Swapna Priyadarsini Wins MTV Supermodel Of The Year 2 Second Runners Up

Swapna Priyadarsini Wins MTV Supermodel Of The Year 2 Second Runners Up

The showbiz industry has over the years evolved a great deal, offering incredible opportunities to budding aspirants. From modeling to acting, directing to filming, the entertainment industry has opened up plenty of opportunities for new-comers to venture into. Modelling has been a very integral part of the showbiz industry since ages, which has often served as a cradle for actors and pageant-winners. Supporting this aspiration of many of becoming a well known model or a supermodel per se, MTV Supermodel Of The Year came back with its second season after successfully wrapping up the first season.

In a proud moment for Odisha, 19 year-old Swapna Priyadarsini from Dhenkanal has impressed the judges and bagged the second runner-up title in MTV SOTY Season 2. She was appreciated for her confidence and gracefulness by the judges of the show, Malaika Arora, Milind Soman, Anusha Dandekar and Daniel Bauer. My City Links caught up with her for an exclusive interview to know about her journey and future prospects. Excerpts.

On being selected for the  MTV SOTY 2

For Swapna, even being shortlisted as one of the contestants was a huge deal. “I had registered for it way back in February 2021 and had almost forgotten about it. In June, I got a call from MTV stating that I was shortlisted for a zoom interview. Even when I gave the audition, not even in my dreams did I think that I would be selected as a contestant. So winning the title was just amazing. I felt I was too young and inexperienced to even get through the audition phase. So I attended it casually. The interview was all about myself, my aspirations, my plans etc. So I was comfortable and not nervous throughout. The pandemic had halted all opportunities career-wise. So I honestly had no expectation for myself. So this happening in such a big way, was a big deal,” she cheered. 

Throwing light on the show

MTV SOTY is a platform which engages models through a litmus test of style, sass and intent to push boundaries. This season introduced a bold and empowering new theme- ‘Unapologetically You’. The intention was to give India its next supermodel who is unapologetically herself by making ‘being comfortable in your skin’ the new glam. “Being comfortable and confident is what matters. This  season skewed towards being contemporary with high octane and hyper current digital engagement delivered through mini-vlogs, behind the scenes, reels, and nuggets on the lifestyles of the contestants along with the judges, giving a parallel story to the format,” she shared the details further. 

“The journey was quite memorable. I learned a lot of things. Everything was new for me because I had never been on such a professional platform before. And moreover, I enjoyed every bit of it,” she said. The show was shot for around 18-20 days and encompassed 10 episodes. Living up to its theme, Unapologetically You, MTV SOTY 2 has propagated and promoted inclusivity of all in the right way. 

Taken to task

The show was a perfect blend of sass, spice and fashion. From being dressed as a modern Indian bride to walking the ramp with drag queens, the finalists gave their 100 per cent to every task assigned to them. From being an introvert, Swapna emerged as a confident individual with constant feedback from the judges and mentors. The tasks involved were quite challenging. “I had followed Season 1 and I know that it is one of the most reputable fashion reality shows in India. It was an honor to work with such popular names like Malika Arora and Milind Soman whom I have always looked up to. I was captivated by the judges. I often went into a trance just admiring and watching them. The tasks were all very challenging and full of risks but we were guided through it so well that it was executed without any fail,” she revealed.

Rapport with the judges

“I am an introvert and don’t open up easily. So I was on cloud 9 but calm and composed. I am a huge fan of all the judges, especially Malaika. Looking at all of them was so mesmerizing. They are all very sweet but just like any other teacher, they are strict at times to mend us. The shoot is very hectic. They helped us throughout. They have been very supportive of me since day one, so they’re very special to me. My sister and I have danced to all of Malaika’s songs since childhood. So seeing her in person was scintillating ,” she expressed her awe. 

The much-appreciated Rangabati performance

On being asked about why she chose to dance on the classic Odia song Rangabati, Swapna said, “Rangabati is the kind of song that touches everyone uniquely and rings the right kind of bells. I was initially not sure whether the judges would like it or not. But it was an honour when all the judges came up on the stage to break a leg with me. It was unexpected.  I obviously requested them but they giving in and enjoying the moment was very fulfilling for me. This was the most cherished memory till date. That was a winning moment for me, even if I had not secured any position,” shared the confident 19-year old, who is trained in Odissi.

