Darjeeling’s Shreya to represent India in Ms Nova Cosmo Worldwide 2025

REZA PRADHAN

DARJEELING,: At just 20 years old, Sai Shreya Bhandari of Pubung Basti, Darjeeling, is set to represent India at the Ms Nova Cosmo Worldwide 2025 pageant to be held in Sri Lanka this week.

Despite having no formal modelling training, Sai Shreya recently won the Ms Nova Cosmo India title, earning her place on the international stage. The global pageant will be held from December 3 to 8 in Colombo.

Speaking to SIKKIM EXPRESS over the phone from Pune, she said, “I had an interest in modelling ever since I was a child, but I wanted to complete my graduation first. When I was three, I joined a dance academy and travelled to different parts of the country for competitions and programmes. These experiences strengthened my interest in this field.”

Described as “a woman of purpose and poise” by the organisers on social media, Sai Shreya’s journey is rooted in diverse experiences. She learned Kathak at Triveni Sangeetalaya during her school years at Gyanoday Niketan and completed her plus-two at Loreto Convent. She graduated with English Honours from The Bhawanipur Education Society College, Kolkata, this September, after which she decided to take a year’s break from academics to pursue modelling.

“The modelling part of my life started when I came to Kolkata for my studies. I began with content creation on Instagram, and soon brands started approaching me. That’s when I decided to take a one-year break after graduation to explore modelling, and my family supported me fully,” she said.

To chase her dreams, she has been working diligently as a model, social media manager, and brand promoter. Her first experience in pageantry came earlier this year when she won an online pageant hosted by ‘The Great Pageant Community’, which further propelled her modelling journey. She also gained valuable exposure while working as a social media manager for two UK-based Indian contestants participating in Elevitta Mrs. India World.

Currently undergoing training in modelling and pageantry at an academy in Pune, Sai Shreya is preparing for the Sri Lanka event, for which she departs on December 3.

Reflecting on her expectations, she said, “Being chosen as Ms India felt like a far-fetched dream, especially because I had no training. After coming to Pune, I’ve seen growth in my personality and communication skills. Even walking in six-inch heels without falling feels like an achievement as it’s my first time. I am hopeful about winning, but right now, winning feels secondary—I already feel like I’ve achieved something.”

After the pageant, Sai Shreya plans to pursue her MA in English and is considering journalism while continuing modelling. She acknowledged the strong emotional and financial support she receives from her family.

The Ms Nova Cosmo Worldwide pageant is expected to feature contestants from more than 100 countries competing across three categories.