Luxury has taken a new form—sleek, soulful, and unmistakably modern. And no one captures this transformation quite like Anukreethy Vas. With her striking presence and powerful narrative, she embodies a new vision of opulence: one defined by meaning over material, and presence over pretence. By Sunethra Selvam
Opulence is no longer defined by excess but by meaning, intention, and identity, Anukreethy Vas emerges as the perfect muse for modern opulence. Crowned Femina Miss India 2018 and celebrated for her grace, grit, and grounded authenticity, she represents a new generation that values depth as much as beauty. From her journey as a small-town dreamer to a globally recognized face, she has redefined what aspiration looks like elegant yet effortless, powerful yet profoundly human.
In this issue, Anukreethy embodies Luxury in Modern Times: a luxury shaped by self-expression, conscious choices, and the boldness to stand unapologetically as oneself. With her timeless charm and contemporary sensibilities, she reminds us that true luxury today is not what we possess, but who we become.
You grew up in Tiruchirappalli and were raised by a strong single mother. How have your early life experiences shaped the woman you are today—both personally and professionally?
“I don’t think I’m even half the woman my mother is,” Anukreethy reflects with a smile. “Growing up, I watched her work tirelessly, with a kind of strength and dedication that shaped everything I know about resilience.” She credits her mother for the values that define her today. “If I’m hardworking, if I choose to believe in the good no matter what—it’s because of her. Everything I am, personally and professionally, traces back to my mother’s influence. She is the foundation of it all.”
Pursuing a degree in French Literature while navigating modelling, acting, and pageantry is a unique combination. How has this exposure influenced your worldview and the way you express yourself?
“I’ve always believed that learning multiple languages opens up the world,” Anukreethy says. “Studying French didn’t just teach me a new way to speak—it gave me the confidence to walk into any room and connect with people from completely different backgrounds.” For her, expression is rooted in knowledge and exposure. “The way you communicate comes from what you’ve learned and understood. That’s something I truly live by.”
Winning Femina Miss India 2018 at such a young age is a remarkable achievement. What do you consider the defining moment of your Miss India journey?
“Honestly, my Miss India journey was never just mine,” Anukreethy says, her voice softening at the memory. “The very first audition happened only because my friend Luma insisted I accompany her. Everything I carried that day—from my clothes to my confidence—was hers. Even my one-way ticket was booked by my friends.”
She pauses, thoughtful. “So, the defining moment for me wasn’t the crown—it was the journey itself. It showed me how good people can be, how selflessly they can lift you up. My friends were the wind behind everything I achieved, and I’ll always give them that credit.”
You placed in the Top 30 at Miss World 2018 and performed strongly in multiple segments. What did representing India on a global stage teach you about competition, resilience, and identity?
“Hearing my name called out as ‘Miss India’ is a feeling I still get goosebumps thinking about,” Anukreethy recalls. “Standing there among 130 countries—surrounded by women who were all so talented, beautiful, and hardworking—was surreal.” For her, Miss World was never just about competition. “It felt more like a sisterhood than a contest,” she says. “And representing India… that was the greatest honour of all. I’m a deeply patriotic person, so carrying my country’s name—and even more, carrying Tamil Nadu with me on that stage—was incredibly special.”
Winning Miss India as a young woman from Tamil Nadu remains one of her proudest milestones. “To represent my state, my country, our culture, and to share who we are with the rest of the world—those are memories I’ll cherish forever. I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything.”
You received the ‘Beauty with a Purpose’ award—something not many manage to achieve. How has that platform influenced your social outlook and the causes you continue to champion today?
“My ‘Beauty with a Purpose’ journey didn’t begin on a pageant stage—it actually started back in Loyola College,” Anukreethy shares. As part of an outreach program, students were encouraged to engage with communities living in the nearby slums. “That’s where I formed a real connection with the transgender community. I saw their unity, their strength, and the way they protected and uplifted one another.”
This early exposure planted the seed for her lifelong purpose. “I didn’t create a project just for Miss World—I already knew what I stood for. I knew exactly what I wanted to speak about if I ever got that platform.”
And that purpose continues to guide her. “Even today, every time I’m given a stage or a microphone, I make sure to talk about the communities that shaped my social outlook. That commitment hasn’t changed—and it never will.”
What motivated you to support the transgender community and what was your learning from this experience?
