Can you take us back to the beginning. Where did your journey in medical cosmetology and skin care begin?
I’m a small-town girl from Bodinayakanur, Theni, where life was simple but dreams were big. Growing up, I saw how skin and hair concerns could quietly affect confidence and self-esteem. That’s when I realised my calling wasn’t just medicine—it was aesthetics, the art of giving people not just beauty, but the courage to feel their best.

What inspired you to specialise in skin and hair treatments, especially in the cosmetic space?
Transformation inspires me. The glow in someone’s eyes when they look in the mirror after a treatment and feel like the best version of themselves—that’s priceless. Medical Cosmetology is not vanity; it’s deeply emotional. I wanted to give people the strength to love themselves. That’s why I started my skin care clinic Dr.Aesthetix, at Gems Court on Khader Nawaz Khan Rd in Chennai.

Where did you study medical cosmetology? Were there any mentors or pivotal moments that shaped your path?
I pursued my FMC in Delhi and have trained extensively in clinical cosmetology and permanent makeup across India and abroad. I specialise in advanced Botox and filler injectables from Korea, with signature treatments like Hollywood Jawline, Korean V-Face, and Russian Lips being my favourites. My pivotal moment came when I realised that medicine heals the body, but aesthetics heals the spirit. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of learning from global mentors during international conferences, gaining insights from different countries and cultures, which has shaped my unique approach to cosmetic care.

Starting a practice in Chennai, what were the early days like? Any memorable firsts or challenges that stand out? How did you overcome them?
The early days were nothing short of a battle. I started with very little but had big dreams. The challenge was to prove that a woman-led cosmetic clinic could stand tall in Chennai’s competitive space. My first client at Dr.Aesthetix, my Skin care clinic still remains my biggest memory—because she trusted me when I was just starting out. Faith, persistence, and the refusal to give up helped me overcome every obstacle.

What are your core areas of specialisation. Are there particular treatments or techniques you’re known for?
I’m known for permanent makeup artistry, advanced skin brightening, weight loss solutions, anti-ageing treatments, and non-surgical cosmetic procedures. People often say my signature is the ‘natural finish’—treatments that enhance beauty without ever looking artificial.

How do you approach skin and hair care differently for South Indian climates and lifestyles?
South Indian weather is humid and sun-heavy. I always recommend lightweight products, sun protection, and treatments tailored to our melanin-rich skin. I believe in customising—because our lifestyle, diet, and genetics demand a very different approach from the West.

Are there any innovations or trends in cosmetic dermatology that excite you right now?
Yes—stem cell-based therapies, regenerative medicine, and AI-driven skin analysis excite me the most. Medical Cosmetology is moving towards holistic and futuristic solutions that combine science, wellness, and sustainability.

Diwali is a time of celebration but also stress for skin and hair. What are your top tips for glowing skin during the festive season?
Hydration, sleep, and sunscreen are non-negotiable. Add a vitamin C serum for glow, a scalp detox for healthy hair, and keep your diet antioxidant-rich.

With all the makeup, sweets, and late nights, how can people protect their skin and hair from breakouts or dullness?
Double cleansing at night, drinking warm water with lemon, and avoiding too much sugar post-festivities can save your skin. For hair, a simple oil massage before shampoo works wonders.

What is your personal skincare and hair care regime?
Minimal yet powerful. I swear by sunscreen, hydration, and Vitamin C at night. For my hair I use — hair oil, mild shampoo, and a scalp serum. And yes, I practice what I preach.

Any quick, at-home remedies or rituals you recommend for pre-Diwali prep or post-Diwali recovery?
An ice cube massage works wonders for both oily skin and acne, especially during the festive season. It refreshes the skin, tightens pores, and gives a natural glow, making it perfect for pre-Diwali prep or post-Diwali recovery.

Tell us about the time when you won the Mrs. Universe South Asia 2022-23 crown? Would you like to relive some of those special moments?
It was surreal. Standing on that stage, holding the crown, I felt that every struggle, every sacrifice, and every moment of doubt after marriage had found its meaning. I wasn’t just wearing a crown—I was carrying the dreams of every woman who had ever questioned her own strength and worth.

You’re also a pageant mentor transforming lives through aesthetics. Please explain more on this.
Pageantry is not about beauty alone—it’s about confidence, discipline, and self-expression. As a mentor, I help women embrace their individuality and refine their aesthetics. Watching women transform into confident queens is more fulfilling than any crown.

How often do you travel with your family? What are some of your favourite holiday destinations?
We travel often to recharge. I love Paris for fun, Switzerland & Kashmir for beauty, and Dubai for energy. Family trips are my soul food.

