“I don’t believe in perfection”
This 26-year-old beauty is one of the 20 finalists for the Miss Universe New Zealand pageant this year. Indian Weekender talks to Ronita Lal about her journey and preparations for the contest.
IWK: How would you introduce yourself?
Ronita: I migrated from Suva, Fiji, to Auckland with my family when I was a year old. I am the youngest in the family and have three older sisters and wonderful parents who have made me into the person I am today. I currently work as an Administrator at New Zealand Tertiary College. I have completed a Diploma in Hospitality Management and also a Certificate in Airline in Customer Service.
IWK: What kind of a person Ronita is in personal life?
Ronita: I am an outgoing, bubbly, friendly and down-to-earth person. I like to be optimistic and goofy at times although I do have my serious side. I like spending time with family and friends. I love to try new things, enjoy travelling and discovering other cultures. I like to live a healthier lifestyle and enjoy going to the gym, which keeps me motivated in life. I am ambitious and like to take risks; challenges don’t scare me.
IWK: How has your journey in modelling been so far?
Ronita: It has been a real eye-opener; a confidence booster for me. My modelling career began in 2012 when I participated in Miss India NZ. Over the years, I have been involved in a number of fashion shows, photoshoots, music videos and beauty pageants. I have gained a major interest in modelling and acting. To me, this was something I really enjoyed and it has helped me grow as a person.
IWK: Has modelling changed your life in any way or brought out some new personality traits?
Ronita: I believe it has to a certain extent. I am still the same old Ronita, but I have met some pretty amazing and inspirational people along the way and learnt a lot from each one of them especially girls who I have met through modelling and pageants. I have gained a lot of experience and my personality traits have definitely changed in a positive way.
IWK: Have you always aspired to be a model? If not then what has been your dream?
Ronita: I didn’t always want to be a model. It’s rather been more of an interest of mine since my early 20s. Being in front of the camera makes me happy. I don’t believe in perfection. If you have a drive and passion for something then you should go for it regardless of how good or bad you are at. Nothing is impossible in life.
IWK: How are you preparing for the Miss Universe contest?
Ronita: It has been tough trying to balance the competition preparations with a full-time job and other commitments. I entered Miss Universe NZ this year to push myself and see my true potential and, of course, I wanted my family to be proud of me. I have entered many pageants previously, and although I did not succeed, I didn’t give up. I decided it was time for me to try out for Miss Universe NZ 2015, a pageant I had only dreamed about being in, only to find out that I had actually made it through to the Top 20.
Being chosen out of 200 applicants, 100 selected to attended Stiletto Boot camp and then eliminated down to Top 20 for Miss Universe NZ has to be the most exciting opportunity I have ever been given.
I have been working hard to organise fundraising events as part of the Entrepreneurial Challenge in the competition where half of the funds raised from these events will be donated to Variety—The Children’s Charity. This challenge also gives the contestant with the highest money raised a direct entry into the Top 10 to be announced on the final night (Sky City, October 24).
IWK: What are your thoughts about modelling and fashion industry in New Zealand?
Ronita: I admire the amount of talent we have here in New Zealand and it is great to see us doing well in this industry especially the younger generation who should be commended for their achievements. It is great to see a range in modelling and fashion as well as diversity at various events I have attended. In regards to Miss Universe New Zealand, this competition is not only about looking pretty on stage it is also about hard work and determination. There is a lot involved that isn’t seen upfront that I'm prepared to undertake.
IWK: So where do you see yourself in the future, with modelling?
Ronita: One of my ambitions in life is to be a strong role model/inspiration for women and empower them to better themselves, help boost self-confidence and realise how beautiful they are inside and out. I struggled and still struggle with self-confidence and body image to this day. I’ve learnt to put my fears aside and go out there and try my best. I would definitely like to progress in modelling and acting in the near future and hope to be selected for acting roles to further advance my skills.
Public voting is worldwide and accounts for 50% of the judging this year. To vote for Ronita, simply click on the vote tab on her Facebook page or on the I-ticket website: https://www.iticket.co.nz/events/2015/oct/ronita-lal
Votes cost $1 and for every $5 bundle sold, $1 is donated to Variety—The Children’s Charity.
This 26-year-old beauty is one of the 20 finalists for the Miss Universe New Zealand pageant this year. Indian Weekender talks to Ronita Lal about her journey and preparations for the contest.
