31st May 2023, Mumbai: Actress and life coach, Priya Paramita Paul, recently emerged victorious in a legal battle against the beauty pageant company, She is India, which sends representatives to the prestigious Mrs. Universe pageant. Priya endured a two-year struggle, beginning in 2021, to fight against the organization’s unfair practices. She was prohibited from hiring a personal coach and pressured to receive coaching from the organization instead. They promised her a higher chance of winning if she complied. Despite having already made a partial payment for the pageant fee, Priya realized the manipulative nature of their demands and decided to withdraw from the competition. The ensuing legal case was mentally and emotionally draining, but after a lengthy legal process, the court ruled in Priya’s favor, validating her claims. She is now entitled to a refund from the organization within 45 days.
During the time when Priya initiated the case, she held no title, but she had recognized the potential assistance She is India could provide her in competing for Mrs. Universe. Consequently, deciding to give up her dream of representing India was a difficult choice. However, looking back, she feels content with her decision as she currently holds the title of Ms World International.
Priya sheds light on the prevalent issue of rigged beauty pageants, estimating that around 50% of them are manipulated. Even some highly reputed pageants engage in such practices. Priya herself had never anticipated experiencing such a situation. She advises aspiring pageant contestants to thoroughly research and ensure that they embark on a journey they genuinely enjoy, rather than risking a disillusioning experience.
Contrary to popular belief, winning a beauty pageant does not guarantee immediate opportunities in the acting industry, as Priya points out. In the past, during the time of iconic figures like Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Sushmita Sen, and Lara Dutta, the chances of transitioning into acting were comparatively higher. However, the landscape has significantly changed. The entertainment industry now demands not only beauty but also a fundamental acting skill. Priya urges those aspiring to enter the entertainment industry through pageantry to develop their acting abilities. In the present competitive environment, having acting skills is crucial for success. Unfortunately, Priya also acknowledges the bias she has encountered as a pageant contestant when seeking acting opportunities, with casting directors often not affording her equal consideration. She highlights the need to be cautious and avoid being treated as a mere showpiece or doormat in the industry.