Kanmani Upasana - Just 6 and in demand!

Sunday 28 February 2016 05:52 PM IST

by Veena Chirakkal

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Kanmani Upasana

Kanmani must have been just 4.5 years old, when she first appeared in front of the camera. The blinking camera lights or the spectators surrounding her, nothing mattered to her when she walked the ramp confidently. This 6 year old niece of director Aneesh Upasana is today, the pride of the junior beauty pageant circuit in Kerala. Her first outings as a model were in front of her dad, fashion photographer Anoop Upasana’s camera.

At this young an age, she already has her hands full with cinema offers, ad film contracts and fashion shows. It is indeed a treat to watch her cat walk with such elan. She was the winner in the recent ‘Little Miss Universe Indian’ pageant held at Calicut.

Almost 90 children from across India participated in the show. Kanmani is extremely thrilled about representing India in the Little Miss Universe event that will happen in the USA. All she needs is a little prompting to speak her mind and it is this sort of smartness that shows like this require. Kanmani shares her experiences on the ramp with Onmanorama:

Tell us about your entry into the fashion world?

My first event was the Cochin Fashion Show when I was 4.5 years old. I was second runner up in that event. Many people told my parents that my walk and way of presentation was impressive and that I should be given training to participate in more such shows. The next one was the Flowers Show and I won that pageant. There was no looking back after that!

Was it your interest or your parents’ decision?

I like doing this and so do my parents. Ours is a family with artistic orientation. So the encouragement poured in from all directions. My father is a fashion photographer and he draws well too. My uncle is a film director.

Fashion photographer Anoop Upasan is Kanmani's father

Who taught you to do the cat walk?

My father and mother. I watch many fashion show videos along with my mom when I am at home. We get pointers on the style of walking, on how to smile and how to carry ourselves on the ramp from these. For the Calicut Little Miss Universe Show, Choreographer Anoop Ratna groomed me.

How is your studies going on?

I am in class 1 now. I study at the Edappally Campion School. My studies are going good.

She was the winner in the recent ‘Little Miss Universe Indian’ pageant held at Calicut

What is your ambition?

I want to be a doctor when I grow up. I enjoy photography too. I observe my dad at his work and take some photos myself. He says those are pretty good.

Don’t you experience any stage fright in front of huge crowd?

Never. I have always been exposed to camera and large gatherings from a very young age. So I am used to it now. My entry into the field was by modeling for my dad. He says I used to be very fond of posing in different styles when I was little. My mother tells me that there is nothing to be frightened of and that, once I am on the ramp. I should just be very cool and relaxed. I love putting on different outfits and make up.

Kanmani will be representing India in the Little Miss Universe event that will happen in the USA

Do you like acting?

Oh yes, I like acting very much. Thamana is my favorite and then Prabhas of Bahubali. I have acted in 5 Malayalam films like Onnam Loka Mahayudham, Ollapeeli,Seconds and in few ad films.

What does your friends and teachers say?

Everybody appreciates my shows. Sometimes I can’t go to school when I am busy with events. Teachers don’t like it, when I take leaves without informing them.

I want to be a doctor when I grow up, says Kanmani

What are your other hobbies?

I like listening to music and drawing.

What preparations do you do before the shows?

Most importantly, costumes are taken care of at any event. My parents make references and and give suggestions. More than readymade costumes, we prefer designing. My mother is a good fashion designer. I also suggest designs that I like to wear.