Within the glamorous realm of beauty pageants, where dreams weave their tales and destinies unfold, a singular presence emerges—a woman of poise, elegance, and a dream ignited in the innocence of youth. Hailing from the enchanting landscapes of Kerala, Parvathy Omanakuttan embarked on a journey that not only enthralled a nation but left an indelible imprint on the global stage. Today, as we mark 15 years since her remarkable ascent as the 1st Runner-Up at Miss World 2008, Parvathy invites us to traverse the enchanting chapters of her life—a narrative teeming with untold stories and the remarkable evolution of a beauty queen into a truly multifaceted personality.
'My dream of becoming a Miss India was lit when I was just seven years old.'
Parvathy's journey into the world of pageantry was not a mere pursuit of glamour; it was a testament to dreams and destiny aligning. From winning the local state pageant to conquering Miss India South 2007, her path was paved with triumphs. Trained by the iconic Hemant Trevedi, Parvathy's destiny unfolded with a direct entry into the Top 10 of Miss India, a gateway to her aspirations. "My dream of becoming a Miss India was lit when I was just seven years old. I remember watching the crowning of Sushmita Sen and Aishwarya Rai, and their beaming faces, filled with emotions of happiness and joyful tears, instantly made me want to be on that stage. I always had that dream at the back of my mind, but I had no idea how I could ever reach that stage. I had the complete support of my family, especially my pillar of strength, my mother; my older sister, who was my go-to person for preparing for my introductory speech at every pageant I participated; the teachers from my college, who encouraged me; and motivated me and my friends from school who are still a very integral part of my life."
'It was Hemant (Trevedi) who told me that I should participate in Miss India'
Reflecting on her journey, Parvathy shares, "Since I was in college (Mithibai College), I was part of the cultural team and had won the Best Model at various inter-collegiate events. My way to Miss India was paved when I had the opportunity to be trained by Ace designer and choreographer Hemant Trevedi for our Intra collegiate pageant. It was Hemant who told me that I should participate in Miss India, but back then, my father was adamant that I could only participate in Miss India after I finished my graduation, so I waited. But I used that time to prepare in the best way I could. Before participating in Miss India, I participated in and won many pageants, and I got a direct entry into the Top 10 of Miss India after winning the first-ever Femina Miss India South pageant in December 2007. Participating in multiple pageants, reading and watching interviews of previous winners in magazines and television, respectively, was my only training ground then."
'Winning Miss India was a dream come true, and being the first from Kerala to win, it was even more special'
The moment Parvathy was crowned Miss India was a dream materializing into reality. The recognition and accolades that followed were immense, yet her humility and grounded spirit remained untouched. "Winning the Miss India pageant was a dream come true for me, and being the first from my state, Kerala, to win it was even more special. I loved the recognition and accolades I received from people in India and outside of India. It felt even more amazing to be addressed as 'India' and 'Miss India' while representing my country at the Miss World pageant."
'I will always cherish each day spent with co-contestants from 108 countries, some of whom I am still friends'
Representing India at Miss World in South Africa, she not only competed but also created memories etched in time.
Amidst the glamour and grandeur, the ten days of Safari stood out as a wild adventure. From encounters with lions to witnessing the birth of a wildebeest, Parvathy's journey in South Africa was both thrilling and eye-opening. "Miss World in South Africa is an unforgettable journey for me. I say it 'is' and not 'was' because it has taught me a lot and played a very important role in my life for making me who I am today. I will always cherish each day spent with co-contestants from 108 countries, some of whom I am still friends with despite the distance and different time zones. We experienced life in the jungle living in different terrains every few days - a few days in the middle of the forests with lions roaring super close to our tents in the night, a few days by the lake where we spotted a herd of hippos up and close, catching a naughty Baboon red-handed (butted actually …lol) who was trying to steal body butter from our room, watching our ranger catch a huge black mamba and showing off the beautiful reptile to us, seeing a wilder East giving birth, trying exotic and local delicacies of South Africa to name a few. But nothing comes close to our experience of being surrounded by four curious rhinos. It's difficult to put into words the fear in our minds along with the excitement to see those majestic beasts from such close proximity. Although we were praying for our lives until we could safely get onto our safari jeeps, we did have a hearty laugh once we were safely back in our tents."
