Like many young girls, even Dayana Erappa, a Bangalore model, dreamt of taking part in the ‘Miss India’ pageant.

Her grooming started when she entered college and her  principal saw the potential she had in the glamour world. Before she knew it, Dayana was on her way to take part in the ‘Miss India 2011’ pageant. She even won the title of ‘Miss Photogenic’ at the pageant.

Speaking to Metrolife during the ‘Beyu Fashion Show’ held recently, the model expressed how she would have loved to bag the crown. “Not winning the contest was a little disappointing. But I am happy about the ‘Miss Photogenic’ title. At the end of the day, it’s the experience that counts. For a young girl like me, it was a huge thing to work with some of the biggest names in the industry,” she says.

The grooming and expert advice she picked up from the pageant are things that she applies during her work. At the same time, Dayana says that there is no denying the heavy competition that surrounds her. “It’s all about how each one perceives it. There are so many newcomers entering the modelling industry every year but if we start worrying about that, it will kill the fun part of the job. I feel we, as models, must stick to giving our best, that is to show the hard work of the designers in the best way possible,” adds Dayana, who dreams of walking the ramp for Roberto Cavalli.

Apart from modelling, Dayana is also interested in acting. So getting into the film industry is definitely a part of her agenda. Ask her who she would like to be cast opposite and she gives a list of names. “But I would love to act with Suriya and Vikram.

They are my all-time favourites. I do plan to act but not right now. My concentration is on modelling. But you never know what the future holds,” she signs off.