She''s ready to take off! In a few days from now, Pond''s Femina Miss India-World 2004 Sayali Bhagat will board a flight to China to participate in the Miss World Contest in Sanya in December. Yes, the world''s a stage for her now.
"In the past seven months, I''ve travelled across seven countries and 40 cities... it''s stressful, but fun too," says the tall, dusky beauty, who''s found time between globetrotting, attending functions and walking the fashion runway to prepare for the big day.
Apart from brushing up her general awareness, Sayali''s fighting fit.
"I jog in the morning, followed by sessions with my trainers — experts all of them." The names associated with Sayali''s challenge at the pageant are Ritu Kumar (formal Indian wear); Satya Paul (evening gowns and swimming costumes); Ranna Gill (Western casual wear); Mandira Wirk (business suits); Finesse (shoes).
While Sayali''s makeup and hair training is being looked after by Samantha Kochhar; Jamuna Pai has taken up her skin care; Nirmala Shetty is behind the hair treatment; and speech and stage presence are being handled by Sabira Merchant. Sayali''s designer bags have been created by Kalyani Chawla; her smile design treatment & Britesmile involve Sandesh Mayekar; and her workouts are handled by holistic health guru Mickey Mehta at Bodyone Golden Manor, Idea. On the eve of her departure, Sayali''s a bit tense — but excited too. "I won''t just be participating in a pageant but also representing India. People are counting on me. I''ll give it my best shot." And Indians across the country give her their best wishes!