Queen’s Talk: Shwetha Jayaram Shares Her Story

How does it feel to carry this prestigious title, and what does it personally mean to you?

Winning the title of Miss Queen of India means everything to me. I first competed in 2022 with the hope of winning, but the crown eluded me. Having been in pageantry for over five years, I often found myself ending up as a runner-up or walking away with nothing. Despite the setbacks, I always held on to the dream of that winning moment.

When I entered Miss Queen of India 2025, I was focused on having a good experience, but deep down, I truly hoped to win. Until the moment my name was announced, I wasn’t sure it would happen. That moment changed everything. The title has given me immense confidence—I carry myself differently now. More importantly, it has opened doors to many opportunities, including the incredible honor of representing my country. That’s something I will cherish for the rest of my life.

Can you take us through the most defining moment of your journey leading up to this crown?

There have been many moments that have shaped me, but one defining moment was participating in my very first pageant, Miss South India in 2020. I had no idea how pageants worked or how to prepare. I simply observed the other girls and tried to learn. I didn’t even make it to the top 10 and was eliminated in the first round. But I remember telling my dad, ‘I’ll come back next year.’ That moment defines who I am. If I don’t succeed the first time, I work harder and try again. That mindset has built my resilience.

It’s the same attitude I carried into Miss Queen of India. I competed once and didn’t win—but I came back, gave it my all, and won the crown. It truly feels like a full-circle moment for me.

What do you think is the true essence of a beauty pageant today?

Beauty pageants have evolved significantly over the years. They once upheld rigid beauty standards, but today, they challenge those very norms. Pageants like Miss Glam World and Miss Universe now celebrate women of all ages, colors, sizes, and marital statuses. The focus has shifted to embracing individuality and becoming the best version of yourself.

To me, that’s the true essence of modern beauty pageants—it’s about rewriting what it means to be a woman in today’s world.

What message would you like to share with girls who look up to you?

It’s incredibly flattering when young girls look up to me. What I want them to know is that beauty pageants are just competitions. Enjoy the experience, embrace the learning, and grow from it. Have a winning mindset—but never let the outcome affect your mental health or self-worth.

The competition doesn’t define your value or your future. You are a good person, capable of achieving amazing things. Whether you win or not, you will succeed in life. I want every young girl to carry this mindset—not just in pageants, but in every area of life.

Nothing can break me or change who I am. I am worthy, just as I am.

Is there a particular social issue or initiative you are passionate about and plan to support during your reign?

I work with an NGO called Mobility in Dystrophy (MIND) in Kerala, which supports individuals with spinal muscular atrophy and muscular dystrophy—both of which are genetic conditions. I’ve been volunteering since 2020, helping with fundraising and tutoring children who can’t attend school. This experience opened my eyes to challenges many people don’t even know exist.

Raising awareness about these conditions is so important. I’ve learned that contributing doesn’t always have to be financial—you can make a difference with your time, your support, and most importantly, your voice. Your voice is powerful.

For me, being able to represent my country is a huge opportunity—and I believe using that platform to talk about issues like this is one of the most meaningful parts of the journey. I always make it a point to speak about this in any media interaction I get. Throughout my reign, I hope to continue contributing in every way I can and bring more light to this cause.

What was your biggest challenge during the competition, and how did you overcome it?

My biggest challenge was not overthinking or treating this as an overwhelming step. If I had put too much pressure on myself to win, it would have affected my performance. Instead, I focused on staying calm and taking things one day at a time. I didn’t let myself obsess over the results. I believe I succeeded because I stayed grounded, kept my nerves in check, and concentrated only on what was right in front of me. That mindset made all the difference.

Which quality do you think gave you the winning edge?

In a competition, your winning aura truly matters. It’s not just about what you do intentionally—sometimes, it’s also about luck, fate, or destiny. The judges saw my confidence. I looked confident, felt confident, and wasn’t anxious about the outcome. I wasn’t nervous about my walk or how things would go. I walked in believing I would win, standing tall and strong.

I think it was my detachment from the result that made all the difference—and ultimately, helped me win that night.

What inspired you to step into the world of pageantry in the first place?

I’ve always loved stage performance and self-expression. As a teenager, I would watch Miss India on YouTube—not just for the crowning moment, but because I was fascinated by the grooming process and the transformation each contestant went through. That’s what drew me to pageantry.

I discovered Miss South India and Miss Queen of India and decided to apply. Unlike many girls, I wasn’t nervous—I was just 18 and thought, ‘Let’s give it a shot and see what happens.’ Starting early gave me the time and space to learn, grow, and refine myself.

Over time, pageantry became more than just a passion—it became a personal challenge. Every time I compete, I feel like I have to win. That drive, that mindset, has shaped my journey.

How has this experience transformed you—emotionally, mentally, or professionally?

Winning the crown changed me more mentally and emotionally than professionally. It gave me a newfound sense of confidence—not just on stage, but as a person. I run a grooming school called Set The Stage, where I train pageantry aspirants, and this win has helped me attract more clients and build credibility.

I’m genuinely grateful and happy to have received the crown. It has transformed the way I walk, speak, and carry myself. I’ve started putting more effort into my appearance, communication, and content creation. It’s been a journey of personal growth, and I feel empowered by it every day.

Any upcoming plans, projects, or dreams you’re excited about?

I’m truly excited about the opportunity to represent India at Miss Glam World, and I’m giving my all to prepare and bring the crown home. This is a dream I’ve worked hard for, and I’m determined to make the most of it.

I also look forward to continuing my journey with Pegasus—whether it’s as a judge, groomer, or trainer. I hope to create more meaningful content and grow my presence in the media.

I’m deeply grateful to Ajit Sir, Jebitha Ma’am, and the entire Pegasus team for believing in me. Thank you for being a part of this journey.

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