Gauahar Khan’s journey from clinching the celebrated title of Femina Miss India Worldwide 22 years in the past to her illustrious profession at this time is nothing in need of inspiring. By way of her laborious work, dedication, and unwavering religion, she has carved a path that has not solely outlined her success however has additionally impressed numerous others. On this unique interview, Gauahar displays on the highlights and challenges which have formed her exceptional journey, from her days as a high mannequin to turning into a beloved host and actress. Be part of us as we delve into the lifetime of this multifaceted character, exploring the moments which have outlined her profession and the experiences which have formed her into the particular person she is at this time. Excerpts:
Gauahar, your journey, which started with Femina Miss India, has been really inspiring. May you stroll us by the highlights and challenges which have formed this exceptional journey?
The place do I start? It has been Masha’Allah 22 years, and just a few folks can have the nice fortune of truly experiencing such an extended, related, and impactful profession trajectory. I really feel extremely grateful as a result of you possibly can solely put in a lot work, dedication and wrestle in your journey. Nevertheless, you outline it. However in the end, it is the Almighty above who orchestrates the alternatives alongside the best way. So, I really imagine that God had a plan for me as a result of He noticed my laborious work and dedication and saved opening up extra paths for me. After turning into Miss India, I used to be lucky sufficient to be observed by among the greatest choreographers within the nation. I began modelling and strolling for famend designers. A whole lot of credit score goes to all of the choreographers who instantly gave me work after turning into Miss India, like Lubna Adam, Mark Robinson, Anu Hoja, Apitania, and Asha Vidyan—Additionally, credit score to the coordinators who known as me for jobs like Fabi’s and Cookie.
I am really grateful to each one that noticed potential in me and began giving me work. Though I grew to become one of many high fashions within the nation and labored for famend designers, my coronary heart all the time belonged to the performing arts. I wished to bounce, act, and showcase my expertise. Fortuitously, proper after Miss India, I additionally grew to become a TV host on music channels like B4U and Zoom, with Zoom being a channel of Occasions of India itself. From there, many individuals noticed potential in me, and one factor led to a different, ultimately resulting in movies after taking part in ‘Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa’. I’d say that my profession and life have resulted from prayers, blessings, and a powerful work ethic. One factor led to a different, and I really imagine in that.
Representing India on the worldwide stage should have been an exhilarating expertise. May you share among the most unforgettable moments out of your worldwide pageant journey?
I gained the title of Miss India Worldwide in 2002, after which I represented India at Miss Worldwide, held in Japan in 2002. It was really a blessing for me, as my father had lived in Japan for 14 years of his life whereas I used to be a child. Rising up, I all the time had a fascination with Japan, and profitable a title that took me there for the primary time felt like a present from God. It was a tremendous expertise with over 100 international locations taking part and assembly folks from completely different nationalities who have been all variety to one another. I bear in mind Miss Lebanon, who grew to become certainly one of my greatest buddies in the course of the pageant and ultimately gained. Her title was Christine, and I cherished our friendship. Miss Philippines was additionally an expensive buddy of mine. As an 18-year-old, experiencing all of this was really exceptional. I really feel extremely grateful for the chance to symbolize India, sporting the sash with ‘India’ written on it. Wanting again, it appears like a historic reality, however speaking about it brings tears to my eyes. It is easy to overlook the enormity of such experiences in life, however reminiscing about it now fills me with emotion. It was a deeply fulfilling expertise that performed a major function in shaping me into the particular person I’m at this time.
Wanting again at your time at Femina Miss India, what standout reminiscences or experiences do you maintain pricey to your coronary heart?
I’ve all the time maintained this, and I am not simply saying it due to this interview. All through my life, I’ve persistently upheld the worth of the coaching we acquired in 2002 below the steerage of Lubna Adams, Rhea Pillay, and all of the health specialists like Diane Pandey, Sameer, and Karan, who have been our trainers. Belief me once I say these 40 days of coaching laid the muse for the skilled I’m at this time. The coaching was distinctive, offering a holistic method that taught me the significance of time administration, kindness, and interpersonal abilities in each private {and professional} life. With out that coaching, I would not be half the skilled I’m at this time. Waking up at 4:00 a.m. and hitting the health club at 5:00 a.m. grew to become routine. I’ve a lovely reminiscence of operating on the treadmill, motivating myself to push additional every time, and envisioning the result.
As we have fun the sixtieth version of Femina Miss India, how do you understand the evolution of this iconic pageant over time?
I recall how Miss India was a nationwide occasion once we have been children. The thrill and fervour surrounding it have been unforgettable; we may bear in mind the names of each single participant and acknowledge many faces. Miss India is sort of a trophy for all times. Being a part of it’s a important achievement as a result of it selects solely 25 to 27 women from throughout the nation every year. It is a huge deal. Seeing the form of influence Miss India has now and the publicity Indian women obtain worldwide after profitable pageants is unimaginable. The extent of selling assist and fame they garner is astounding. I really feel deeply honored to have been part of this phenomenon, and I genuinely hope it continues without end.
Your journey evokes numerous younger girls who aspire to take part in Femina Miss India. What’s your message to these aspiring beauties?
I’ve a member of the family who shares the identical aspiration. My younger niece actually desires of taking part in Miss India. She’s simply as captivated by the Miss India phenomenon as I’m. She really dedicates herself to it. I can see the hassle she places in each day, working laborious to shed pounds, get in form, enhance her speech, and construct her confidence. I like her ardour and enthusiasm in aspiring to be a part of Miss India. To all the women on the market, I wish to emphasize that there are not any shortcuts to success; laborious work is important. Taking part in Miss India is an expertise that may stick with you for a lifetime; it isn’t one thing you overlook after taking part. Be sure that you method it with ardour, dedication, and the respect it deserves.
Lastly, please inform us extra about your upcoming tasks.
Properly, I just lately wrapped up my function as a number on ‘Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa’. It is unimaginable to assume that I used to be a contestant on the present ten years in the past. Again in 2009, I participated as a celeb contestant. Quick ahead to 2024, and I had the glory of turning into the host of the identical present. It is a important achievement for me, and I am really grateful for it. Mashallah, even after 22 years since profitable Miss India, I am nonetheless related within the trade, and I am genuinely grateful for every part. Presently, I am concerned in taking pictures two movies set to be launched quickly, and I’ve additionally signed on for one more challenge, which I will start taking pictures for shortly. There are many thrilling issues on the horizon.
