Miss World Bangladesh Torsa says entertainment her second choice

The most coveted beauty pageant Miss World-2019 is inching nearer. Bangladesh has already crowned its beauty queen. Rafah Nanjeba Torsa has won the country’s most prestigious beauty pageant competition to represent Bangladesh at Miss World-2019 to be held in the United States this year on 14 December.

She connected Prothom Alo and talked about her plans and anticipations recently in an exclusive interview.

The excerpt of the interview is as follows:

Prothom Alo: How does this victory feel?

Torsa: Hearing my name being announced as winner was something out of the world. At the same time the first thing that came into my mind is, I have a lot of responsibility now.

Prothom Alo: What motivated you to take part in the beauty pageant?

Torsa: I always noticed that Miss World is not merely a beauty consent. It also involves work for humanity and serving the people. It’s not only about the physical beauty, but a kind mind too. The winner has to work for the betterment of the earth. I always love to work for people. That is what motivated me.

Prothom Alo: What is the first thing you want to do?

Torsa: I wish to work on education. I have been engaged with Education for Life under Lions Foundation since I was 11 years old.

Prothom Alo: How was your experience during the days of the contest?

Torsa: All the contestants were very bright. Each of them had different perspectives. Beside the trainer, I learned a lot from the fellow contestants during the competition. I believe, one needs a lot of perseverance followed by a goal to achieve anything in life. Otherwise, one may drop out of the game.

Prothom Alo: Who inspired you to take part in the beauty contest?

Torsa: My mother. Also my friends, university teachers and well wishers inspired me a lot.

Prothom Alo: What are you doing now?

Torsa: I am a second year student of International Relations in Chittagong University. I am also involved with various cultural activities including recitation, dance and social work.

Prothom Alo: When did you step into the cultural world?

Torsa: Since the age of three. My father was an author and a singer. He died in 2014. My mother also recites and sings.

Prothom Alo: Most of the winners in such beauty pageants kick-start their career in the entertainment industry. What’s your plan?

Torsa: My plan is rather different. I came to take part in the beauty contest for its concept of serving people. I want to work for the society and people. My goal is to represent the country in a global platform. I don’t want to be a part of the industry right now. Entertainment is my second choice.
Prothom Alo: How’s your preparation for the 69th edition of Miss World?

Torsa: I am going to share the stage with quite a number of contestants from various countries across the world. It’s certainly a big platform for me. I will try to overcome my shortcomings and give my best to the competition.

*This piece, originally published in Prothom Alo print edition, has been rewritten in English by Farjana Liakat