Rajasthan’s Rubal Shekhawat was crowned Miss India 2022 first runner-up at an event held at Mumbai’s Jio World Centre on Sunday. Karnataka’s Sini Shetty was crowned winner while Uttar Pradesh’s Shinata Chauhan was the 2nd runner up.

Born in Jaipur, Shekhawat has travelled across the country as she hails from a defense background. She developed an interest in various fields like dancing, acting, painting, and playing badminton at a young age. She was also an NCC cadet.

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In 2019, she got selected in the top 5 from Rajasthan for Miss Diva. She had just started her modeling career at the time and not everyone in her family was that supportive.

“But when they saw I have potential and this career is not just a hobby but a dream to me I received immense support from my family and that gave me motivation to follow my dreams,” she told India Times. 

She revealed that she continues to face obstacles to fulfill her dreams. 

 “Coming from a community where parda pratha (wearing veil) is still a major part of custom and culture, it was difficult for me to choose modelling as a career when even my family did not support me. However, raised by army personnel, my father always taught me to fight for my beliefs and never give up on my dreams; that’s how I convinced my parents, and their support and love was enough for me to follow my dreams. Both my parents have been supportive since they understood my passion while society still doesn’t accept my choice of career; for me, my parents’ support is enough,” she said.

Shekhawat looks up to Sushmita Sen, Aishwarya Rai, Priyanka Chopra and Manushi Chhillar. 

Speaking about the most memorable moment in her career so far, she told First India, “There are so many memorable and rewarding moments in my life. Starting with the most recent, winning the title of Femina Miss India Rajasthan 2022 made me proud of myself. One of them is when I did an advertisement with Ranveer Singh. I have also done a song with Emraan Hashmi and it made me so happy. I am proud of all that I have done.”