My best memories have been of Vashi and I crave to give that experience to my son – Amrita Patil Thakare (Mrs. India USA)
Recently crowned ‘Mrs. India USA’ in expat category in the “Mrs India Queen of Substance 2016” pageant, Amrita Patil Thakare, a resident of Vashi just adores Navi Mumbai and especially Vashi. In an exclusive interview with ‘Stree’ Amrita talks about the pageant, her preparation for the event, future plans etc. Here are the excerpts of the interview:
Stree: What is your educational qualification and what prompted you to participate in “Mrs. India Queen of Substance” beauty pageant?
Amrita: I have done my HSC (Science) from Modern College, Vashi. I joined University of Kansas in USA and studied Bachelors degree in Respiratory therapy. My specialization is in Lungs and Airways.
My husband and I enjoy listening/watching talk shows and Interviews a lot. From years of listening to the well known personalities, I developed an interest in show business and desired to try this area sometime in my life. I decided to take a step towards it by applying for a national pageant.
Stree: How did you find out about the pageant?
Amrita: I started looking at various beauty pageants. Most of my research was on internet. I tried to contact/talk to people who have participated in such pageants or are planning to do so. I was looking for something on bigger level instead of local. Then I came across this pageant and immediately filled application.
Stree: What special training you took to prepare for it?
Amrita: Yes I did work quite hard for the pageant and brought about various changes in my lifestyle- whether it was clothes, physical fitness etc. I tried looking for attires which would bring out the best in me in terms of colour, design, size etc. After my wedding, I think this was the first time, I spent as much money and time in shopping. We were given criteria for the costumes/dresses that we will need for various rounds. I shopped accordingly.
Likewise, it was, for the first time ever, I tried dieting in my life. It is hard and not fun. I limited my intake of sweet, carbohydrate and fat to begin with. I made sure I boost my snacks and meals with little more protein and iron. Thing that I eat a lot and cannot stay away without is- RICE. I tried limiting my intake of rice as well. The day I allowed myself to eat rice, I kept my limit to just few spoons.
In fitness regime too, I became more particular. There is phone app by the name “7 minute workout” – I used that for 3-4 months. My rule was to do that minimum four to five days a week. I also did some weights in addition to that. I really recommend ‘7 minute workout app’ for everyone who wants to tone their body. It is the most effective way of exercise one can do anytime, anywhere and takes very little time. One doesn’t have to buy any equipment and the app is free. The real fun part is that it makes you sweat in 10-12 minutes.
Stree: You are married and have a toddler and also run a boutique. How do you manage it all?
Amrita: I work from 8 am to 5 pm. I cook everyday and yes I have a toddler with whom we spend quality time in the evening. How I manage it- well I think- due to two things. First- It is all about priorities. You make time for what you really want to do and love to do. Second – Gender equality. Between me and my husband, we share household work. He always helps me with the house chores. As we both are working and have to go out, we both are active parents in the house.
Stree: We learn that you also run a boutique? Please share what it is all about?
Amrita: I started “KC Desi Wardrobe” boutique as small business. We do not have brick store instead, this is a virtual store, which means we display and sell from face book page. We specialize in Indian wedding clothing. KC Desi wardrobe provides to our USA customers while our “Mitwa” store is for Indian customers. We started the boutique in the beginning of 2015. We are planning to open an actual brick store in Kharghar by the end of this year.
Stree: What prompts you to come back to Vashi
Amrita: I have my best of best memories of my extended family, festivities, teenage years and friends in Vashi. I crave to give that experience to my son in his growing years. Vashi is my love. Mini sea shore, Jhama, Palm Beach and city market are few of my favorites.
Stree: What is your inclination? What would you love to do for society? Amrita: To work for the society has always been my desire. I want to work with street kids, homeless kids/families we see around Vashi depot/stations etc. I wish to take away their fears. I would like to spread awareness amongst them towards hygiene, education, shelter and work for their betterment. I cannot do this all by myself, but one can achieve this if like-minded philanthropists come together and join hands in this endeavor.
Stree: What are your future plans? Do you have any desire to join Bollywood?
Amrita: Who does not like opportunities? I love to take chances. I would be thrilled to get good opportunity in Bollywood. I am also big fan of soap operas and hence will be considering offers from small screen as well.
