family and loved ones,” Barnana said.
Answering if the Fashion Society of Shillong has played a part in her modelling career, she said that back in 2016, she did participate in Miss Shillong but due to unavoidable circumstances she couldn’t compete in the finale.
“But I did attend the grooming sessions and I truly believe that knowledge is power and it has definitely helped me in the entirety of my modelling career,’ Barnana said.
Talking about her future plans, she said that she is currently preparing herself for her upcoming projects in Tollywood as well as the South Indian Film Industry.
She further informed that she also looks forward to launching her own NGO which will mainly focus on the issues of the trans community and their livelihoods.
In her message to aspiring models, Barnana said that aspiring models and pageant enthusiasts must always embrace rejection.
“Believe in yourself, come out of your comfort zone and live the life of your dreams. Always remember, if you follow your passion and your dreams, success follows you,” Barnana who did her schooling from Auxilium Convent said.
Barnana started her modelling journey in 2015 and has won titles namely, Miss Brahmaputra Northeast 2017 and Runner’s Up at Miss India Historic 2021.
About
The three-day event saw the participation of contestants from all walks of life to try their hands into the beauty and fashion world. Sponsored by exclusive brands to promote and outshine the cast, influencers, actors and fashion designers came to witness the atmosphere and motivate young individuals at the event. The event was categorised mainly into three parts, namely, MD Miss India 2022, MD Mr. India 2022 and MD Mrs. India 2022 that included several rounds such as the National Costume round, Cocktail Round, Swimsuit round, Evening Gown Round, Designer Round, Talent Round and Question Answer Round to bring out the best from all the participating contestants. Prior to the winning moment, for the Fourth season of Mission Dreams’ Miss, Mr and Mrs India 2022, the contestants were groomed by MTV, India’s next top model reality show finalist Miss Subhamita Banerjee.