The modelling industry

“I was mostly involved in dance reality shows. In one of the shows, a judge remarked that I should go for modeling since I was sleek and tall. So I thought it was an easy task since we just have to walk on a ramp. Later during my training, I realised that it was much more than what meets the eye. I have always admired Sushmita Sen and have been inspired by her gracefulness and class. MTV SOTY 2 gave me a platform to explore myself and learn. And I would like to point out that it is not easy as per people’s perception. It demands hardwork and dedication just like any other profession,” she stated.

Childhood/ Modeling- her bachpan ka pyar

Born to very supportive and encouraging parents, Swapna has been a girl very much into extra-curricular activities since childhood. She started her career in the entertainment industry as a dancer by participating in various competitions. She was awarded the 1st runner-up of the 2015 KIIT Nanhipari Little Miss India Contest, 2nd Runner up in Miss Teen India and had also represented India internationally and won the 3rd runner-up of Miss Tourism and Culture Universe 2018. Her greatest inspiration is Susmita Sen who has carved a niche for herself as a supermodel internationally.

Family is everything

Owing to the nature of her fathers’s work, she has had the privilege of travelling across the length and breadth of the country. Her father, Biswajit Routray is a government employee and works with financial institutions. “I have stayed in Hyderabad the most and now settled in Mumbai as I started getting modelling opportunities here. Apart from modeling, I love travelling, dancing and listening to music. My parents are my backbone. They have always pushed me to follow my passion along with academics. My father is literally obsessed with me and my work. He is my biggest promoter and leaves no stone unturned to get me everything that I need,” shared the beaming daughter of a proud father. “My mother is a huge fan of dancing. Though she never pursued it professionally, she takes keen interest in the art. I think I got the dancing gene from her only,” she further added with a smile.

Staying true to the roots

Swapna is a self-promoter of Odisha and its culture and leaves no opportunity to mention her state through her achievements. “I feel it is my responsibility to bring Odisha into the national and international limelight if I am getting an opportunity. I have not stayed in Odisha for a long time but I visit often and stay connected. Dancing on Rangabati was one such opportunity. Most people don’t even recognize the state, but I make sure that they know about us. So being an Odia, I feel my work will represent the state I come from,” she shared. 

A happy mind in a happy body

A supermodel is known for his/her unmatchable body figure and fitness. Speaking on the same, Swapna said, “Fitness should be an everyday lifestyle choice, rather than a last minute rush to match the expectations of the society. Eat your basic Odia food. You don’t have to give up everything to get a perfect body. It is overrated. Being thin is not the mantra, but being comfortable and healthy is what really matters. Being physically active is important. Be it a sport, dancing or even just a brisk walk or swimming, a physical keeps the body up and running. So strive towards a healthy body rather than a slim figure,” she advised. A very religious person herself, she spends her morning in spirituality each day along with her parents.

Pandemic woes

“Luckily I was in Odisha at my grandma’s place when the pandemic started and the lockdown came into effect. I had never got the time to spend quality time with my family because of my busy schedule. Like every other individual, I too sought the most out of it. It was a difficult time indeed worldwide, but being together as a family, it surely helped me and my family to overcome those anxiety pangs. It was like reliving my childhood once again. Narrating memories, catching up with one another gave me immense joy. The best part was farming and harvesting from my own kitchen garden. I’ll carry those memories forever in my heart,” she recalled about her lockdown days.

Speaking about what the future holds

An ambitious and determined lass who is always on the go to achieve her dreams, Swapna aspires to be recognised globally as a supermodel and work for popular brands worldwide. “I want to venture into the international arena in modeling. I am always ready to represent India and promote our culture. Apart from that I would like to go into the entertainment industry as well, if given an opportunity. For now, I am occupied with a few modeling assignments and promotional events. I have already done an Odia movie, ‘2 Chocolate’ which is a sequel of the popular Odia movie Chocolate. It is directed by Sushant Mani under Akshay Parija Production. I am already tied with MTV for a year, so I’ll be working on some future projects too. I am young and energetic and open to new ventures and experiments,” shared the bubbly girl.

Message to aspirants

“Participate and believe in yourself. Dream and strive to achieve it. Winning and losing is part of life. Participating exposes you to other opportunities which will help you go further in life. Keep an open mind to learn and widen your knowledge as much as possible. Portray what you are capable of. And most importantly work as per the motto, “Sikhibi na ki jitibi.” learning will only lead you further in life and career,” she signed off with a positive message.