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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline OCTOBER 16, 2026 | The Indian Eye 38

SHRUTHI BEKAL:

Beyond the Crown, A Journey of

Purpose and Empowerment

ore than a crown, the title ers, the challenges we overcome, and
of Mrs. Universe Ameri- what we choose to do with the oppor-
Mca 2025–2026 celebrates a tunities and influence we are given.
journey of resilience, ambition, and When I walk onto that interna-
purpose. A technology professional, tional stage, I want to represent Amer-
actress, model, philanthropist, wife, ica with grace, confidence, strength,
and mother, she embodies the spirit and purpose. More than anything, I
of a modern woman who dares to em- hope to create meaningful connec-
brace every dimension of her identity. tions with women from around the
As she prepares to represent world and leave a positive impact that
America at Mrs. Universe 2026 in Co- extends beyond the competition.
lombo, her story goes beyond beauty Q3. Your journey has taken you
and achievement—it is about break- from earning the Mrs. Universe America
ing boundaries, inspiring women, and title to competing globally. What chal-
pursuing dreams without limits. In lenges have shaped you most along the
this exclusive Q&A with The Indian way, and how have they changed you?
EYE, discover the vision, values, and One of my greatest challenges has
determination behind her remarkable been learning how to balance ambi-
journey. tion with responsibility.
Q1. Winning the Mrs. Universe I have built a demanding pro-
America title is a significant achieve- fessional career in technology while
ment. What did that moment mean to pursuing acting, modeling, pageant-
you personally, and what do you feel it ry, media, and community service, all
represents about your journey so far? while being a wife and mother. There
Winning the Mrs. Universe Amer- have been sacrifices, long days, set-
ica 2025–2026 title was an incredibly backs, and moments when pursuing
emotional and meaningful moment everything I cared about seemed al-
for me. It was much more than receiv- most impossible.
ing a crown—it represented years of Entertainment has taught me re-
perseverance, growth, sacrifice, and silience in a different way. Rejection is
having the courage to continue pursu- part of acting. You can work incredibly
ing my dreams through different chap- hard for an opportunity and still hear
ters of my life. “no.” Pageantry brings its own pres-
My journey has never followed sures and expectations. Over time, I
just one path. I am a technology pro- learned not to allow either success or
fessional, an actress, a model, a pag- rejection to determine my self-worth.
eant titleholder, a philanthropist, and, Those experiences have made me
most importantly, a wife and mother. more resilient, disciplined, and grate-
Balancing these different worlds has ful. They have also taught me that suc-
not always been easy, but I have al- of who they are, and continue pursu- a woman can embrace many dimen- cess rarely happens in a straight line.
ways believed that a woman does not ing their aspirations with confidence sions of her life—career, family, am- One of the most meaningful mile-
have to limit herself to one identity or and purpose. bition, creativity, service, and personal stones in my journey was making my
give up one dream in order to pursue Q2. As you prepare to represent dreams—without allowing any one of mainstream Hollywood debut in The
another. America at Mrs. Universe 2026 in Co- them to define her completely. Last Rodeo. As an Indian American
This title represents that belief. It lombo, what are you hoping to bring to America is incredibly diverse, and actress from Houston, I am especial-
reminds me that dreams do not have the international stage? I am proud to represent a country ly proud to have made history as the
an expiration date, and our journeys Representing America at Mrs. where women from different back- first actor from the Kannada film in-
do not have to look conventional to be Universe 2026 in Colombo is an in- grounds can dream boldly, create their dustry to appear in a mainstream Hol-
meaningful. credible honor and a responsibility own paths, and continually reinvent lywood feature film. Being part of a
For me, the crown also carries a that I take very seriously. themselves. film alongside established Hollywood
responsibility. I want to use the visibil- I want to bring authenticity, con- Of course, pageantry celebrates talent such as Neal McDonough was
ity and opportunities that come with it fidence, compassion, resilience, and beauty and presentation, but I believe not only a personal achievement, but
to inspire other women to believe in purpose to the international stage. the most meaningful beauty comes also an important moment of repre-
themselves, embrace every dimension My own journey has taught me that from our character, how we treat oth- Continued on next page... >>

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