During our outreach program, I realised how many transgender individuals were living without basic support—no homes, no access to education, and very little acceptance from society,” Anukreethy recalls. What struck her most was the way the community cared for one another. “The older members took on the roles of mothers, daughters, sisters… they had created their own family. Everyone worked, contributed whatever they earned, and entrusted it to one person who made sure the younger ones were educated and found jobs.”
She also became aware of the physical and social challenges they faced every single day. “But despite all of that, they radiated so much positivity. They were united, supportive, and incredibly resilient.”
The experience was transformative. “It was an awakening for me,” she says. “It made me question what humanity really means. Their strength, unity, and optimism showed me how much we still have to learn as a society—and how much positivity and togetherness we’re missing today.”
As someone who has seen the fashion and pageant industries from up close, how do you think the fashion industry has evolved in recent years—especially regarding inclusivity, sustainability, and authenticity?
“The industry has changed so much,” Anukreethy says, reflecting on the rapid evolution of fashion. “There was a time when zero-size bodies were the only standard of beauty. Today, people are embracing who they are—regardless of size. Seeing plus-size models walk the ramp with so much confidence is incredible, and it’s amazing how they’ve created a powerful space for themselves.”
She notes that the industry’s priorities have shifted in meaningful ways. “Sustainability is finally getting the attention it deserves. More people are choosing vegan, organic, and recycled materials. And there’s a renewed appreciation for craft and craftsmanship, which is beautiful.”
To her, fashion’s identity has been redefined. “Earlier, fashion was all about glitz and glamour. Now it’s about perspective, purpose, and authenticity—and I think that’s such a positive transformation.”
What is your personal sense of fashion? Are there particular aesthetics, designers, or cultural influences that define your style today?
“I actually grew up a total tomboy,” Anukreethy laughs. “So if you ask about my fashion sense, I’m not sure I fit the traditional mold.” For her, style has always been rooted in comfort and confidence. “Fashion, to me, is whatever makes you feel good in your own skin. I gravitate toward baggy silhouettes because they’re easy, effortless—and I know how to make them my own.” She believes true style starts from within. “At the end of the day, fashion is more about how you feel on the inside than what you’re wearing on the outside.”
From pageantry to acting and modeling, each field carries its own pressures. What is one misconception people often have about the world of beauty and glamour that you wish you could change?
“People only see the glitz and the glamour, and they assume it’s all effortless,” Anukreethy says. “But if they spent even a single day on an outdoor shoot—working 16 to 20 hours straight, often with barely any food or sleep—they’d understand how demanding this industry really is.”
Maintaining composure, appearance, and performance under pressure is a skill most people underestimate. “There’s this idea that models just show up and strike a few poses,” she laughs. “But the reality is so much tougher. It’s hard work, discipline, and resilience—far beyond what people imagine.”
Looking ahead, how do you envision your career evolving? Are there specific roles, projects, or creative ventures you’re excited to explore next?
“Absolutely!” Anukreethy says, eyes lighting up at the thought of the future. “When I first stepped into the film industry, icons like Kamal Haasan and Vikram were my biggest inspirations. My dream is to take on creative, challenging roles—characters that keep audiences intrigued and engaged.” She’s also ambitious about representing India globally. “If I get opportunities to showcase my work on international platforms, like Priyanka Chopra has, I’d be truly grateful. Fingers crossed—it’s a journey I’m excited to embrace.”
You’ve graced the ramps, stepped into acting, and we’ve also heard about your love for bikes and dance. Can you give us a glimpse of this vibrant, multifaceted side of you?”
“I actually started with dance,” Anukreethy shares, her eyes lighting up. “I joined my first class back in fourth grade. My dance master, Sam, is someone I truly admire—he was the first person to encourage me, to give me the confidence to step on stage and perform in front of an audience.” She laughs as she reflects on her tomboy roots. “Growing up in Trichy, there weren’t many extracurricular options or hangout spots, so most of my friends were bikers, doing stunts on KTM bikes. Riding with them naturally sparked my love for bikes as well—it became a passion that’s stuck with me.”
You have had the opportunity to dance alongside the ace dancer Prabhudeva, tell us about that experience?
“Prabhudeva is the guru of dance,” Anukreethy says with admiration. “Growing up, I used to watch his videos endlessly, trying to recreate his steps. I had never performed on a dance show before, but when I got the chance to dance on his show, I just said yes.”
That moment became a turning point in her journey. “After that performance, I was offered three more dance shows, which eventually opened the door for me to enter the film industry. And now, I’m even working on a film with Prabhudeva Sir! Life really feels like a full circle, and I say this with immense gratitude.”