'Miss World also holds a bitter-sweet feeling for me due to the 26th November terror attack'
However, the terror attack on 26th November 2008 left an indelible mark, connecting her deeply with the Taj family, where her father worked. "Miss World also holds a bitter-sweet feeling for me because when I was in Durban preparing for our sub contests, I heard the news of the 26th November terror attack. My father was working at the Taj Mahal Palace - Colaba then. By the Grace of God, my father had a morning shift and reached home safely. But that event broke me because the Taj always holds a special place in my heart. I couldn't imagine the number of people my parents and I knew who were in the hotel helping the guests and tending to their needs despite the dangerous situation. I proudly call myself part of the Taj family, and that incident shook my core."
'I may have not won the crown for India, but I certainly did make a place for India in the hearts of hundreds at the venue'
The warm welcome outside Mumbai Airport was overwhelming after Parvathy was crowned as the 1st Runner-Up at Miss World 2008, providing a taste of celebrity life in a pre-social media era. "I vividly remember the finale night of Miss World, where even the families and representatives from different countries were cheering for INDIA and me. When my name was announced as 1st Runners up, I was honestly upset, but I saw my parents sitting in the crowd as I walked to the centre stage, and my mother signalled me to keep smiling. Her gesture gave me strength. While placing the crown on my head, it slipped and fell, and the reigning Miss World told me that, 'You should be wearing the Miss World crown', and we had a light laugh on stage. What came as a reassurance to my confidence that night was the moment when all my co-contestants came and congratulated me telling me that I am their Miss World. It taught me a very important lesson: that winners can be of different types - That night I may have not won the crown for India, but I certainly did make a place for India in the hearts of hundreds of contestants and their families present in the venue and for all those who watched the show hoping and praying for me to win. Today, when girls from India, especially from Kerala, tell me how much my journey has inspired them, I feel immensely grateful and humbled."
'I was sure I did not want to be just the glamour quotient in a movie'
Reflecting on her journey post-Miss World, Parvathy delved into cinema. "Though I wanted to be part of Indian Cinema, I was sure I did not want to be just the glamour quotient in a movie. I have done movies in Tamil, Malayalam and Hindi, but the most memorable was the short film I did in 2015 - Dobaara. I got the opportunity to work with two exceptional talents in the industry - Bejoy Nambiar, who wrote and directed the movie, and Manav Kaul, an amazing actor and a wonderful co-star. The movie was also selected for the South Asian International Film Festival 2016. It is a beautiful love story and a beautifully made movie. It was this movie that truly awakened the actor in me."
'When I needed a change from modelling, I decided to find solace in food'
A surprising turn awaited Parvathy as she ventured into culinary arts. A passionate food enthusiast from a young age, she decided to trade the runway for the kitchen. Studying culinary arts in New York City, working at Michelin Star Chef Jean Georges' restaurant, and exploring diverse culinary traditions, Parvathy's culinary journey became a celebration of flavours and cultures. "Food has always been my passion since I can remember. I loved the magic that unfolded in the pots and pans with the addition of specific spices and herbs. Since my father was the Food and Beverage manager at the Taj, I have fond memories of the food I tasted in the different restaurants of the Taj Hotel.
When I felt that I needed a change from the monotony of the modelling world, I decided to find solace in learning about food. I studied culinary arts and chef training at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City. It was an intense one year, but I met some of the most sought-after names in the Culinary world during the process and also got the chance to work at Michelin Star Chef - Jean Georges' vegan-vegetarian restaurant, abcV in New York City."
'The last 15 years have moulded me into a better and wiser person'
As we celebrate 15 years since her triumph at Miss World 2008, Parvathy Omanakuttan takes a moment to reflect. When asked how she feels about completing 15 years since the momentous win, she exclaimed, "15 years!!! Wow! It makes me realize that I am not a child anymore (Hahahaha LOL). On a realistic note, I must admit that the last 15 years have taught me a lot, and the experiences have moulded me into a better and wiser person. I still think of the Miss World pageant and the fun I have had with my roommate Sandra Angelia - Miss Indonesia and my close gang of girls, Miss UK, Dominican Republic, Denmark, Iceland, Finland, El Salvador, Ghana, Guyana, South Africa and Greece. I will text them all once I am done with the interview. Both Miss India and Miss World are a part of my life that I will always cherish, and it makes me feel proud that I was one of the very few who could turn their dream of representing my country on an international stage into reality and making a lasting mark. "
As Parvathy continues to evolve, her journey remains a testament to the enduring power of dreams and the vibrant spirit that defines her. Congratulations queen!
