Miss Pune 2025 Winners Exclusive Interview: Ayrissa Bindu, Janaki Sapre & Rutuja Choudhari Share Their Inspiring Journey

The Miss Pune 2025 pageant was not just a celebration of beauty but a powerful platform showcasing confidence, resilience, and ambition. After an intense and inspiring competition, Ayrissa Bindu was crowned Miss Pune 2025, with Janaki Sapre securing the 1st Runner Up title and Rutuja Choudhari becoming the 2nd Runner Up.In this exclusive interview, the three winners open up about their journey, challenges, inspirations, and the dreams they carry forward after this life-changing experience. From backstage emotions to the lessons learned on the ramp, their stories reflect determination, passion, and the spirit of modern women who dare to dream big.

Miss Pune 2025 Winner – Ayrissa Bindu

Winning Miss Pune is a big achievement. What was the first thought that came to your mind when your name was announced?
I remember standing backstage with my fingers crossed, hoping for my contestant number (contestant number 1) to be announced as the winner, while also silently hoping my name wouldn’t be called during the announcement of the 2nd and 1st runner-up titles.
When my name was finally announced as the winner, it felt completely surreal. The moment was filled with joy, enthusiasm, and excitement for the future ahead. My favourite part of the entire moment was seeing my mother jumping with happiness as I was crowned Miss Pune 2025. That memory will stay with me forever.

What do you think made you stand out from the other contestants and helped you secure the crown?
My preparation didn’t start a few days or even weeks before the pageant. It actually began when I was just 8 years old, the moment I decided I wanted to become a model and actor.
Over the years, I focused on reading books, building my own opinions, and constantly working on myself to become a well-rounded individual. I believe what made me stand out was not just preparation for a pageant, but the effort to become someone who believes in the power of women and someone who understands that true beauty lies in strength and intelligence.

Behind the glamour, what challenges did you face during your journey to becoming Miss Pune?
The journey was definitely challenging but completely worth it. From early mornings to late nights, and the constant rush of arranging outfits and jewellery, it demanded a lot of dedication.
But the real challenge was mental. Spending days with other contestants who were both friends and competitors at the same time brought moments of self-doubt — questioning whether I was good enough. Pushing myself to be better with every walk on the ramp and every moment on stage required strong determination.

1st Runner Up – Janaki Sapre

Being the 1st Runner Up is a proud moment. How would you describe your experience throughout the competition?
Being the 1st Runner Up at Miss Pune has been an incredibly proud and emotional moment for me. This journey was never just about winning a crown; it was about discovering my strength, confidence, and true potential. There were challenging moments — long rehearsals, intense preparation, and occasional self-doubt — but every single day shaped me into a stronger version of myself. One line from our mentor, Sandeep Sir, will always stay with me: “In this competition, you either win or you learn — you never lose.”
For me, this journey was truly transformative.

What was your most memorable moment during the Miss Pune journey?
The most memorable moment was standing on the grand stage during the finale. The lights, the audience cheering, and the confidence I felt while walking on the ramp made it magical. But beyond the stage, the real memories were created backstage — bonding with fellow contestants, learning from mentors, and realizing how much I had grown during the entire journey. That sense of sisterhood and personal growth is something I will always cherish.

How has this platform helped you grow personally and professionally?
Personally, this platform transformed my confidence. The way I walk, speak, and present myself has evolved tremendously. I feel more polished, expressive, and self-aware. Professionally, the growth has been incredible. I have received amazing engagement on my social media with millions of views and a rapidly growing audience. This exposure has opened doors for exciting collaborations and new opportunities. As a Marathi mulgi, representing myself on such a platform fills me with immense pride.

What are your next goals after this achievement?
My next goal is to participate in the title of Shravan Queen, which is a wonderful platform for stepping into the Marathi entertainment industry. Being Marathi, it has always been my dream to build a strong presence in the Marathi entertainment world and represent my culture with confidence and grace. This achievement is only the beginning of a bigger journey.

2nd Runner Up – Rutuja Choudhari

Congratulations on being 2nd Runner Up! What does this title mean to you personally?
Being crowned the 2nd Runner Up of Miss Pune means the world to me. This title is not just an achievement but the realization of a dream I carried in my heart for years.
Standing on that stage and finally wearing the crown felt surreal. In that moment, all the hard work, dedication, and belief finally came together. It reminded me that when you truly believe in yourself and stay committed, dreams really do turn into reality.

What part of the competition challenged you the most, and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge for me was the logistics of the daily hustle. I lived quite far from the studio where we practiced every day. Traveling long distances and then immediately switching into full pageant mode — maintaining high energy and confidence throughout rehearsals — was physically and mentally exhausting. Whenever I felt tired, I reminded myself of my goal, and that motivation helped me push through until the final walk.

Who has been your biggest inspiration or support system throughout this journey?
My support system has been my greatest strength. My mom and my best friend Harsh were always there to motivate me and support me whenever I felt low. I also drew huge inspiration from our choreographer, Sandeep Sir. His dedication, energy, and effort for each contestant pushed me to work even harder. Ultimately, I was also driven by the little girl inside me who once dreamed of standing on that stage — I wanted to make her proud.

If you had to describe your Miss Pune journey in one word, what would it be and why?
This journey didn’t just give me a title — it helped me grow as a person. I learned confidence, discipline, resilience, and the courage to believe in myself. I entered the competition with a dream, but I walked away as a stronger, more confident, and refined version of myself.