Mother is an Asha worker, father polishes shoes, daughter’s beauty won hearts, becomes…,now making waves in films, she is…

People who come from middle-class homes and aspire to become a name everyone knows are often those who put in everything to change their destiny. Similarly, a girl name Pooja Tandekar from Chhattisgarh’s Janjgir-Champa district made her entire family proud by winning the title of Miss Chhattisgarh. It may shock and surprise many to learn that Pooja’s mother is a Mitanin (a community health worker in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh), while her father, Chhaganlal, supports the family by polishing shoes.

In an exclusive interview with Local18, Pooja revealed that she is a student of Kathak, theater, and folk music at Khairagarh Music University. Her dream is to participate in the Miss India contest and bring glory to Chhattisgarh in the fashion industry. Pooja has already played the lead role in two Chhattisgarhi films, Aakhri Faisala and Nawa Bihaan. Her upcoming film, Deewana Tor Naam, is currently in production.

Did you know that Pooja designed her dress herself? Interestingly, she wore earrings made from rice grains, a silver necklace, and a chain crafted from paddy seeds. Adding more cultural touch to her attire, Pooja donned bracelets made of cowrie shells and a green gown that beautifully depicted Chhattisgarh’s heritage and pride.

Because of her unique dress design and innovative creativity, Pooja won first prize. On her big win, Pooja expressed her gratitude and thanked her designer, Priya, as well as her mother, Upasana Vaishnav, for their support.

Pooja’s father, Chhaganlal, said in the same interview, “Daughters are no less than sons. It is essential for families to support their dreams. I work as a shoe polisher, but I have always tried to fulfill my daughter’s every wish. Today, my daughter has not only brought pride to our family but also to our district and state.”

Meanwhile, Pooja expressed, “It is my dream to bring Chhattisgarh’s culture and art to the world through fashion. I will give my best effort for Miss India and hope that the state government and society will support me in this journey.”