She will represent India at the 72nd Miss Universe pageant in November this year in El Salvador, the smallest country in Central America.
Chandigarh: Mumbai-based dancer-model Shweta Sharda (24), who hails from Chandigarh, has won the Miss Diva Universe 2023 crown on Sunday. Seot 3, a special report on The Tribune, Chandigarh, says.
She will represent India at the 72nd Miss Universe pageant in November this year in El Salvador, the smallest country in Central America.
The ‘Diva Girl’ visited the Tribune office on Tuesday, Sept. 5. looking gorgeous and resplendent in a shimmering silver saree and a sparkling crown. But despite her huge success, the Miss Diva Universe 2023 is humble, grounded and full of gratitude for all that life has given her.
But in her interview she said her moment of glory is a memorable event related to an incident in Mumbai. Hearing about her superb dancing skills. She was approached by no less a person than Bollywod diva Madhuri Dixxit Nene, herself an excellent dancer, to work as her choreographer.
Recalling that moment she says: “People call me a diva but getting a chance to make Bollywood diva dance was so gratifying.”
She goes on to add as she flashes a broad smile, “I am not formally trained in it (dancing) for we could never afford the fees, but tell me any dance form around the world, and I can do it”.
A self-taught dancer, Shweta is the daughter of an autorickshaw driver. Her seemingly happy family fell apart when her parents divorced when she was just 12 years.
She studied in government schools in Mani Majra and Sector 18 and later pursued higher studies from Khalsa College. But she never sidelined her dancing, at times, practising eight hours after her day post her school and tuitions.
Life was not easy but Shweta learnt to embrace challenges and to continue on the path she had chosen for herself. And she she never let go of her dreams, all centred around dance, the passion of her life.
Making a move to Mumbai at 16, she participated in five dance reality shows, making it to every finale. The next obvious big break came when she caught the attention and acclaim of Bollywood megastar Madhuri Dixit Nene, a trained and accomplished dancer as well.
“When God takes one thing away, He also gives something special in return. In my case, it’s my motivation and passion to do something exceptional,” says Shweta.
Concluding her interview, Shweta says her mother is her idol. “She is the strongest woman I know. Whenever I’m feeling down, it’s my mother who inspires me not to give up. My life revolves around my mother. Everything I do, and all that I am is because of her! ”
Her beauty pageant journey gives her a wider platform to reach out to more. “I feel grateful to have this opportunity, to have mentors who have not only worked on my gait or dress sense but also shaped my persona.”
“I am putting in so much effort that I don’t even realise when the day begins or ends”, adds Shweta.
Well versed in Hindi, English and Punjabi, she’s confident about bringing the crown back (Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu won it for India in 2021).
Concluding her interview, Shweta says her mother is her idol. “She is the strongest woman I know. Whenever I’m feeling down, it’s my mother who inspires me not to give up. My life revolves around my mother. Everything I do, and all that I am is because of her! ”
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