1. What inspired you to become a Fit India Ambassador, and how do you promote fitness among others?
Despite having no interest in sports during school and college, after having my second child, I began a fitness journey, gradually increasing distance and becoming an ambassador for over 500 runs across India, as well as being an influencer and face of various events, leading to becoming an ambassador for Fit India.
2. What motivated you to participate in pageants, and how do you think they have impacted your life?
I thought that I couldn’t pursue modelling after marriage. I regained confidence through fitness and participated in a Nilgiris Event in Tamil Nadu, where I became the first runner-up, leading to a successful modelling and pageant journey with offers pouring in.
3. What was your preparation for the Mrs. Worldwide pageant, and how did you feel when you won the title?
I participated in the Mrs. India Contest in Jaipur and was thrilled to win. The judges selected me to represent India internationally in Singapore, which was a big responsibility. I started my preparations and, due to the pandemic, had one and a half years to train, attend online sessions, and learn from the experiences of past contestants. Through my preparation, I learned that success in pageantry involves more than just physical appearance and confidence. I also needed to focus on my social media presence, motivating others, connecting with people, activities, and talent. As a dancer, I learned classical dance and focused on Kathak to perform my best on an international platform. I was crowned Mrs. Worldwide Special Queen Ambassador and won the sub-title of Mrs. Glory Beauty.
4. Could you tell us more about your experience as an ultra-marathoner? How did you get into it, and what challenges did you face along the way?
When I wanted to lose weight, I joined a gym and excelled in aerobics and Zumba. People suggested I try running, so I gradually worked up to 10 kilometers. To my surprise, I placed second among the girls in a 10-kilometer race, and this motivated me to keep running. I faced many challenges, including running distances up to 112 kilometers, which required a lot of practice and stamina-building. As someone from a Punjabi background with a rich food culture, I am disciplined in monitoring my diet. Strengthening exercises are crucial for long-distance running, and success is only possible through hard work and dedication.
5. As a businesswoman in the construction and land development industry, what are some of the challenges you have faced, and how have you overcome them?
Running our construction and land development company has been quite a challenge. While my husband handles the construction work, I am responsible for managing the company’s finances, which is no easy feat. Over the years, we have purchased land in Devanahalli and built several small service apartments and buildings, which we have either sold or rented out. However, the land we own has been plagued with various problems, including litigation issues, as we are outsiders in the area. Moreover, in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are struggling to find suitable employment or maintain their lifestyles, leading some to resort to occupying land that does not belong to them, causing further issues for us as landowners. These illegal occupants often demand compensation for relinquishing the land they have taken over. This business is not for the faint-hearted, and requires a lot of effort and determination to overcome the numerous obstacles.
6. How do you balance your various roles, such as being a mother, entrepreneur, fitness enthusiast, and model?
As a sportswoman, I have to practice in the morning and evening to perform well in my runs. However, to be at my best, I need to maintain a lean physique, which can be difficult since I am also a model, and I cannot afford to look too thin or unwell. Apart from that, I am a mother and have to take care of my kids, prepare their meals, and attend to their needs. I ensure that I complete my workout before they wake up, or when they go out to play or attend classes, I use that time to do my exercises. Also, I make sure that I do not stay in the sun for too long and take good care of my skin to maintain a healthy glow. Balancing everything requires a lot of effort, dedication, and time management skills, but I am determined to succeed and pursue all my passions simultaneously.
7. What advice would you give to other women who are interested in pursuing a career in business or entrepreneurship?
Even though our company is relatively new, being around for only a couple of years, we believe that anyone can achieve their career goals, no matter how big or small. Whenever someone comes to me seeking advice on how to pursue a career in sports, pageantry, or entrepreneurship, I always tell them that nothing is impossible if they set their mind to it. I encourage them to set achievable targets and work hard to accomplish them. I believe in leading a disciplined life and balancing all aspects of one’s life to achieve success. So, I advise them to focus on their physical health, mental well-being, and personal relationships, while also striving to excel in their chosen field
8. How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals, both personally and professionally?
I strongly believe that discipline is a key factor in achieving anything one desires in life, and I make sure to lead a self-disciplined life myself. When people come to me seeking guidance, I always encourage them to do the same, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balance and staying motivated at all times. During the challenging times of the pandemic, when we were all confined to our homes and exposed to depressing news, I set my mind on representing my country internationally in Singapore, and I worked tirelessly towards that goal. Despite the distractions and obstacles that came my way, I never missed a single day of my workout routine and completed a 42 km run inside my house, which I still proudly keep a record of. I continuously strive to achieve the targets that I set for myself, whether they are related to my sport, modeling career, or any other aspect of my life. The fact that people look up to me and aspire to be like me serves as an honour and a source of inspiration, giving me a renewed enthusiasm to continue chasing my goals.
9. What are your future plans and goals, both in your personal and professional life?
Setting targets is something that I enjoy doing, and my next goal is to run for 72 hours, which is going to be challenging, but I’m determined to prepare for it. Additionally, I have been invited to potentially serve as a judge for Mrs. Malaysia, which would be an incredible international opportunity, but it is not confirmed yet.