Six months ago, when Jhataleka Malhotra was crowned Miss India International 2014, she was a regular college student, whose only worry in life was exams. All that changed when a glittering tiara atop her head made her a popular name overnight. “I grew up within days,“ she recollects, packing her bags for the Miss International 2014 pageant, where she will represent India amidst 77 countries this November. “It's been an amazing journey. I'm proud to be an ambassador of brand India. It's both a responsibility and a great opportunity to represent India there. I have worked every single day, for the past six months, to prepare myself for this,“ she says, adding that her ability to learn from people also makes her a strong contender. “My biggest learning came from living with the two winners of the fbb Femina Miss India pageant. We explored together, learning from each other. On that global stage, I hope to do the same, while bringing out my uniqueness,“ she says.

Jhataleka's brother Karn Malhotra, a designer by profession, has been her guardian angel, supporting her throughout her journey to the crown. Karn Malhotra Couture has especially customised a princess ballroom gown in her favourite colour baby pink for her finale at Miss International.

While there, Jhataleka will compete for various sub-contests, including Miss Photogenic, Miss Friendship, Miss National Costume and Miss Internet, winning which will take her closer to the title. The winner of Miss International will be gratified with ¥3,000,000 (three million Japanese Yen), a tiara as well as a trophy.

PARTNERS & EXPERTS
Indianwear and designer western casual wear Ritu Kumar
Diction expert Sabira Merchant
Skin care expert Jamuna Pai
Smile care expert Sandesh Mayekar
Ramp walk trainer Alesia Raut
Fitness partner Samir Purohit & Namrata Purohit
Photographer Nandini Naik
Stylist Meher Ahmed
Hair and make-up Marvie Ann Beck
Choreographer Nisha Lulla
National costume designer Melvyn Noronha
Appearance stylist Agneesh Banerjee
Kathak trainer Veeru Krishnan

SPECIAL THANKS
Finale gown Karn Malhotra
Location partner for introduction AV Red Blue Yellow
Wardrobe design team Gauri and Nainika, Gaviin Miguel, Falguni and Shane Peacock, Swapnil Shinde, Komal Sood, Sabyasachi at Ensemble, Outhouse, Mandira Wirk, Frou Frou by Archana Rao, That's Theft, Alamode Jewellery