Amidst the glitz and glamour, a new face of grace and confidence has emerged. Mathrika Choudhury (MC), crowned Miss Shillong 2025 rose to overnight fame as she steered through the rigours of the most coveted beauty pageant in the state. Miss Shillong, is an annual pageant organised by the Fashion Society Shillong (FSS) that has aided in promoting local talent through designers and models.
Like every year, this year’s contest too, was no less of an enthralling competition with several challenging rounds that ultimately won Choudhury the crown. In this exclusive interview with Sunday Shillong, she opens up about her journey, challenges, and dreams beyond the crown. Excerpts:
SS: Congratulations on your being crowned! What were your thoughts before and after winning?
MC: Before the results were announced, my mind was, honestly, blank. I wasn’t overconfident, but I was hopeful because I knew how much work I had put in for the past two months. The moment before the winner was declared, I wasn’t thinking of winning or losing. I was simply standing there with the knowledge that I had done my best and the rest was God’s decision. After my name was announced as the winner, the feeling was surreal. At first, I felt numb almost as if I couldn’t believe it was happening and then I hugged my mother and cried as she whispered “we made it”.
SS: What, according to you, set you apart from the other contestants?
MC: All of the girls have different stories but I believe what set me apart was my authenticity. I didn’t try to fit into an idea of what a contestant should be like. I didn’t try to be perfect. I stayed rooted to who I am and I think the judges saw sincerity and confidence that came from within. Throughout the journey, I had always been observing more than speaking because it was my very first pageant, so I did not try to outshine anyone or pretend to be someone I am not. I respected everyone around me and I was just there to learn and grow.
SS: Why does this title and forum matter to you?
MC: This title matters to me because it feels like the push I needed. I have been a victim of self-doubt and criticism for a very long time. So winning this title is like proving to myself more than others that I am capable and I do have what it takes and of course, to other young women I think this platform gives a sense of visibility and courage. It’s a chance to redefine what ambition and representation look like.
SS: How do you see beauty?
MC: Beauty to me is simply a presence, it’s kindness. If a person is beautiful from within, it will definitely show on their faces. I think you need to have a kind heart in order to make your outer appearance more appealing. I have noticed that sometimes we meet people who might be very attractive physically but it so happens that the moment we talk to them the perception we had of their ‘beauty’ just fades and I think that’s entirely because of how they treat people. Beauty to me is intention, grace, character. How someone makes people feel in their presence.
SS: How has growing up in Shillong/Meghalaya influenced your outlook and ambitions?
MC: Growing up in Shillong has shaped the way I see the world in a really grounding way. The culture here has always emphasised simplicity, community and staying connected to our roots and that has made me value authenticity in whatever I do. Being surrounded by nature and such diverse communities taught me to be open-minded and adaptable.
SS: Tell us the role of Fashion Society Shillong in grooming you into winning this title.
MC: I am genuinely very grateful to Fashion Society because this was my debut pageant and I was incredibly inexperienced in the beginning. Not many people know this, but after the auditions, when the list of selected candidates was announced, my name wasn’t there. I remember scanning through the list multiple times, and when I didn’t find my name, I cried a little. My mother comforted me and reminded me that it was my first attempt and that I could always try again and I accepted that with a quiet heart. The next morning, while I was still trying to process the disappointment, I received a message from our secretary, Miss Rebha. It was an invitation to join the finalists’ group. I stared at the message, confused, because I hadn’t been selected the previous night. I even replied saying there must have been a mistake and that’s when she told me, “You’ve been selected, dear. The list will be updated soon.” A few hours later I received a call from our chairman and he confirmed that a contestant had withdrawn due to personal reasons and I happened to be next in line.
So from there, the journey began. The grooming sessions, training and constant guidance. In the beginning, I struggled a lot. My walk wasn’t strong, my confidence was still forming and everything felt new. But our mentors were absolute angels. Sir Chris, Ma’am Nafi and Ma’am Rebha. They supported and shaped us with so much dedication. Their patience and belief in me helped me grow. I am grateful beyond words.
SS: How do you visualise this crown changing perceptions about stereotypes on women?
MC: This crown represents progress. It challenges the idea that women must fit into narrow roles. It shows that women can be strong, articulate, compassionate and ambitious all at the same time. I want this title to encourage young women to embrace all facets of themselves.
SS: Over the years, beauty pageants per se have lost their appeal in most parts of the world. Why do you think it’s a big phenomenon in our state and region?
MC: I personally think pageants are quite significant everywhere but in our state and region, pageants are more than competitions. They are cultural celebrations of identity, community pride and storytelling. They offer a stage for young people to express who they are, where they come from and what they hope to build.
SS: November 1, the day of the event was full of pressure and competition. How did you overcome these feelings of anxiety and reach the winning position?
MC: There was pressure, of course, but I centred myself by breathing, grounding, and reminding myself why I was there. I only thought about my mother and how proud my father would’ve been if he were still here with us. I needed to prove things to myself first and a lot of people as well. I still stayed true to myself. I was trying to be more present rather than perfect.
SS: Now that you are crowned the most adorned title, how do you plan to use this platform?
MC: I want to use this platform to encourage younger women. There are many important issues I care about including mental health and racism and so on and I truly stand by them. But I want to begin by creating space for young women to feel seen, heard and supported. I know how hard it can be to grow up with constant criticism, body shaming and self-doubt. I’ve experienced those feelings myself. Now that I have this title, I want to use it with purpose and for me, that purpose starts with helping young women rediscover their confidence, their voice and their own sense of worth.
SS: Tell us about the role of your family in your journey in the fashion world.
MC: My family doesn’t have any experience or link with fashion society, modelling or just the fashion world as a whole. I had no specific guidance in this industry, but what I did have was their unwavering support. The moment I hugged them after winning was when I realised that this victory is not mine alone, it’s ours.
SS: What would you tell young women who aspire to be in the place that you’re standing in today?
MC: So like I said, in my final answer, “you do not need to wait to be perfect to start your journey.” I wasn’t perfect when I started, but if I hadn’t started, I wouldn’t be here right now, so please believe in yourself because the highest form of validation you could seek is from yourself and nobody else.
Radiant, articulate, and deeply rooted in her cultural identity, Choudhury embodies the spirit of the modern North Eastern woman; proud of her heritage yet fearless in her ambitions.
Interviewed by Esha Chaudhuri
