Sima Raaj, who has got several feathers on her hat, converses with The Pioneer about donning multiple hats, becoming the first NSD graduate to participate in the Mrs. India Empress of the Nation 2023 pageant, and more.
K. Ramya Sree
Art is more than just a form of expression; it’s an important part of human history. Some artists may use photography or digital media to create their art. Some artists use their voices, their bodies, or their expressions.
Through her work, Sima Raaj has been empowering many other women. Sima, who has acted in more than 50 plays with national and international directors, and has frequently worked in film and television, has now become the first NSD graduate to participate in the Mrs. India Empress of the Nation 2023 pageant by Diva Pageants.
Known for working with directors like M.K. Raina, Sriram Raghavan, Robin Das, Barry John, Anuradha Kapur, and Madhur Bhandarkar, she took part in a pageant to showcase herself in a different light. It’s been liberating and empowering, giving her the strength to live life on her own terms. She encourages everyone to embrace their unique qualities and never let anyone else dictate who they should be.
The Pioneer converses with the visionary about donning the cap of an actress, entering the pageant, and more.
Excerpts from the interview:
Donning the cap of being an actress, entrepreneur, and now the first-ever NSD graduate to enter a pageant show, how would you describe your journey trying your hands on various fields?
Being a pioneer in any field is an incredible feeling. Life is full of aspirations and endless possibilities. I thrive on breaking patterns and challenging myself to break free from habits. My journey as an actor and NSD graduate has been an uphill battle, but with each step, new doors open, and I embrace them with curiosity and enthusiasm. Setting goals inevitably brings challenges, but overcoming them allows us to create our own history. To me, being a pioneer is like embarking on a journey of self-discovery, constantly seeking the freedom and strength to uncover the potential that already exists within me. I feel victorious in my pursuit of new experiences and personal growth.
What encouraged you to get on board with the pageant?
I have a deep passion for fashion. Even during my time studying at NSD, I would actively engage in costume design for our plays. It was during this process that I became intrigued by the captivating history of fashion and clothing. I found great joy in watching models confidently strut down the runway, and I admired the grace and elegance of contestants in pageants such as Mrs. World and Mrs. India/Universe. The desire to embark on a journey in pageantry had always existed within me, and when the opportunity presented itself, I eagerly seized it.
How has the experience of participating in the Mrs. India Empress of the Nation 2023 pageant by Diva Pageants been for you?
I had the most exhilarating experience during the four days of grooming sessions at Hyatt Pune. It was a whirlwind of new faces, new knowledge, and a fresh way of learning. I have always been a keen learner, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have attracted such incredible mentors as Anjana Mascarenhas and Karl Mascarenhas. They are truly extraordinary individuals.
The design of the grooming sessions was exceptional, encompassing everything from training our minds to nurturing our bodies. Karl sir, and Anjana ma’am, perfectly complemented each other, creating a supportive and empowering environment. The Diva Pageants team took care of us exceptionally well, ensuring we had everything we needed.
These days were transformative and empowering moments in my life. They reinstalled in me the belief that “I am a possibility, and I am enough”. It’s a newfound joy to discover the enormous possibilities that lie within me.
You’ve been associated with the We Help Welfare Foundation for various welfare causes. Do you feel that this participation in some way has helped you to work and also attract more people to the cause?
It was an exhilarating opportunity to extend my efforts to make a difference. We Welfare, as an NGO, is actively engaged in uplifting the lives of many individuals and providing care for animals too. Financial support plays a critical role in sustaining this support system, and as a Diva Pageants finalist, it was a mandatory task for us to contribute to that charity. I put forth my best efforts to fulfill this responsibility.
One of the most beautiful moments of my journey was when I visited underprivileged children and youth with Abhishek Dixit (founder of We Welfare and his team) from Charkop in Mumbai. The focus of this visit was on enhancing children’s education. It was truly overwhelming to witness the ambitions and aspirations these children had, despite their challenging circumstances. Their determination to make it big in life was incredibly inspiring. I strongly believe that by nurturing these young minds with the light of education and providing them with genuine support, we can contribute to a secure, prosperous, and peaceful country and world.
While I may not be a policymaker or run an NGO, as an artist, celebrity, and Mrs. Glamorous, I believe I have the power to encourage these children and show them the path to living a meaningful life and how formal education plays a key role in that process.
While pageants majorly focus on physical appearance, this was not the case in this one, which values women’s capability and individuality. What would you like to say about it?
Physical appearances should never be the sole basis for judging someone’s worth. With that being said, I believe that beauty is an intriguing concept. The entire process of the pageant was aimed at recognising our inner beauty and how it can have an impact on the world around us. Each married woman participating in the pageant brought with her a wealth of life experiences. It was these experiences that made us shine and captivate the hearts of everyone. The pageant served as a platform to showcase the strength and power of women as a collective force.
How has the pageant helped you bring out the person that you are in real life for the other people out there?
The pageant provided a platform for me to showcase my talents and passions, leading to personal and professional growth. It strengthened my communication and interpersonal skills, enabling me to effectively connect with others and positively influence those around me.
What’s been your motto in life as the person that you are?
My motto in life is to spread happiness and empower both men and women. I participated in the pageant with the intention of winning over myself and inspiring others. I strongly believe that with great success comes great responsibility. Whether I become a renowned actor or a glamorous model, my ultimate purpose is to spread joy, hope, and love. I am dedicated to creating awareness and instilling the belief that “I am enough” in every individual.
