Born in Kenya; Indian by ethnicity; British by curriculum; and International by choice. Finali Galaiya, Miss India Worldwide Kenya 2016 is a global citizen! She believes in ‘humanity’, it is her mission to help change the lives of those in need. She is kind, loving and caring by hear, The twenty-one-year-old beauty queen believes in positivity. She is hoping to use her position to help raise voice and work for anti-human trafficking campaign. She is not just a beauty queen, but also a budding actor, model and chartered accountant.
In an interview with Angelopedia, the beautiful Finali Galaiya shared her thoughts, experiences, and aspirations in the world of pageantry. Below is the transcript of her interview...
Q. How do you feel after winning Miss India Worldwide Kenya 2016?
It was an incredible experience and journey. I keep reminding myself of the weight of responsibilities the crown brings with it. I know for a fact that it’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice. After Miss Attitude E.A people wanted to see if there is substance beyond the face. So you are put through the microscope, perhaps a little more strongly in my case but that’s only because I think every achiever goes through that. You’re never prepared enough for it but you are aware of it. I am truly honored and grateful that I got such an opportunity to make my family and you- the world proud.
Q. How was your journey at the Miss India Worldwide Kenya 2016 pageant?
It was an incredible experience and journey. I keep reminding myself that of the weight of responsibilities the crown brings with it. I know for a fact that it’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice. After winning Miss Attitude East Africa 2016, just days before I participated in Miss India Worldwide Kenya 2016, people wanted to see if there is substance beyond the face. So you are put through the microscope, perhaps a little more strongly in my case but that’s only because I think every achiever goes through that. You’re never prepared enough for it but you are aware of it. I am truly honored and grateful that I got such an opportunity to make my family and you- the world proud. Two crowns in One month meant a lot to me, they reassured me that I was on the right path and that hard work and success are the recipe to success.
Q. What motivated you to participate in the pageant?
I was in school and I remember this very well, my mum and I were having a talk on the couch while passively watching television. We were talking about the Miss India Kenya pageant and how when I grow up maybe I could participate. Time flew by, the pageant stopped taking place and I had forgotten all about this and then this year eventique announced the Miss India Worldwide Kenya pageant which was to be a nation pageant, the winner of which shall go on to participate in the international pageant competing with over 40 nationalities. I wanted to experience the journey and I applied to participate and here I am the reigning Miss India Worldwide Kenya 2016.
Q. If there were no rules in your life for a day, what all would you do?
Rules or no rules I have my morals and they guide me. I would travel the world, no need for visa’s or passports; instead the whole world will be my home. Now wouldn’t that be fun!
Q. Do you watch Bollywood movies? If you were to marry a Bollywood star, who would it be and why?
Of course I watch Bollywood movies and take pride in doing so! They are a huge part of the Indian culture and now a global culture. I love the fact that Bollywood movies give so much hope and love to audiences, with a happy ending always! If I were to marry a Bollywood star I would be spoilt for choice! There are too many amazing stars out there. As a child I remember fighting with my sister and telling her I would grow up to marry Salman khan and she wanted to get married to Shahrukh khan, I would always end the argument saying Salman is not married while Shahrukh is! (Victory!) I am a big fan of Akshay Kumar, he is amazing. It wouldn’t be wrong for me to say that it is unfair for me to choose just one Bollywood star! I fall in love with so many of them after watching them on screen. I am a fan!
Q. What is the craziest thing you have ever done in your life?
I am not too sure about this. I have pulled off a lot of April fools pranks and lived my life to the fullest but I guess the craziest things are still to happen!
Q. Describe a day in Finali Galaiya’s life..!!
Right from the beginning, the volume of attention I have received has been huge and for that, I thank the media and all my fans and well-wishers. I have always accepted all the compliments with grace … it’s not easy for me to gush, but I keep saying thank you in all humility.I shall forever be grateful for all the love showered my way. I am not Miss India Worldwide Kenya 2016 at home, I am Finali Galaiya.
The new status has undoubtedly changed my life, being busy is a blessing and I have been blessed! It is overwhelming when daily activities like shopping at the supermarket are no longer the same; people spot me and recognize me everywhere I go. It is indeed a tough life, no one said it was going to be a cakewalk. It’s something you take on. It is really difficult because I’m as human as you are. From my perspective I’m just a working professional just like everyone else. The attention, the crowns and the spotlight– that’s all on the outside but it’s a long day of hard work. I have deadlines to meet, photo-shoots lined up, events to attend, interviews to give, charity projects to assemble, preparation for the international pageant ongoing, practice my talent, study, get outfits designed and assembled…all this and still go on living the life I had before the pageants happened. While I know life will never be the same again, there is no going back. I am sincerely thankful and I believe god has given me this chance to make a positive difference to the world.
Q. If you could paint the world into one colour, what colour would you choose and why?
I would choose to paint the world white. White is the perfect canvas on which the world can paint its story! Every experience comes with its own color and I am sure at the end of the day the world would be a colourful place.
Q. What according to you defines femininity? Can a woman be both feminine and tomboyish?
Being Feminine I believe is the word used to sum up many others. Feminine is giving, it is being selfless and it is being kind! You are Feminine in the heart and so a woman can be both feminine and tomboyish because being tomboyish does not mean one is not feminine.
Q. Precious or Priceless… What would you choose?
I would chose Priceless because I believe the worthiness of anything or moment should not be in monetary terms. When you cannot put a price tag on it, it satisfies the soul!
Q. If you wish to write an autobiography, what would you title it as?
Finali Galaiya – The story behind this name! As, I am sure, you have noticed I have a very unusual name. My name has no meaning like most Indian names or names in general, you will never hear of another Finali Galaiya. It was a named coined by my mother and my grandmother. While for most people their names represent them, I represent my name. Finali will forever be associated with me; the person behind the name. I am as unique as my name and my story is fit to be named after me!
Q. What according to you is unique about the Indian culture and ethnicity?
Everything! It is unique in the way of its belongings and yet acceptance of the unknown. It is unique by its great history and values. It is a beautiful culture that teaches one to love everyone and everything. When you are an Indian you are so much more. India comes with hundreds of different cultures, several different languages, different people and yet India unites them, India is one! Believe me when I say this, you can take an Indian out of India but you cannot take India out of an Indian. Being Indian makes you multi-cultural and a global citizen by default, you learn to co-exist with and respect other cultures, sometimes making them a part of your own. We are a culture of celebration and love! You can be an Indian and be so much more!
Q. Any message for your fans on Angelopedia?
I love you all! I am so thankful for the love and support you keep showering my way. I am here to help you. I would not be here without you. Let us, together make this world a little more kind. I have one simple message; BE YOURSELF! When you accept yourself, work hard and have a kind heart; Beautiful things happen in life!
Thank you!