Marriage No Barrier In Pursuing Dreams, Says Opera Mrs India Global 2018

Marriage No Barrier In Pursuing Dreams, Says Opera Mrs India Global 2018

Odia women seem to be taking the fashion world by storm, challenging the stereotypical norms and carving a niche for themselves. Be it as bloggers, models or designers, the last few years have witnessed women making the right noise in the fashion industry. Joining this list is the young and dynamic Pupul Bhuyan, a popular emcee and TV anchor of Odisha, who was crowned the Opera Mrs India Global 2018 on September 22 at Gurugram.

Pupul beat 40 contestants from all across the country to bag the coveted crown. In an exclusive chat with MyCityLinks, she spoke about her interesting journey in the pageant, which was held both in Miss and Mrs. India categories. “Women had come from varied socio-economic backgrounds – healers, doctors, corporate bigwigs and more!The second runner-up, in fact, was an established national TV actress. It was a different experience altogether winning the crown,” she said.

The judges’ panel consisted of eminent personalities and celebrities like Neha Dhupia, Sweccha Kulshrestha, Gaurav Kumar, Ankita Shetty and Sandeep Nath. The event was supported by Hindi Gaurav Australia and produced by Opera Media & Recreations.

Pupul, whose entire career so far was limited only to Odisha, said she left no stone unturned in giving her best shot. “They began giving us tasks and graded us from the moment we were selected. The ‘Top 45’ contestants were selected after seven gruelling auditions. The‘Top 26’ then made it to the finale but not everyone got a chance to go to Delhi for the finale.”

While dining etiquettes, martial arts and a lot more were part of their training course in the run-up to the finale, the contestants were eventually judged on the basis of their behaviour, social skills and many such parameters. Needless to mention, Pupul is elated to have had this national recognition coming her way after such an established career in Odisha. “Had I been in the Top 3 as well, I’d have received this national recognition. But winning the crown was something else! Both the Miss and Mrs India Global pageants were organised together. So, all talent rounds and everything else was done together and we competed in almost the same parameters,” she revealed.

According to Pupul, success has come her way in a much-organised way post her marriage. “I don’t understand why people think marriage would pose a barrier in your career path. I have achieved this recognition as a married woman, right? So, it’s not a barrier. It is all about the mindset and how you carry yourself. Of course, most women have it hard because of their families. I think, the scope and support have to come from both the families – parents and in-laws – for a married woman to succeed.”

Pupul is one among the lucky few women who has had the support from both – her parents and her in-laws Devender and Vandana Thadani.

A native of Keonjhar district, Pupul has been a known face in Ollywood and Odia television for a long time now. She has been a successful actress, model and a host for several reality TV shows including The Review Show, Aama Rosei Ghara, Apananka Pasand, Swara Odishara, Mu Bi Heroine Hebi as well as entertainment shows like E News and E Gossip. Her strong grip over English and Hindi has also set her apart from other anchors and emcees from Odisha. “Public speaking has always been a hobby for me. I can’t really give that up!,” said Pupul.

Interestingly, Pupul was planning to prepare for B.Sc in Physics when an opportunity to be a part of the glamour world came her way accidentally. She met a person from event industry while looking for accommodation in Bhubaneswar. “Once, on a Sunday, my roommate asked me to host a show. I had no idea! She taught me a few lines and asked me to put on makeup. That was my first event where I met a few people from the event industry which set the ball rolling.” Pupul has also made her debut on the big screen with the much-talked ‘Kaunri Kanya’, Odisha first 3D horror film.

Though the journey hasn’t been a smooth one, Pupul credits her parents for allowing her to soar high. “I come from a very small town in Keonjhar. I’m really thankful to my parents –my father Batakrishna Bhuyan and mother Baijayanti Mala Bhuyan – because of whom I could establish myself in the industry at a young age.” She began working in the industry from 2003 and hasn’t let anything come in the way of her ambitions, not even her marriage to Deep Thadani.

Known for her elegance and dynamic personality in front of the camera, Pupul has often been credited for single-handedly managing the ever-changing aspects of hosting reality shows including showcasing the ‘human’ side of it.

After winning this coveted pageant, Pupul has a lot of things in her pipeline. “We have a one-year contract with the group, a Bollywood film besides some social work projects, music videos and more. I’m open to endorsing brands as well.”

But, of course, she wants more! “If I’m taking that risk in spite of being established, I’d need to do it right,” summed up the proud Mrs India Global 2018.