From Miss India to Master Mentor: Liza Verma’s New Crown
Former miss India Liza Verma. (Image Janta Unmuted)
From grooming Sushmita Sen and Manushi Chhillar to directing global fashion shows, Liza Verma opens up on pageants, casting couch, mentorship and her global vision in an exclusive interview with Bhawna Malik
Exclusive Interview | Bhawna Malik in conversation with Liza Verma
Qn. Can you share your journey of becoming Miss India?
Liza Verma: I started modelling in 1981 and by 1983 I had already won several beauty contests in Kolkata. That year I entered Femina Miss India, representing the East Zone. Under the guidance of Pradeep Guha and with Shekhar Kapur present as a chaperone, I reached the national finals and finished in the top three. I appeared on the covers of Femina, Sun and other leading magazines. I even acted in a Bengali blockbuster, but I ultimately chose to step away from films.
Qn. Was your transition from model to mentor deliberate?
Liza: Yes. I was uncomfortable with the film industry environment, especially the casting couch. I left, got married, had a child, and later returned to modelling with my family’s support. I worked with brands like Citibank and Taj Bengal, choreographed shows between 1986–89, then moved to Delhi to restart professionally.
Qn. You mentored Sushmita Sen and Manushi Chhillar. How did that begin?
Liza: In 1994, I met Sushmita Sen when she was still unsure of herself. I guided her, helped her apply, trained her—and she went on to win Miss Universe. Years later, Manushi Chhillar personally approached me. I trained her for just three weekends. Her discipline and fire were exceptional. She won Miss India and, in 2017, Miss World. After her, winners like Manika Sheokand also trained under me.
Qn. Your journey as a Show Director has been global. Tell us about that.
Liza: My first big show was at the Gymkhana Club in 1999 with top models including Aishwarya Rai. In 2008, I became North India Consultant for Times Talent Management. I later mentored Jacqueline Fernandez. In 2016, I directed a historic fashion show at the Eiffel Tower with top Indian designers. I now run Jashn Festival Global, taking Indian designers and models to international platforms.
Qn. Your academy has groomed thousands. What do you teach?
Liza: Everything—from catwalk, communication, etiquette, grooming, fitness, diet, makeup to social behaviour. We groom confidence, not just looks. I am now starting an international pageant for Indian women in Dubai along with a fashion week.
Qn. How has the modelling industry changed since the 1990s?
Liza: There has been a massive cultural shift. Earlier, families strongly opposed modelling. After Sushmita’s global win, perceptions changed. Today, parents actively support this profession.
Qn. Your advice on casting couch and exploitation?
Liza: Never pay to enter contests. Choose only credible platforms like Femina Miss India. If a pageant does not guarantee work, avoid it. Parents and girls must stay alert. Mentors must act with moral responsibility.
Qn. What is your message to aspiring models?
Liza: Education is non-negotiable. Stay disciplined, drug-free, and focused. Modelling is not glamour alone—it is professionalism, commitment and restraint. Your dream must match your hard work.
Why This Interview Matters
From launching global icons to building international fashion platforms, Liza Verma’s journey reflects how India’s beauty industry matured—from stigma to global success. Her story is also a cautionary tale about safety, discipline and ethical mentorship in an industry still battling exploitation.
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