She loves making friends, hates staying at home and earns her own pocket money. Oh, and she just beat 8,000 girls to become the new P.C. Chandra Goldlites Diva, held in association with t2. Meet Koushani Mukherjee, who completed BCom from Heramba Chandra College in 2013. An ex-student of The Assembly of God Church school, Park Street, the 23-year-old had always dreamt of being a model but never gave it a shot, till the P.C. Chandra contest happened. “It was like a dream come true when I won the title! That night I was on cloud nine,” she gushes as we settle down for a chat. 

“I am a very lively and jolly person, an extrovert. I love making friends. I hate staying at home. I want to be an independent woman. I give private tuition so that I don’t have to ask my family for money,” is how the Kankurgachhi girl describes herself. The t2 chat...

Tell us about your journey in the contest...

I had a wild-card entry into the competition and from then on the journey was thrilling. I loved the five-day grooming session. I made many friends who are still in touch with me. Our mentor, Jessica Gomes Surana, was very sweet to us. We got very tasty food. We had experts from different fields giving us tips, like Sudarshan Chakravorty, Neeraj Surana, Hena Nafis. We learnt stuff like how to do smoky eyes and apply foundation. 

What do you plan to do from here on?

I have started getting offers from photographers. I want to work with them and do photo shoots. I want to learn. 

What is your family saying?

My family is very supportive. I wanted my mom to be crowned because it was her dream to see me in P.C. Chandra billboards and that has finally come true! 

What do you think helped you win?

My dedication and determination. There were 26 equally good contestants and we had no idea who would win. This was a beauty pageant organised by P.C. Chandra and the tag line said: ‘It’s a jewel of jewels’. I consider myself to be that ‘jewel’ among all the other jewels.

You won two subtitles in the pageant, Miss Beautiful Smile and Miss Beautiful Hair. Do you follow any haircare regimen?

I definitely go for a hair spa once a month, we are exposed to so much pollution. I get anti-hairfall treatments too. 

What are your hobbies?

I love dancing. I have been doing contemporary and hip hop since childhood. I have represented my school and college in competitions. I am trained in Bharatanatyam as well. And whenever I get time I work out at the gym. 

Tell us about your fitness routine...

I am a foodie. It is very difficult for me to control, so when I go to the gym, I really work out very hard. I dedicate one full hour to my workout. My whole week’s schedule is broken up into cardio, strength training and legs. I go for workout sessions three days a week. I motivate myself by looking up to my idols. I say to myself that I have to be like them and if I have to get into modelling, I need to tone up. 

I like having fruits and every two hours I have something, as advised by my trainer. I have less vegetables. But my mother mixes veggies in the dal or biryani, then we all have to have it!

What is fashion for you?

It’s being comfortable in whatever you wear and how confidently you carry yourself. Fashion is something that will highlight your personality and inner self. 

Who do you look up to for fashion?

I want to be like Deepika Padukone. From the way she carries herself to the way she maintains herself, she is my fashion icon. I love her both on and off the screen. I am a very Bollywood person. Among the men I like Salman Khan. I also like Katrina Kaif for her looks and Sonam Kapoor for her ability to carry all kinds of outfits. 

What is your first memory of fashion?

Watching my mashi (aunt) do make-up. Whenever she would go for a party, she always did very good make-up and that inspired me when I was little. Watching her closely I learnt about eye make-up, about brightening the skin tone and others. 

What will be your dress code for...

Nightclub: Pencil skirt and crop top. I go for accessories according to the dress and colours I am wearing. If the dress is simple, you have to pair it with chunky accessories and if the dress is gorgeous, I go easy on the accessories. 

Movie: Definitely casuals. Sundays I go for a movie and I like jeans and top. 

Family do: If it is an evening cocktail party, I’ll wear a gown. If it’s a wedding or a reception, I’ll wear a sari or salwar suit.  

Date: I like wearing slit gowns that make me look graceful!

Your favourite fashion designer?

I have come across Mandira Wirk’s designs and I love them. I had worn one of her royal gowns at the Goldlites Diva finale. After that I have become a big fan of her work. In fact, I asked her if she would design my wedding dress! 

Is there a special someone? 

Yes, I have a boyfriend. He’s that booster in my life who has helped me step into this industry. He always motivates me.

Malancha Dasgupta
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