Emily
“Fatso fatso, squashed tomato”, the familiar taunt still rings clear in Emily Sheela Koshy’s mind, our Miss Cine
Fashion Malaysia India Worldwide 2005. Petite and svelte, you can’t believe that our queen used to be a chubby tucker in her pre-teen resulting in being a favourite target for her neighbourhood bullies.
“I used to be really fat and resented it so much. I had very low self-esteem, an affliction that I suffer, even know! When I told my best friends that I am taking part in this pageant, sniggering and snide remarks followed. However they still encouraged me. A look of utter disbelief still adorns their face from the day I was crowned the queen,” smiles the beauty flashing a perfect set of teeth.
25 years old and measuring 5ft 3in, Emily is a potent mixture of wit, charm, fieriness and compassion. She is not your typical queen but she is not your submissive and ‘conform to the norm’ kind of Indian girl too. With large expressive eyes, Emily is blessed with a pretty face framed by lustrous locks. The first impression that you set about Emily might not be accurate because beneath the reticent exterior hovers a fiery personality ready to take on an illogical dogmas or ridiculous hypocritical statement.
“Many have said that I am very aloof or anti-social but the truth of the matter is that I am very reserved and shy. Due to my low-self esteem, I have always kept to myself. Honestly I am more of a homebody, preferring to spend time with my parents and sisters when I am not busy flying,” says the youngest of 4 siblings.
|
WE ARE INDIANS, BUT…
Born and bred in Klang, the Malayalee Catholic girl was raised very strictly by her parents, instilled with strong values and decorum. The predominantly Indian neighbourhood was cited as one of the reasons why her mother insisted on raising her and all her sisters in an environment bound by strong moral shield. Plunging necklines, miniskirts, late-night outings and socialising unnecessarily with the opposite sex was totally out of the question. However Emily went on to break some of the rules albeit slowly and without parading in any unsightly clothes…
“I didn’t do anything that was illegal or prohibited. I believe that everyone is entitled to dress and behave in ways they deem fit without worrying about the social consequences. I have always been very level-headed and am aware of my limitations. Since it’s ingrained from young, there are few things that I will never do, like dressing up like a tart or turn into a party animal. However I have no qualms about going out at night or dressing in sexy attires that are flattering. End of the day it’s my life and my choice,’ asserts Emily, a flight stewardess by profession.
But flying was never the first choice for the brainy lass who got through her SPM with, forgive the pun, flying colours. She was even accepted into an university when certain unforeseen circumstances forced her to shelf her education temporarily and seek a job. Hence she applied to Singapore Airlines and to her
|
surprise was accepted. Thus she decided to fly for the next two years and save up enough money to continue her education much later. But after two years, fate dealt a cruel blow when her father was hospitalised and his leg amputated. Emily put in all her savings into medical bills and a prosthetics for her dear father.
“Frankly I am not worried about the society, when I make up my mind and know that I am right, I don’t let trivial issues bother me. My worries were mainly about the swimsuit and whether I am will be able to pull it off. But during the preliminary round, Miss. RT Selvii, the grooming consultants and beauticians taught us the importance of taking care of our bodies and moulding it well for the pageant. I went on a strict diet and made sure I lost sufficient amount of weight. When I saw my swimwear photographs, I was relieved to find that I didn’t resemble an ogre!” chuckles Emily.
Her fears about the pageant were further alleviated by her cousin Andrea Franklin Gomez, Miss Cine Fashion 1999. Not aware of the magnitude and efficacy of the pageant, the curious Emily rung up her cousin to ask for her valuable advice.
“Initially Andrea was shocked that I was taking part in a pageant. Anyway she assured me that the organisers are reputable and the pageant is conducted efficiently and professionally. Coming from the horse’s mouth, my doubts were laid to rest, and here I am with the title itself!” says Emily obviously still in a state of daze.
|
