Circa 2010, when Nina Davuluri landed in India she was just another Indian-American visiting her motherland. Today, four years later, Nina's face can launch a thousand beauty products, both in India and America. That's the power of being Miss America 2014. Last year, Nina made every Indian proud by becoming the first American of Indian descent to win the coveted crown. Unfortunately, Nina faced immense racist backlash post the victory but the lady silenced all her detractors with her serene grace and has today become a role model for women all across the globe.
On her visit to India (her mother as she calls it) for the first time after being crowned Miss America, Nina will be seen judging the finale of Dance India Dance Super Moms North America at Famous studio in Mumbai. In an exclusive chat with Tellychakkar.com, Nina talks about her passion for dance, future plans and Bollywood.
It's happy homecoming for you Nina, isn't it?
Thank you very much. You are the first person to have said this to me. I was here in 2010 and it's been four years now. This is my first time in Mumbai though and I am really excited to be in my motherland.
Things have changed since the last time you visited India. You are a celebrity today.
(Smiles) It's so difficult to wrap my head around it.
So you will be judging Dance India Dance Super Moms North America. What's the feeling like?
It is interesting to be on the other side of the table because normally I am the one who is being judged. It's a lot less stressful on this side of the table. The feeling's been incredible and we have finished filmed round one in New York. We are filming the finale here and just to hear the stories of these moms is so heartwarming. It's such a service and community oriented show which is what really resonated with me in the first place. The stories of all the mothers are so inspiring and with their families cheering them on, it's going to be a fantastic show.
What did you find most inspirational about the mothers on the show?
It was inspiring to see kids telling their mothers, 'Mom you have to do this. You know that you are a good dancer.' Just hearing kids and family being so supportive and encouraging and pushing mothers to participate was inspiring to see.
What kind of dance forms can we expect to see on the show?
You will see everything from Bollywood, Kathak, Fusion to Hip Hop being showcased. I am looking for someone who will put her heart and soul into her performance.
What kind of judge would you be, strict or gentle?
(Smiles) You will have to watch that to find out.
You danced to the tunes of Dhoom Taana from Om Shanti Om on the stage of Miss America. What made you choose a Bollywood dance number?
I went in with a brand of wanting to be the first Indian Miss America. And I felt it was so timely for the organization to reach out to a new demographic of young women that is representative of what America is today. Because America is a country that is not as simple as black and white anymore and we all know that. So here was my chance to showcase that America is something very different. When I was competing, I can't tell you how many people said to me, 'Nina if you are really serious about winning change your plan because Bollywood will never win. You are too Indian, be more American.' But truth be told, I can't choose one over the other. I am both. And I have always identified myself as both Indian and American. So for me to stay true to who I am and dance being such an integral part of my life, I think it made sense to do a Bollywood number. Also, Bollywood today is so much more mainstream and is assimilated well in American culture. So to perform something on that level and to showcase its honest with its energy and music was so much fun for the audience. In the last 30 seconds of my challenge while I was performing, I remember having tears in my eyes because that was truly my moment. Also for the Indian community to see that was a proud moment and winning was just an icing on the cake.
What are your favourite Bollywood movies?
Growing up I have watched quite a few but DDLJ and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai are my favourites. They are classics that you can watch over and over again. Recently I haven't been able to catch up on the movie scene because I have been busy.
Any Bollywood aspirations?
I have no Bollywood aspirations. One of the things that I have been proud of is that when you have a job like Miss America it is not exactly glamorous even though everyone would think so. I am never on the red carpet. It's my first and foremost duty to reach out and give back to America. So now that my year as Miss America is drawing to an end, I have the wonderful opportunity to come back to India and serve the people here. I will be doing a lot of charity work, promoting unity and diversity and also working with women in STEM education which is Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. STEM is something that India can relate to and it is absolutely necessary to cultivate women in this field.
On the professional front, how do you plan to take your modelling career forward?
I have never particularly viewed myself as a model or actress. I have never desired to really act. I have viewed myself as a business woman and entrepreneur, And when you have a job like Miss America, you can go in many different directions. Right now, I am applying for my Masters in Business Administration focusing on international relations. I have aspirations in the political arena.There is a political component that comes with the job of Miss America especially working with a lot of Congressmen and Senators to lobby for legislation and I am really proud that as Miss America I am able to lobby for legislation that someday I hope I will be able to sign myself. So I have hopes of getting my feet in that arena and also have hopes of becoming the US ambassador to India may be 15 years from now. So you will see me doing a lot of social components, charity and service.
But if a big Bollywood movie comes your way, would you accept it?
No. Not really. It's never been my dream. I never see myself giving up a side of me that is service oriented.
You were one of master of ceremonies at Madison Square where PM Modi delivered his speech. How do you view the political relations of India and America growing?
Firstly, to be a part of such historic event that has never happened before and to be invited to attend and host the iconic event was a great moment. From what I have noticed, I think my generation of Indian-Americans are really following the elections and becoming more active in politics. We definitely see the economic ties tightening between India and America and I think we are all excited to see that relationship foster and grow. Majority of Indian-Americans are proud of our heritage and I feel proud that I have been able to represent both sides.
You faced a lot of racist issues after winning the crown. India is obsessed with fair skin and we see a lot of Bollywood actors and actresses endorsing them. What's your take on the same?
Thank you for asking me this question. One of the things that I have been able to talk about in my travels is this notion and idea about fairness and beauty in Indian culture. Growing up as an Indian-American, we hear both sides of it. When I was younger, my mom used to say,'Don't go out in the sun.You will get too tanned and too dark.' And you realize this idea of fairness being projected as Indian idea of 'beauty'. But when I used to go to school, my classmates and peers used to say, 'Oh My God! You are so tanned and your skin colour is so beautiful.' I think what it really means is that the idea of beauty is of wanting what we don't have. Miss America has given me the platform to reach out to young women in India to talk about this idea of beauty and to tell them that someone who is of darker in complexion which I am proud about can be successful in a role of Miss America which can truly define your own idea of beauty.
Add new comment