'Winning Femina Miss India last year felt like a rebirth'

Model Vanya Mishra discusses how life has changed ever since she won the country's most coveted beauty pageant crown in 2012.

She may not have won the title of Miss World last year, but Femina Miss India 2012 Vanya Mishra certainly made her presence felt at the pageant held in Ordos, China. In addition to being named Miss Social Networking and Miss Beauty with a Purpose, the Chandigarh beauty also made it to the final seven -- so close and yet so far!

Despite not bringing home the grand prize, however, Mishra is grateful for the experience and has seen her modelling career take off in India. We caught up with her at Shehnaai 2013, the annual wedding fair held in Mumbai recently for a quick tete-a-tete.

What does it mean to become Miss India?

To become Miss India was a childhood dream of mine and when I was actually crowned last year it changed my life forever. It's like you're reborn -- from no one you become someone. It gives you national and international recognition. It's a great platform and you get to represent your country and it gives you the biggest high of your life, especially when you're so passionate about it. Miss India is the most beautiful thing that has happened to me so far.

When you represent your country, you are not called by your name. You are called India. So that feeling was always there to do something for my country and make my country proud of me.

It's been a wonderful journey so far and there is only going ahead after this.

How did it change your life?

Totally. I was someone known in Chandigarh because that's my hometown -- and then it's like everybody in India suddenly recognises you. You have achieved something in life and that too at the country's most esteemed beauty pageant. People get to know you as Miss India and you have something attached to your name, which is going to stay with you forever. This whole year has been like a fairytale to me.

What's your definition of an achiever?

Somebody who has achieved his or her life's dreams...You are an achiever if you want to become an artist, for instance, and you paint to your heart's content and it doesn't matter even if you are not famous. If you follow your art, you are successful. Achievement is more about your own satisfaction and happiness than anything else.

Any style tips for young girls or brides-to-be, seeing as you're taking part in a bridal fashion show?

I don't think I am an authority to advice them really, but I'd like them to go natural and not look all made up all the time.

Eating healthy and exercising regularly will bring out your natural beauty. Follow that, rather than going for too much makeup.

For brides, just be happy and enjoy the moment, because it is the happiest of your life and you will look beautiful for sure.