Joshwa D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Mar 29: Mangalurean beauty Alveera Pinto Fernandes, residing in Vasai, Mumbai has brought laurels to her hometown by winning the Mrs Global India 2016 second runner-up title. The event, organized by Glamour Vila, took place in Goa recently.

After some tough rounds that included national costume round, personal interview, talent round and fitness round, Alveera was selected for the final round where she was adjudged the second runner-up.

Alveera hails from Vamajoor and her husband Charnel Fernandes from Trasi in Kundapur, and both of them were born and brought up in Mumbai.

In an exclusive interview to daijiworld, Alveera spoke about her journey so far, the experience of participating in the pageant and much more.

DW: Tell us something about your childhood and education.

Alveera: I was born and bought up in Mumbai. I did my schooling from St Blaise High School, Andheri (Mumbai), junior college from Thomas Baptista Junior College Vasai (Mumbai) and I am now pursuing my BA from Mumbai University. I have also done diploma in early childhood care and education. I have a total work experience of 13 years with corporate industry. I am working as senior sales officer with an advertising company.

DW: How did the idea of joining the fashion industry as a model come to your mind?

Alveera: I was attracted to this field from my teenage days, but somehow was not able to pursue it. So I gave it a try now. My husband Charnel is very supportive. When I told him about this, he just said 'you go ahead and give your hundred percent'.

DW: How were your initial days in the industry? Do you have any mentor?

Alveera: It was tough. I don't have any mentor.

DW: How did you prepare for the competition? Did you have to follow any specific diet?

Alveera: I started preparing for the competition about 3 or 4 months before the main event. It included polishing my ramp walk, preparing for the national costume round, preparing a file for the personal interview round where we had to cover all the achievements and so on. I did not follow a specific diet as such, but yes, I would eat only fruits for dinner and that too by 7.30 pm.

DW: Your biggest achievement in life?

Alveera: It's yet to come.

DW: Do you plan to train raw talent in your hometown?

Alveera: Oh yes, if I get a chance, I will surely train new talent.

DW: Who would you like to thank for this achievement?

Alveera: I would like to thank the organizers of Mrs Global India for providing a platform for married women to showcase their talent and my husband Charnel Fernandes for supporting me in every step I take in life. Without him, this title would not have been possible.

I am thankful to Rajat Suneja, the director of Glamour Vila for giving us a platform to showcase our talent. I got to learn a lot from the mentors in these five days.

DW: How tough is it to become a model after you get married? Did you face any issues?

Alveera: Yes it is a bit tough but not impossible. If your family is supportive then there is no reason to worry.

DW: What are your interests/hobbies apart from modelling?

Alveera: I love singing, dancing and applying mehndi designs.

DW: What is your message to married women in Mangaluru who aspire to join the fashion industry?

Alveera: Don't stop chasing your dreams just because you are married. It is not the end. Believe in yourself and you will achieve what you desire.