THE STAR IN MAKING

Malika Kapoor

As you know, 'We The Women' is bringing for you in brief about the finalists of FBB Femina Miss India, Jammu and Kashmir, Deepshikha Sharma, Malika Kapoor and Samreen Kour. In no special order, last week we brought to you the excerpt from the conversation with Deepshikha Sharma. This week we have Malika Kapoor with us.

Malika Kapoor is an engineer by profession and an artist by passion. She has done her schooling from Presentation convent Senior Secondary School, Jammu. After her bachelors from Chitkara University (HP campus) she got placed in Unisys.

She is currently with Hewlett Packard Enterprise. In a candid chat, Malika opened up with Akriti Jamwal, giving insight about her refreshing personality.

Here are some excerpts from the conversation:

When did the idea to participate in 'Femina Miss India' become concrete?

Well, I have grown up looking up to and trying imitating Sushmita Sen and Aishwarya Rai and that not only instilled in me but eventually cultured and flourished, the intent to be crowned stronger. My parents wanted me to be an Engineer and being an obedient daughter I became one. Yet somewhere inside my heart, I believe I am made for something else. When I was at an event and one of the members of the Miss India's family suggested me to give audition for Miss India and at that moment I knew I am going for it.

What are the instances that led you to it? Describe your journey; all the hardships as well as turning points.

I had recently joined HP and everything was going well but then one day my friend called me to Mysore for a beauty contest by JB. HP is a great company and it allows its employees to follow their passion unless and until it's affecting work. So I went for the contest and won the title "Best Film Face 2018".

Soon after that Miss India happened and only I know how I have managed my office and Miss India together. It was a hard journey but now that I think of it, it was worth it.

After clocking 10 hours at work whatever time I could find I would devote that in yoga, ramp walk, dance etc. There were days when I didn't sleep for nights together and be working on both the things but it was all passion and appiness and I would love to continue with the same passion and enthusiasm. Also I love to multitask and I believe that works for me.

What exactly has changed after becoming one of the finalists for 'Miss Jammu and Kashmir'?

I have grown as a person in all senses possible. I have become more sincere and more responsible. I look forward to everyday learning and become a better version of myself. Also after becoming one of the finalists I've received immense love from everywhere possible and I am so thankful for that. I feel so blessed to be representing J&K.

Looking back at your life, how did it shape up your personality?

I am a lively girl who jumps from one place to another and does multiple things at a time.

I am always very excited and believe in spreading smiles. Miss India has made me into a more responsible and more of a poised person. Some might think that may be you were born like this, with all the beauty and the jazz.

Would you shed some light on your routine as well as efforts it takes?

I think the little beauty I have is because of my mom. Talking about my routine, in the mornings I like to do my yoga, sun salutations and then I try and find some time to jump for joy. Like I'll put some energetic song and start dancing to it. It energizes me and sets me in a good mood for the day.

What is beauty for you? What basic qualities as per you, are required to be crowned in a Beauty Pageant?

Beauty for me means celebrating yourself; loving who you are, being confident about who you are. Beauty is a beautiful heart which reflects in your eyes and in your smile. At the end of the day god has made you and you should appreciate his creation. The basic qualities required to be crowned in a beauty pageant are confidence and optimism.

What according to you have been your major achievements so far, both personal and public? What is most cherished compliment you have ever received and by whom.

Achievements would be me getting an appreciation chocolate all the way from USA while I was working with Unisys. Recently the most cherished ones are winning the title- JB's Best Film Face 2018 and being selected as one of the finalists for FBB Femina Miss India J&K 2018. Personally my friends tell me that I light up the place wherever I am. The compliment I can think of is that "Even if somebody pushes you into fire, you'll come out of it, that too gracefully" by one of my colleagues at Hp. The second most favourite is that "we haven't seen a girl like you who is so alive and who knows how to live every moment; who can find happiness in anything and is not scared of anything."

What is your ideology behind your professional and personal life? What is that one thing that keeps you moving on; that makes you do what you are doing?

My ideology is very simple I take life day by day, follow my heart and little bit of logic too. I get up every day do my best and leave the rest to God. I believe we should take risks, make mistakes, learn from them and grow every single day. Be thankful and positive about everything.

Also when I get worked up and I'm like I can't do this anymore, then I simply close my eyes and think of the struggles our parents have dealt through. This keeps me going.

What next? Where should we expect you few years from now; modeling, acting or something else?

I live in the present. Miss India is on my mind right now. Few years from now I'll be doing something that I don't need a vacation from.

Most of the teenagers whether boys or girls, have identity issues and many of them are conscious about their looks. I believe, subtly it stays the same throughout the life. What would you like to tell them?

Well, without sugar coating, looks do matter but they are not everything. What I feel is everybody is unique and is a creation of God. All we need to do is love ourselves and be happy inside, be content. Whatever we feel inside reflects on the outside. I would also add, not all successful people are good looking and not all good-looking people are successful. It depends on you how you see yourself. My advice to all the teenagers would be that don't be conscious, be confident!

Any piece of advice for the aspirants?

I am pretty sure that the number of participations will go up next year. The amount of love that I have received from my juniors back from school and the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, I would want them to participate because until you try you won't know what's there for you.

You cannot let the fear of failure, comparison or judgment stop you from doing the things that will make you great. You cannot succeed without the risk of failure. Don't be afraid of anything. Dream big, work for it, give it your 100% and leave the rest to God.

What would you like to convey to people of Jammu & Kashmir?

First of all a big thank you for all the love and support you have bestowed upon me. My message for them is let's come out of our comfort zones, start chasing our dreams and show the world that we are no less. Believe in yourself and be thankful for whatever you have in life. Lots of love.

What according to you is an empowered woman? Your take on Feminism?

According to me, an empowered woman is the one who believes in her inner powers. She carries emotions and logic together. She is self reliant and very positive towards life; a woman who is fearless and a positive influence for others. She not only rises herself but motivates others to rise with her as well. A woman with a meaning and a purpose, for me, is an empowered woman.

Where do you see women of Jammu & Kashmir few years from now? Any message for women out there?

Women of J&K are very beautiful, very confident and talented too. I would see them taking J&K to the next level in whichever field they are. Sky is the limit and doesn't matter which state it is, girls in India are doing wonders and it's a joy to learn from them.
Updated On 4/11/2018 2:55:43 PM