We thought of speaking with Manya and knowing more about her inspirational story to success. Read on.
In February, Uttar Pradesh's Manya Singh's life changed completely after she was announced as the first runner-up at the Miss India 2020 beauty pageant judged by Falguni Shane Peacock, Neha Dhupia, Chitrangada Singh and Pulkit Samrat.
The jury unanimously decided to crown Manasa Varanasi as Miss India World 2020, while Manika Sheokand became Miss Grand India 2020 and Manya Singh went on to become Miss India 2020 runner-up.
And while Manasa gained all the spotlight in the media for winning the title and rightly so, the runner-up, Manya Singh's inspirational story of childhood struggle and being an autorickshaw driver's daughter to landing the coveted crown, took the internet by storm.
So, we thought of speaking with Manya and knowing more about her inspirational story to success. Read on.
1. Did you expect to be the first runner-up at the Miss India 2020 pageant?
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When my name was announced, I was very happy. I didn't even realise which place I had got. But, I was grateful that I had a platform which I could use to amplify others voices or rather be their voice. I just believe that all those girls who participated were winners. I don't believe a 'place' can decider the level of your success. So, when I was announced as the first runner up I was happy, grateful and literally crying. When they said Miss India 2020 runner up Manya Singh...I was completely blank. And then, I felt a hit and realised that I have a crown and my own crown! I was so very happy at that moment.
2. What was your parents reaction to your winning moment?
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They were crying just like me. Of course, they were happy. It was for the first time that in our family someone had achieved something so huge! It was for the first time I felt happy that they were crying, because those were the tears of joy!
3. Tell us a little about your journey to winning the crown. What inspired you to take on this difficult journey?
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My journey has been an inspiration for myself. I started from minus, not even zero. And I tried to learn from everything that came through in my life. I was very clear what I wanted to do and where I wanted to be. So, I did odd jobs, attended college and did events where I could learn. I took all such steps that would take me to the Miss India stage. Yes, it was difficult but not impossible because I was believed that if are determined and dedicated, not one can stop us from achieving what we want to. My life experiences inspired me to take on this difficult journey. I just knew I had to do it however much I had to toil for it.
4. What were the initial hiccups you faced in the modelling industry?
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I didn't get any modelling assignments initially. From the age of 16-20, wherever I auditioned, I was rejected. Everyone kept telling me... 'you don’t look like Miss India, you can't be Miss India, your face is a certain way, your body is a certain way, you are short etc’, there were so many comments on me. But, I knew that nothing could break me because it’s people's job to say and so they will. The only thing I kept in mind was that these auditions are going to make me and I must learn from it. And so my failures became my friends and that's how I kept learning.
5. Did you face rejections and prejudice for your background and "not-so-good" looks?
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I have faced rejections and there were many who commented on my background and my looks. They said I didn’t look so good and that only a woman who is really beautiful wins the Miss India crown but that didn’t norm there me much because I know that I am beautiful. I don’t think that external beauty matters so much. Internal beauty and the way you carry yourself, all of these matter more. I always believed in thinking from the heart and speaking from my mind. And that's how I always thought I was beautiful and I can be Miss India. I had won half the battle the day I thought I had to do this. Also, I don't believe that to be Miss India, knowing how to speak in English is important. One must know their own language -- meaning be yourself. Don't fake it. I am proud of what I am. I used both the languages Hindi and English. It's not compulsory to go a certain way.
6. Did you dream of pursing a career in anything other than modelling?
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Not even modelling. There was just one dream -- Miss India. In fact, a day before Miss India happened, I cried thinking this is the only dream I have. There is no plan B. Now what? So, I just gave my best performance without caring too much about the result of the pageant.
7. How did you think that participating in Miss India could change your life?
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I knew it will give me the platform which I can use to change the lives of millions of girl. I know when you don't have a voice, when you are judged on the basis of your gender. When people tell you what will you do studying, ultimately you'll have to marry and settle down, or when parents are more worried about collecting an amount for dowry, I know from this platform I can raise my voice and help bring about a change in the mindset.