'My dream of becoming a Miss India was lit when I was just seven years old.'
Parvathy's journey into the world of pageantry was not a mere pursuit of glamour; it was a testament to dreams and destiny aligning. From winning the local state pageant to conquering Miss India South 2007, her path was paved with triumphs. Trained by the iconic Hemant Trevedi, Parvathy's destiny unfolded with a direct entry into the Top 10 of Miss India, a gateway to her aspirations. "My dream of becoming a Miss India was lit when I was just seven years old. I remember watching the crowning of Sushmita Sen and Aishwarya Rai, and their beaming faces, filled with emotions of happiness and joyful tears, instantly made me want to be on that stage. I always had that dream at the back of my mind, but I had no idea how I could ever reach that stage. I had the complete support of my family, especially my pillar of strength, my mother; my older sister, who was my go-to person for preparing for my introductory speech at every pageant I participated; the teachers from my college, who encouraged me; and motivated me and my friends from school who are still a very integral part of my life."
'It was Hemant (Trevedi) who told me that I should participate in Miss India'
Reflecting on her journey, Parvathy shares, "Since I was in college (Mithibai College), I was part of the cultural team and had won the Best Model at various inter-collegiate events. My way to Miss India was paved when I had the opportunity to be trained by Ace designer and choreographer Hemant Trevedi for our Intra collegiate pageant. It was Hemant who told me that I should participate in Miss India, but back then, my father was adamant that I could only participate in Miss India after I finished my graduation, so I waited. But I used that time to prepare in the best way I could. Before participating in Miss India, I participated in and won many pageants, and I got a direct entry into the Top 10 of Miss India after winning the first-ever Femina Miss India South pageant in December 2007. Participating in multiple pageants, reading and watching interviews of previous winners in magazines and television, respectively, was my only training ground then."
'Winning Miss India was a dream come true, and being the first from Kerala to win, it was even more special'
The moment Parvathy was crowned Miss India was a dream materializing into reality. The recognition and accolades that followed were immense, yet her humility and grounded spirit remained untouched. "Winning the Miss India pageant was a dream come true for me, and being the first from my state, Kerala, to win it was even more special. I loved the recognition and accolades I received from people in India and outside of India. It felt even more amazing to be addressed as 'India' and 'Miss India' while representing my country at the Miss World pageant."
'I will always cherish each day spent with co-contestants from 108 countries, some of whom I am still friends'
Representing India at Miss World in South Africa, she not only competed but also created memories etched in time.
Amidst the glamour and grandeur, the ten days of Safari stood out as a wild adventure. From encounters with lions to witnessing the birth of a wildebeest, Parvathy's journey in South Africa was both thrilling and eye-opening. "Miss World in South Africa is an unforgettable journey for me. I say it 'is' and not 'was' because it has taught me a lot and played a very important role in my life for making me who I am today. I will always cherish each day spent with co-contestants from 108 countries, some of whom I am still friends with despite the distance and different time zones. We experienced life in the jungle living in different terrains every few days - a few days in the middle of the forests with lions roaring super close to our tents in the night, a few days by the lake where we spotted a herd of hippos up and close, catching a naughty Baboon red-handed (butted actually …lol) who was trying to steal body butter from our room, watching our ranger catch a huge black mamba and showing off the beautiful reptile to us, seeing a wilder East giving birth, trying exotic and local delicacies of South Africa to name a few. But nothing comes close to our experience of being surrounded by four curious rhinos. It's difficult to put into words the fear in our minds along with the excitement to see those majestic beasts from such close proximity. Although we were praying for our lives until we could safely get onto our safari jeeps, we did have a hearty laugh once we were safely back in our tents."
