PERSONAL INFORMATION
Name : Thanuja ANANTHAN
Age : 24
Height : 180
Languages : Bahasa Malaysia, English, Tamil, Malayalam & Bahas
BIOGRAPHY
Thanuja was born and grew up in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital. She is studying law at university and plans to work in human rights when she graduates. Hobbies include swimming, cycling and walking her two dogs. Her favourite food is curry and she enjoys R&B and jazz music. Her motto is “Be kind to all beings”.
INTERVIEW
Tell us about your job/studies
I have always wanted to be in a position where I am able to make a difference in people’s lives and that’s why I took up Law, now awaiting my final year. I have an innate ability to look at things from different perspectives and this will allow me to stand for the rights of people and be an active advocate for human and animal rights.
How are you preparing for Miss World in South Africa?
At the moment I’m going about getting all the essentials needed for the pageant but more importantly, I’m preparing myself mentally and emotionally. I know it is not going to be an easy journey, fun nonetheless, but having a clear mind and being focused will definitely help me better compose myself. Physically, I make sure I eat and sleep well and I keep myself busy with StART society, a charitable organisation for children.
What’s your daily routine?
Well I wake up bright and early everyday because I hate missing the fresh mornings. I say a pray and I’m off for some yoga. After that, I take my precious dog out for walks, which is great because we both get some exercise and then it’s back home for my sugar-fix. I absolutely love chocolates. Once I’m done with my sinful indulgence, my nose gets buried in the papers for about an hour. In the afternoons, I continue with my charity work and in the evenings I attend classes. It’s not an extremely hectic day but it gives me a buzz every time.
How do you feel about travelling to South Africa?
It’s like a dream come true for me to participate in the Miss World pageant. I have a list of things I need to achieve before I turn 30 and this is definitely in the top 5.
Which elements of Miss World are you most looking forward to?
I’m definitely eager to meeting and making friends with all the other contestants. I’m an extremely sociable person and different cultures and heritage have always intrigued me so widening my network of friends is around the world is something that I truly look forward to. Of course, going to South Africa is another huge factor. It’s a beautiful country with so much allure and I can’t wait to experience it.
Do you have a message to the other Miss World contestants?
Yes, I’d like to say that I am looking forward to meeting them all and sharing my culture with them. This is not something that comes along everyday and I would like to thank them in advance for making this an unforgettable experience.
What do you think are you qualities that youwill bring to the competition?
Well I’m a very positive person with a great sense of humour. I can laugh at almost every situation and my bubbly and warm personality is certainly something I’d like to share at the pageant.
What individual talents will seperate you from the other contestants?
I’m not sure if this is a talent but I am very charming and I think I will be making a lot of friends at the pageant.
What would it mean to you to do well at Miss World?
It would mean the world to me because this has been my dream since I was 5. I have not missed a single competition throughout the years and I have always admired the beautiful women on stage with their grace and elegance. Just being able to compete at the world pageant is a dream come true for me.
What is your favourite landmark?
I have two favourite landmarks. The first one is the pyramids of Giza. It is the epitome of majestic wonder and unprecedented civilization. It holds with it ancient mysteries that until today cannot be deciphered. And it has transcended methodologies and genius of a people that not only ruled but shaped the world to what is it today. The second one would be the Taj Mahal. I think being a hopeless romantic myself; the Taj Mahal signifies not only true love but an unyielding show of devotion and dedication that will stand the test of time.
What is the one thing you cannot live without?
My family, friend and beloved pets. I can’t imagine a world without them.
Who do you most admire?
Jane Goodall and Ghandi. They have experienced, inspired and sacrificed for the human race. They have impacted and changed lives in so many ways and despite their greatest deeds to mankind; they are still humble and genuine. They are truly jewels in their own right.
Who has inspired you most in your life?
The person who has inspired me the most is my dad. He is my pillar of strength and the foundation of who I am today. He has ensured that my family has nothing but the best and he also taught us to never compromise on our fundamental values and principles.
Other resources:
Thanuja ANANTHAN in TheStar
Miss World 2009, the 59th Miss World pageant, will be held on December 12, 2009 at the Sandton Convention Center, Johannesburg, South Africa and the pageant will begin from London, England, where the contestants are expected to arrive on November 7, 2009. On November 10, 2009, the contestants will depart to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, when they will depart to Johannesburg, South Africa on November 15, 2009. Ksenia Sukhinova of Russia will crown her successor at the end of this event.