Mumbai based professional fashion designer Jyotika Jha Choudhary has just returned to Mumbai after winning the prestigious title of "Timeless Beauty" in the Mrs India Pride of Nation 2021 Beauty contest which was held at the exquisite Leela Ambience in Gurgaon on 13^th November, presented by Glamour Gurgaon.

Jyotika is a graduate in classical Kathak dance and fashion designing, she is also a singer, painter and poet too.

In an exclusive interview with Guru Vijay Shanker, Jyotika reveals her two decades of experience as a fashion designer, the significance of the beauty contest and as to how she won the prestigious title of Timeless Beauty and much more.

Tell us your experience on winning the prestigious Timeless Beauty title?

I am so happy to be judged the Timeless Beauty. As the title suggests, it is something unique and cannot be restricted to any time factor, being beyond time and the personality is judged on the basis of your caliber, not just physical beauty, but a beauty with brains who is intelligent and rational in her approach to her life. My fellow contestants told me that I would win the title of Timeless Beauty, but could not believe it and it was a pleasant surprise for me to be selected as Timeless Beauty. We had to go through varied tests, that included talent round, catwalk, speech, body language, behavior and much more. Although the whole experience was quite exciting, it was tiring and not easy but to interact with other beauties hailing from different backgrounds was quite interesting.

What is the significance of such a beauty contest?

It is really significant as after marriage most women take a secondary position, as the men in their lives, would always like to dominate. Many times women are underestimated and they are never given a chance to voice their opinion or expose their talent or caliber. Here was an opportunity to prove yourself towards women empowerment and a beauty contest with a puropose towards a nobel cause as the proceeds of this function would be donated to cancer patients, particulalrly women who are suffering from breast cancer. I am extremely grateful to the soul of this beauty contest Barkha Nangia and Abhishek Nangia for their continued support, guidance and encouragement and would love to work with them in any of their future events.

What induced you to apply for this beauty contest?

As mentioned earlier, there are not many beauty contests for married women. During the lockdown we were all going through a difficult phase and was just waiting to do something different and unusual, hence I applied and was quite happy to be shortlisted to participate and ultimately win a title, which is based on the overall performance rating of your personality. I am extremely grateful to my family, my husband Hemant, my parents and everyone who stood with me like firm rock.

Tell us about your formative years?

I am the daughter of a retired Colonel, hence discipline is something I had learnt early in life and consistently worked on improving my personality and my well being with hard work and determination. I was a student of Kendriya Vidyalaya, hence studied in different parts of India. Besides being a top ranker, I was always inclined to music and dance. My friends used to say "She dances like hot popcorn on hot fire", after marriage everything took a back seat.

You never thought of becoming a professional classical dancer?

I wanted to, so I did my graduation in Kathak but I had to pursue fashion designing, which I felt was more lucrative.

What is your fashion statement?

I have been fashion designer for almost two decades and some of the personal costumes attired , was designed by me. I feel fashion is fine combination of grace, comfort and the aesthetic quality with which you carry yourself makes a big difference. Infact if you are not comfortable with any particular costume, you should not wear it as it is important to maintain a pleasant expression all the time, as people and judges are consistently watching and judging you. Hence your mental well being and your psyche comes into the picture and reflects on your face. You can’t have a glum or solemn expression, you should look good and more charming as well.

How would you describe your personality?

Multi-talented and multi-tasking.

Your future aspirations or plans?

To do better in all my activities, to serve people by providing happiness in the lives of people which is really essential today.  

Interviewed by Guru Vijay Shanker

Guru Vijay Shanker is a professional Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Bharata Natyam exponent, dance teacher, choreographer, actor and eminent arts critic for over four decades based in Mumbai. He can be contacted on email: vijaydance@gmail.com