IWK: How would you introduce yourself?
Ronita: I migrated from Suva, Fiji, to Auckland with my family...
This 26-year-old beauty is one of the 20 finalists for the Miss Universe New Zealand pageant this year. Indian Weekender talks to Ronita Lal about her journey and preparations for the contest.
IWK: How would you introduce yourself?
Ronita: I migrated from Suva, Fiji, to Auckland with my family when I was a year old. I am the youngest in the family and have three older sisters and wonderful parents who have made me into the person I am today. I currently work as an Administrator at New Zealand Tertiary College. I have completed a Diploma in Hospitality Management and also a Certificate in Airline in Customer Service.
IWK: What kind of a person Ronita is in personal life?
Ronita: I am an outgoing, bubbly, friendly and down-to-earth person. I like to be optimistic and goofy at times although I do have my serious side. I like spending time with family and friends. I love to try new things, enjoy travelling and discovering other cultures. I like to live a healthier lifestyle and enjoy going to the gym, which keeps me motivated in life. I am ambitious and like to take risks; challenges don’t scare me.
IWK: How has your journey in modelling been so far?
Ronita: It has been a real eye-opener; a confidence booster for me. My modelling career began in 2012 when I participated in Miss India NZ. Over the years, I have been involved in a number of fashion shows, photoshoots, music videos and beauty pageants. I have gained a major interest in modelling and acting. To me, this was something I really enjoyed and it has helped me grow as a person.
IWK: Has modelling changed your life in any way or brought out some new personality traits?
Ronita: I believe it has to a certain extent. I am still the same old Ronita, but I have met some pretty amazing and inspirational people along the way and learnt a lot from each one of them especially girls who I have met through modelling and pageants. I have gained a lot of experience and my personality traits have definitely changed in a positive way.
IWK: Have you always aspired to be a model? If not then what has been your dream?
Ronita: I didn’t always want to be a model. It’s rather been more of an interest of mine since my early 20s. Being in front of the camera makes me happy. I don’t believe in perfection. If you have a drive and passion for something then you should go for it regardless of how good or bad you are at. Nothing is impossible in life.
IWK: How are you preparing for the Miss Universe contest?
Ronita: It has been tough trying to balance the competition preparations with a full-time job and other commitments. I entered Miss Universe NZ this year to push myself and see my true potential and, of course, I wanted my family to be proud of me. I have entered many pageants previously, and although I did not succeed, I didn’t give up. I decided it was time for me to try out for Miss Universe NZ 2015, a pageant I had only dreamed about being in, only to find out that I had actually made it through to the Top 20.
Being chosen out of 200 applicants, 100 selected to attended Stiletto Boot camp and then eliminated down to Top 20 for Miss Universe NZ has to be the most exciting opportunity I have ever been given.
I have been working hard to organise fundraising events as part of the Entrepreneurial Challenge in the competition where half of the funds raised from these events will be donated to Variety—The Children’s Charity. This challenge also gives the contestant with the highest money raised a direct entry into the Top 10 to be announced on the final night (Sky City, October 24).
IWK: What are your thoughts about modelling and fashion industry in New Zealand?
Ronita: I admire the amount of talent we have here in New Zealand and it is great to see us doing well in this industry especially the younger generation who should be commended for their achievements. It is great to see a range in modelling and fashion as well as diversity at various events I have attended. In regards to Miss Universe New Zealand, this competition is not only about looking pretty on stage it is also about hard work and determination. There is a lot involved that isn’t seen upfront that I'm prepared to undertake.
IWK: So where do you see yourself in the future, with modelling?
Ronita: One of my ambitions in life is to be a strong role model/inspiration for women and empower them to better themselves, help boost self-confidence and realise how beautiful they are inside and out. I struggled and still struggle with self-confidence and body image to this day. I’ve learnt to put my fears aside and go out there and try my best. I would definitely like to progress in modelling and acting in the near future and hope to be selected for acting roles to further advance my skills.
Public voting is worldwide and accounts for 50% of the judging this year. To vote for Ronita, simply click on the vote tab on her Facebook page or on the I-ticket website: https://www.iticket.co.nz/events/2015/oct/ronita-lal
Votes cost $1 and for every $5 bundle sold, $1 is donated to Variety—The Children’s Charity.
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