Rising Stars: An Exclusive Interview with Niem’s Mr. and Miss University Runner-Ups

In a glittering night that celebrated talent, charisma, and intellect, NIEM Institute recently crowned its Mr. and Miss University, and the competition was fierce. While the winners rightfully claimed their titles, let’s turn our attention to the remarkable individuals who secured the positions of runner-ups – the second-best but by no means any less exceptional.

Question : How does it feel to secure the position of 1st runner up in Mr. University?
Ans: I have never thought that I will be part of Mr University competition but I secured the 1st runner up so I am really very Happy and Proud for me.

Question: What’s the highlight of your journey in the competition?
Ans: I would like to highlight our practice sessions of Ramp walk and Grooming conducted by Sandeep Dharma sir. Got to learn lot of things from him. He has guided us in all small things in a very good way.

Question: Can you pinpoint a specific moment that you believe helped you stand out?
Ans: I would pinpoint my Dancing moments that helped me to stand out.

Question: What advice do you have for future contestants aspiring to become Mr. University?
Ans: Wake up and don’t stop till to you reach your goal, be confident and stay positive.

Question: What’s the key lesson you’ll take away from this experience?
Ans: Importance of timing, Communication, Grooming and Styling

Question: How does it feel to secure the position of 1st runner up in Ms. University?
Ans: I feel amazing and overwhelmed by this victory. It was my very first attempt and my very first crown, So I guess my hard work really helped me win the 1st Runner Up title.

Question: What’s the highlight of your journey in the competition?
Ans: The practice sessions during the competition developed my overall personality and has me prepared for the Mumbai Finale along with other future pageants and other opportunities.

Question: Can you pinpoint a specific moment that you believe helped you stand out?
Ans : I believe my personality and my looks really helped me stand out and the impact of my communication during the Q&A round really complimented me at that moment.

Question: What advice do you have for future contestants aspiring to become Ms. University?
Ans: The advice I want to give is, just try to have a balanced lifestyle, have enough water, take good sleep, wake up early, do yoga, have good communication and practice your walk every day.

Question: What’s the key lesson you’ll take away from this experience?
Ans: I think consistency and determination played an important role in this journey and brought me close to success.

Question: How do you feel about being the 2nd runner-up in Mr. University?
Ans: It feels like a stolen victory but turned into a humbling experience. I was waiting for my name to be called as the winner but was a little disheartened to be third. However, it definitely turned out to be a learning experience. The moment of anticipation, waiting for my name to be announced as the winner, was accompanied by a tinge of disappointment when I secured the third position. Yet, in retrospect, this setback became a valuable learning experience. It taught me resilience, the importance of embracing both successes and setbacks, and the opportunity to grow from every situation. Ultimately, being the 2nd runner-up became a stepping stone for personal development and an acknowledgment of the competitive spirit within the pageant.

Question: Share a brief story about a challenge you overcame during the competition.
Ans: During the competition, I faced a significant challenge that tested my resolve and adaptability. One of the segments required us to showcase a talent, and while I had prepared meticulously, technical issues arose at the last minute. The music for my performance malfunctioned, leaving me on stage with a choice – let the setback derail my act or rise above the unexpected challenge. In that crucial moment, I decided to persevere. I took a deep breath, relied on my training, and performed my talent acapella. It was an impromptu decision, but it turned out to be a defining moment for me. The spontaneity added a unique touch to my performance, and I received positive feedback from both the judges and the audience. Overcoming this challenge taught me the importance of staying composed under pressure, adapting to unforeseen circumstances, and turning adversity into an opportunity for growth. It was a valuable lesson that extended beyond the stage, shaping my approach to challenges in other aspects of life.

Question: What qualities do you think set you apart and led to your success?
Ans: Several qualities have played a pivotal role in setting me apart and contributing to my success. First and foremost, my resilience has been a driving force. In the face of setbacks and challenges, I remained steadfast, using each obstacle as an opportunity for growth rather than a roadblock. Additionally, my ability to adapt quickly has proven instrumental. Whether it was navigating unexpected situations during the competition or adjusting my approach based on feedback, adaptability has been a key factor in my success. Moreover, a genuine passion for the competition and a commitment to continuous improvement have fueled my journey. I approached each aspect with enthusiasm, consistently seeking ways to refine my skills and enhance my performance. Lastly, effective communication and interpersonal skills have allowed me to connect with both judges and fellow competitors, leaving a lasting impression. These qualities collectively have set me apart, fostering not only success in the competition but also personal development that extends beyond the pageant stage.

Question: How did you prepare for the various segments of the Mr. University contest?
Ans: I dedicated extensive effort to prepare for the diverse segments of the Mr. University contest. For the runway segment, I meticulously practiced my walk day and night to achieve flawless and confident strides. In the dance round, my commitment extended beyond formal rehearsals – you could catch me dancing even in the bathroom, ensuring I was thoroughly immersed in the routine. As for the Q&A session, I opted for a more organic approach, drawing on personal experiences to provide authentic and genuine responses. Each facet of my preparation was tailored to bring out my best in every segment of the competition.

Question: What advice do you have for the future contestants aspiring to win the title? Ans: For aspiring contestants looking to clinch the title in the future, my advice would be to embrace authenticity. Stay true to yourself, showcase your unique qualities, and let your genuine personality shine through. Confidence is key, so believe in your abilities and present yourself with poise. Additionally, approach the competition as a learning experience – be open to feedback, continuously improve, and use setbacks as stepping stones for growth. Remember, the journey is as important as the destination, so enjoy every moment, build meaningful connections, and most importantly, have fun on the stage.

All the top three winners will be representing the city in the All India Finale, which is scheduled on 11 January 2024 in Mumbai. They would be trained by David Witbread, Mickey Mehta, Sameer and Arsh Tanna and many more…