'Miss World also holds a bitter-sweet feeling for me due to the 26th November terror attack'
However, the terror attack on 26th November 2008 left an indelible mark, connecting her deeply with the Taj family, where her father worked. "Miss World also holds a bitter-sweet feeling for me because when I was in Durban preparing for our sub contests, I heard the news of the 26th November terror attack. My father was working at the Taj Mahal Palace - Colaba then. By the Grace of God, my father had a morning shift and reached home safely. But that event broke me because the Taj always holds a special place in my heart. I couldn't imagine the number of people my parents and I knew who were in the hotel helping the guests and tending to their needs despite the dangerous situation. I proudly call myself part of the Taj family, and that incident shook my core."
'I may have not won the crown for India, but I certainly did make a place for India in the hearts of hundreds at the venue'
The warm welcome outside Mumbai Airport was overwhelming after Parvathy was crowned as the 1st Runner-Up at Miss World 2008, providing a taste of celebrity life in a pre-social media era. "I vividly remember the finale night of Miss World, where even the families and representatives from different countries were cheering for INDIA and me. When my name was announced as 1st Runners up, I was honestly upset, but I saw my parents sitting in the crowd as I walked to the centre stage, and my mother signalled me to keep smiling. Her gesture gave me strength. While placing the crown on my head, it slipped and fell, and the reigning Miss World told me that, 'You should be wearing the Miss World crown', and we had a light laugh on stage. What came as a reassurance to my confidence that night was the moment when all my co-contestants came and congratulated me telling me that I am their Miss World. It taught me a very important lesson: that winners can be of different types - That night I may have not won the crown for India, but I certainly did make a place for India in the hearts of hundreds of contestants and their families present in the venue and for all those who watched the show hoping and praying for me to win. Today, when girls from India, especially from Kerala, tell me how much my journey has inspired them, I feel immensely grateful and humbled."
'I was sure I did not want to be just the glamour quotient in a movie'
Reflecting on her journey post-Miss World, Parvathy delved into cinema. "Though I wanted to be part of Indian Cinema, I was sure I did not want to be just the glamour quotient in a movie. I have done movies in Tamil, Malayalam and Hindi, but the most memorable was the short film I did in 2015 - Dobaara. I got the opportunity to work with two exceptional talents in the industry - Bejoy Nambiar, who wrote and directed the movie, and Manav Kaul, an amazing actor and a wonderful co-star. The movie was also selected for the South Asian International Film Festival 2016. It is a beautiful love story and a beautifully made movie. It was this movie that truly awakened the actor in me."
'When I needed a change from modelling, I decided to find solace in food'
A surprising turn awaited Parvathy as she ventured into culinary arts. A passionate food enthusiast from a young age, she decided to trade the runway for the kitchen. Studying culinary arts in New York City, working at Michelin Star Chef Jean Georges' restaurant, and exploring diverse culinary traditions, Parvathy's culinary journey became a celebration of flavours and cultures. "Food has always been my passion since I can remember. I loved the magic that unfolded in the pots and pans with the addition of specific spices and herbs. Since my father was the Food and Beverage manager at the Taj, I have fond memories of the food I tasted in the different restaurants of the Taj Hotel.
When I felt that I needed a change from the monotony of the modelling world, I decided to find solace in learning about food. I studied culinary arts and chef training at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City. It was an intense one year, but I met some of the most sought-after names in the Culinary world during the process and also got the chance to work at Michelin Star Chef - Jean Georges' vegan-vegetarian restaurant, abcV in New York City."
'The last 15 years have moulded me into a better and wiser person'
As we celebrate 15 years since her triumph at Miss World 2008, Parvathy Omanakuttan takes a moment to reflect. When asked how she feels about completing 15 years since the momentous win, she exclaimed, "15 years!!! Wow! It makes me realize that I am not a child anymore (Hahahaha LOL). On a realistic note, I must admit that the last 15 years have taught me a lot, and the experiences have moulded me into a better and wiser person. I still think of the Miss World pageant and the fun I have had with my roommate Sandra Angelia - Miss Indonesia and my close gang of girls, Miss UK, Dominican Republic, Denmark, Iceland, Finland, El Salvador, Ghana, Guyana, South Africa and Greece. I will text them all once I am done with the interview. Both Miss India and Miss World are a part of my life that I will always cherish, and it makes me feel proud that I was one of the very few who could turn their dream of representing my country on an international stage into reality and making a lasting mark. "
As Parvathy continues to evolve, her journey remains a testament to the enduring power of dreams and the vibrant spirit that defines her. Congratulations queen!
Next Story