PFMI '07 winners share success mantra

Pantaloons Femina Miss India World: Sarah-Jane Dias

What was the first thought/expression that came to mind when your name was announced for the Pantaloons Femina Miss India World crown?

I couldn’t feel the ground under my feet and couldn’t even breathe. I stood stiff for a while and didn’t even move ahead to collect my crown. But when I realized that I’ve won it, tears came rolling down. Don’t know where they came from but I was happy with everything. My mom was sitting right in the front and it made me happier at that time.

When you reached the top five, what was foremost in your heart and mind – mounting nervousness or boosting confidence?
A little bit of both. I tried my best to be as calm as possible and retain my confidence level. But at the same time a tinge of nervousness was there as I was overwhelmed to be in the top five finalists. Every step and moment that happened that night would be imprinted in my mind forever. There were so many people sitting in the audience along with judges and I think there is a certain amount of pressure on each individual to look good, talk well, stand straight and smile perfectly. I might be sounding clichéd but it was my belief in me that kept my confidence level high. Honestly, I have never been so focused, but for this pageant I guess I’d put in all my dedication and devotion.

After being crowned Pantaloons Femina Miss India World, your ultimate journey has begun. Now that you have a chance to represent India at the international Miss World pageant, what are your apprehensions? How do you plan to prepare for the bigger thing?
No apprehensions at all. I am moving ahead with a positive approach. I don’t find a single reason why I can’t make it at the international beauty pageant. Preparations have started from today itself and I know that it’s going to be tougher as time goes by.

How do you judge the other two winners – Pooja and Puja? Do you think either of them posses the qualities of a Pantaloons Miss India Worlds?
We all are at the same platform and similar level, so I wouldn’t be able to really choose between two of them. But I know that it is my honesty that sets me apart from anyone else in this contest.

What do you think matters most - winning or participating? Would you have been equally happy if you were adjudged PFMI Pantaloons Femina Miss India Universe or Earth? What do you think the judges were looking at while taking a decision?
Participation matters any day and I surely would have been happy with the other titles as well because at the end of the day, all three of us are winners. No distinction is being made, except the kind of contest in which we would be representing India as a country. Judges were looking at confidence, confidence and more confidence.