Auckland-based Kiwi-Indian Neekita Naidu dominated the stage at Miss India Australia—Touch the Soul 2016 in Sydney earlier in September 2016. Neekita, a travel and tourism consultant at a company in Sydney, started her journey at a mall photo shoot in Auckland, and today has become a supermodel renowned in both New Zealand and Australia.
Neekita was on a short trip to Auckland last weekend, and Indian Weekender spoke to her about her journey into the world of glamour and fashion.
IWK: When did you develop the passion for modelling?
Neekita: I started my journey in the modelling industry almost seven years ago. I was walking down Sylvia Park mall when I came across a walk-in photo shoot. I just went in for fun, and my pictures came out well. Later, the media agency approached me and asked if I would be interested in doing some photo shoots for print. So I grabbed the opportunity and that is how I was in the industry.
IWK: What was your turning point in this industry?
Neekita: I participated in the Miss Universe NZ contest in 2013 and that was a big turning point for me. It was surprising, as I steadily made my way into the top 15 finalists. I was ranked number 13, and that contest gave me significant exposure in the Asia-Pacific region. Thailand hosted the final event of the pageantry, and it was a grand event. The contest was my first national exposure into the fashion world and the fact I made to the top finalists was a big confidence boost for me.
IWK: What changed following Miss Universe NZ contest?
Neekita: I started getting more recognition in the fashion industry, and it was another kick-start for the modelling career. Print adverts, TV commercials for beauty products, everything just flowed in.
IWK: How did you manage your professional life as a travel consultant in Auckland?
Neekita: It was a little difficult to balance both. After a while, in late 2014, I took a short break from the fashion world and focussed on my job. So in the meantime, I would perform at different fashion shows, but mostly, I concentrated on my work. I did wedding and bridal shows, walked the ramp during the Diwali function in Auckland and other fashion shows in the city.
IWK: How was it winning two titles in 2016?
Neekita: 2016 has turned to be amazing as I participated in two international contests and won both. For a change, I moved to Sydney in mid-2016 and started working in another travel company there. In September, I won Miss Indian Australia—Touch the Soul 2016 in Sydney. I was crowned by Bollywood Diva Karishma Kapoor as she was the judge for the finals.
In November, I won the Miss Universe Supermodel title held in Bulgaria. This was one of the toughest competitions I have faced in my seven-year career in the fashion world.
IWK: What do you think was your USP at the Miss Universe Supermodel 2016?
Neekita: I would say my Indian background, and my tall, dusky and skinny personality.
IWK: Who do you see as your role model?
Neekita: I see Priyanka Chopra as my role model. I have been following her from the day she stepped on to the Miss India stage. She has proved herself and now is she is renowned even in the Hollywood industry.
IWK: What draws you towards the glamour world?
Neekita: I love what I do. I enjoy doing the photo shoots, walking the ramp, and expressing myself. This is what keeps me glued to the glamour industry. Doing more shows across different platforms and places has polished my skills and I have become better than I was a day before.
IWK: Looking back, how would you describe your journey?
Neekita: I never dreamt of becoming a super model but things fell into place, and I kept progressing. It has been humbling, and I wish to work harder to scale better heights.
IWK: How was been the support from your family?
Neekita: I come from a conservative Fiji-Indian family, and there were objections initially. Once I stepped into the fashion world, I kept moving forward, and I gained quite a momentum very soon. I followed my passion, and later I started getting support from my family members. It feels proud when a friend calls and says they saw my picture in some magazine or a newspaper.
IWK: What advice would you like to give to budding models?
Neekita: I would say, if modelling is your passion, then do not look back. There will be sleepless nights but just follow your dreams. Confidence is the key, and if you do not exhibit that, then you will not succeed. There are different shades to this industry so do not let people take advantage of you and make your decisions wisely.
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