Going global: Hyderabad girl in Miss Asia Pacific International contest

Hyderabad-based Srishti Vyakaranam is the newest modelling sensation in the industry. She has modelled for the likes of Shantanu and Nikhil, Karan Malhotra and Divya Sheth and recently walked the runway at the Lakme Fashion Week. Srishti has now been chosen to represent India at Miss Asia Pacific International 2016 that is set to begin on November 14 at Philippines.

Srishti studied at Visakhapatnam, and came to Hyderabad a few years ago to pursue a career in the corporate industry. “When I started working here, people admired how fit I was and encouraged me to pursue modelling. I walked for a few shows during the weekends and then took part in beauty pageants,” she says.

Talking about how different the modelling and software industries are, she says, “The corporate industry is more secure. The modelling world is more unpredictable. You have to be really good at what you do and stay connected with people in the industry. That’s when you get offers or you’ll be easily replaced.”

Srishti is a trained dancer, singer and has also acted in a monologue. “I always enjoyed being on stage. So it has been easier for me. The talent round is a cakewalk,” she adds. What did her parents first think of her being a model? “My mother has always supported me. My father was appalled at first, but looking at my success, he eventually started supporting me,” she says.

The happy-go-lucky girl doesn’t believe in the idea of being size zero. “Lara Dutta wasn’t size zero when she walked the ramp at Miss Universe, but she won the most points in the bikini round. It is important to exercise. I’m a big foodie myself and love Mexican food,” she reveals.

About her future plans, she says, “I love Priyanka Chopra and I aspire to be an actress too. Right now, however, I’ve been training really hard for Miss Asia Pacific International. I’m confident that I will make my country proud, like Dia Mirza did it back in 2000.”