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Life on a song

A step forward Kanishtha Dhankar has set her eyes on the Miss World pageant

That India's newest beauty queen comes from the place which has the dubious distinction of practising gender-based discrimination in worst form, is indeed an irony. Kanishtha Dhankar, Miss India World 2011, hails from Haryana's Jhajjar district that shot to infamy for having the worst sex ratio in the country at 774 girls per 1000 boys in the 2011 census. “Proving Haryana's daughters can also be achievers, my achievement will surely help initiate a new thought process in the state against gender discrimination,” said Kanishtha.

The gorgeous looking 22-year-old said she was lucky to have very supportive family and friends. “My parents always encouraged me in my ventures. Even when I decided to pursue modelling as career, it were my parents who first came forward to support me unconditionally,” said Kanishtha, whose father Raj Singh Dhankar is an Indian Navy officer and mother Kusum, a lecturer. Although born and raised in Mumbai, Kanishtha said she was very close to her village (in Haryana) as her grandparents still lived there in their ancestral house.

“It all started during my college days. At 5 ft. 10 inches, I was taller than most of the boys in my class. My friends cajoled me to start modelling. So, I started modelling on part time assignments. Eventually I joined a modelling agency, and here I am,” said Kanishtha, who did her post-graduate diploma in advertising and public relations from H.R. College of Commerce, Mumbai. Just one year into modelling she has already walked the ramp at Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week and Lakme Fashion Week. “Modelling industry thrives on contacts. I am lucky I came in touch with top notch fashion designers and photographers, who helped me to reach the position where I am today,” admitted Kanishtha.

Asked if she was open to the idea of acting, Kanishtha smiled, “Definitely I would go for it if I get the opportunity. But at the moment modelling is top priority.” I am working hard for the Miss World pageant to be held in November this year in London. I am looking forward to bring (home) the title.”

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