The Queen Maker of Karnataka
In 1987, at just 20 years old, I entered a new world—not a university or an office, but a joint family of nearly 50 members. My dreams of becoming an IPS officer and my passion for sports were quietly folded away as I stepped into the traditional role of the eldest daughter-in-law. Life became a rhythm of responsibility—cooking, caregiving, and managing a household that never slept. I didn’t know then that this very life would one day shape me into a mentor, a titleholder, and the founder of a national movement for women.
The early years of my marriage were marked by deep personal challenges. I lost my first child during the seventh month of pregnancy—a heartbreak that left emotional and physical scars. But as expected of me, I continued to carry out my duties, hiding my grief behind daily chores. With time and treatment, I gave birth to my daughter just two days after my 25th birthday, and later, to a son. Becoming a mother gave me strength—but it was also a reminder of the many dreams I had once buried.
Despite the limitations, I became something of an unofficial counselor to women in my extended family and community. I would often sit with them, listen to their struggles, and help them navigate the invisible walls built by tradition and expectations. I had no formal training, just lived experience—and perhaps that was enough. Slowly, I realized that even in silence, I had been planting seeds of change.
In 2001, we moved to Bengaluru, and for the first time, I tasted a little freedom. My children were enrolled in dance classes, and in a moment of quiet rebellion, I joined them too—secretly. I hadn’t danced in decades, but my feet remembered. Watching me practice, my daughter saw something she hadn’t seen before: my passion. She looked me in the eyes and said, “Amma, you always tell others to follow their dreams—why don’t you?”
It was this push that led me to audition for Dance India Dance. I made it to the studio rounds, and though I didn’t win, I gained something far greater—confidence. Around the same time, my daughter found details about the Mrs. India contest and insisted I participate. I laughed. Me? A homemaker with no knowledge of ramp walks or the fashion world? But she didn’t let up, and eventually, I went—not to win, just to try.
That “try” changed everything.
I won First Runner-Up in my very first pageant. The experience lit a fire in me. I returned the next year with purpose and preparation—and in 2015, I was crowned Mrs. India, becoming the first South Indian woman to win the title after marriage.
But it didn’t stop there.
Later that year, I represented India at the Classic Mrs. Asia International in Malaysia (for women aged 40-60) and brought home the Photogenic Title—a first for a married South Indian woman on the international stage. But as I stood there with my sash and crown, I realized how rare it was to see women like me represented. That realization became my mission.
In 2016, I took a leap of faith and launched Mrs. India Karnataka, with no team, no sponsors, and no event management experience. I faced rejection after rejection. Sponsors weren’t interested, venues were unaffordable, and I often cried myself to sleep wondering if I was foolish to dream this big. But every morning, I got up and tried again. I taught myself budgeting, branding, logistics—even social media marketing. I knocked on every door until one opened.
On March 27, 2016, we hosted the very first edition of Mrs. India Karnataka—now the largest pageant for married women in Karnataka, and a springboard for countless women from all walks of life. From homemakers to artists, I gave them a platform—and in return, they gave me a purpose.
Creating a Legacy, One Woman at a Time
Today, I proudly serve as the Director of Astral Pageants, home to Miss & Mrs. India Astral and Mrs. India Karnataka. What began as a state-level initiative has grown into a national platform with global reach. In 2025 alone, our candidates brought home five international crowns across both Miss and Mrs. categories. For me, each win is not just a trophy—it’s a story of resilience, transformation, and hope.
We made history by introducing India’s first pageant category for unmarried women above 25—the “Lady” category—and the first-ever exclusive category for women above 69, because I believe there is no age limit to beauty, confidence, or reinvention.
Of course, the journey has not been without its share of setbacks. Finances have often been a struggle. Without compromising on quality, I’ve had to be creative and resourceful—learning how to plan world-class events on tight budgets. More challenging, though, is finding the right kind of participants. In an age of instant fame and Instagram filters, I strive to attract women who want more than just a crown—who want to grow.
I may be 59, but my thirst for learning has only grown. I stay up to date with technology, branding trends, and event management tools. I even ventured into acting and commercials—roles I never imagined I’d play. Each time I step into something new, I remind myself and others: It’s never too late to start.
I’ve been deeply honored to receive awards such as the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Award by BBMP and the Kuvempu Award—recognition not just for organizing pageants, but for reshaping the narrative around what women can be, regardless of age or background.
But my greatest pride? My two children. They saw the light in me long before the world did. They pushed me when I doubted myself and stood by me through every late night, every last-minute crisis, every celebration.
This isn’t just about crowns or catwalks. It’s about creating a movement where every woman finds her voice, her strength, and her worth. Going forward, I plan to expand our mentorship programs, increase international representation, and build a community of women who support one another emotionally, psychologically, and professionally.
We’re not just raising queens—we’re building a sisterhood that rises together.
This is not the end of my story—it’s just the beginning.
Because once a woman finds her purpose, there is no stopping her.