How do you balance your personal and work life? How supportive is your husband at work and at home?
Balance comes from prioritisation. Balancing family and work is never about dividing time—it’s about giving your whole heart to both. My family is my anchor, and my husband is my biggest strength. He has been my partner not just in life but also in my dreams. At work, he’s my sounding board; at home, he’s my safe space. His support allows me to fly higher, knowing I always have solid ground beneath me.

Do you incorporate any wellness or beauty rituals into your own Diwali celebrations
Yes, I light a diya for positivity, decorate the home with flowers, and always practice gratitude—it keeps me glowing inside and out. But what makes Diwali most special is seeing the togetherness of my parents. Their bond and rituals remind me that true beauty lies in unity and family values, and that’s the light I carry forward in my own celebrations.

What does Diwali mean to you personally, as a doctor, a woman, and a Chennaiite?
As a doctor, Diwali means healing and light. As a woman, it means strength, resilience, and celebration of beauty. As a Chennaiite, it’s the joy of tradition, home made sweets, sparkle of traditional outfits with modern spirit.

What’s one piece of advice you wish everyone knew about skin or hair care?
Consistency beats everything. No cream or treatment works overnight—discipline and patience are the real secrets.

If you could give your younger self one message at the start of your career, what would it be?
“Trust yourself more. Every struggle will one day become your story of power.”

Do you have any cherished memories of celebrating it as a child?
Yes, bursting crackers with cousins, wearing new dresses, decorating the house with diyas and lamps, wishing friends and family and eating homemade sweets. We will continue the same Diwali traditions this year too. Those simple joys still light up my heart.

How do you and your family celebrate Diwali? Are there any traditions you hold dear?
We begin with prayers, decorate the house with diyas, and celebrate with love and laughter. Dressing up in traditional wear and sharing family meals are a must. We keep the tradition of oiling each other before the celebrations, and no Diwali is complete without hot, homemade Gulab Jamuns that bring everyone together around the table.

How do you usually celebrate Dasara and Diwali? Are you more traditional or do you like to keep it simple?
I love tradition—kolams, diyas, sweets, and sarees—but I keep it minimalistic. What makes it special is spending time with both our families, enjoying a good movie together, and ending the night with crackers and laughter.

Festivals are about light, especially Diwali…what’s the one light in your life that keeps you going, no matter what?
My inner fire—my dream to inspire and empower women—is the eternal light that never dims.

Tell us about your husband, what he does and how supportive is he of your work and the bond you both share?
In every step of my journey, the one who has held my hand tight is my husband (Dr. T. Rajinikanth, Chief Plastic & Cosmetic Surgeon, Hair transplant surgeon Director BM Hospitals, Chennai). Whenever I doubted myself, he would look into my eyes and remind me, “You are more than who you are—don’t underestimate your power.” Those words have become my strength, my shield, and my constant reminder that I can rise beyond limits. His love isn’t just support—it is the foundation of the woman I am becoming today.

What are your future plans?
My future plans are to take Dr. Aesthetix International Clinics global, empower women entrepreneurs to join our tribe and transform lives through aesthetics, and, as a cosmetic educationist, mentor the next generation of ethical cosmetic leaders. I want to create a meaningful impact that reaches far beyond Chennai, touching lives everywhere with confidence, beauty, and integrity.

Rapid Fire

1. Tea or coffee?
Ginger Tea

2. Beaches or mountains?
Beaches

3. Books or movies?
Movies

4. Early morning or late night?
Late Night

5. Dogs or cats?
Dogs

6. Gym or yoga?
Gym

7. A star / celebrity whose skin you admire?
Priyanka Chopra

8. One word your friends use to describe you?
Unstoppable !

9. A superpower you’d love to have?
Healing hearts instantly

10. Your favourite mithai?
Rasagulla

11. Your favourite pataka?
Sparklers

12. Western or Indian wear?
Indian sarees Forever

13. Your favourite Diwali ritual?
For me, Diwali is all about family togetherness. We begin with applying oil for each other as a sign of care, then light diyas, make sweets together with love, and end the night with sparklers.

14. First thing you do every morning?
Gratitude prayer

15. Your go-to skincare product?
Sunscreen

16. One skin myth you wish people would stop believing?
“Fairer is more beautiful.”

17. Laser or chemical peel—what’s your pick?
Customised Chemical peel

18. One ingredient you swear by for glowing skin?
Vitamin C

19. Diwali prep: facial or detox?
Detox first, then Medifacial

20. If you weren’t a doctor, you’d be…?
If I weren’t a doctor, I’d be a pilot—flying high, seeing the world, and touching horizons.

21. A Tamil song that always lifts your mood?
Vaseegara Yen Nenjinika

22. Dream vacation destination?
Northern Lights , Iceland.