Thomas Tan
Tamilarasi B Tamil Selvam of Tanjung Malim, Perak was crowned Miss Saree Malaysia 2019 at the Miss & Mrs Saree Malaysia 2019 pageant final at Da Men Mall, Subang Jaya.
The 30-year-old chemistry lecturer for the Australian matriculation program at Sunway College also won the Miss Eloquence subsidiary title award.
“I feel extremely happy and honestly I’m still in a daze. As a child, I dreamed of having a crown on my head someday and I’m glad that moment came true,” she said.
“I decided to enter Miss Saree Malaysia pageant because I was mentally ready to take that step. Even though I’d never entered a pageant before, I thought it would give me the exposure I needed, plus if I win, a chance to represent my community as well. Even after getting into pageantry, I never thought that I would win Miss Saree Malaysia.
“Pageantry is no joke. In order to sustain on the journey you would need a considerable amount of confidence and commitment. Miss Saree Malaysia appealed to me because it has a cultural connotation to it, besides being inclusive and open to all ethnicities,” she added.
Tamilarasi, standing 166cm (5’ 5.3”) tall, has high hopes for her future. She has a masters in chemical engineering and hopes to continue her studies in the future.
“I hope to complete my PhD and become a significant person to society with the power to help and empower those in need,” she said.
Tamilarasi enjoys hobbies such as reading, drawing portraits and martial art called Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
“I’m learning martial art to improve myself and for self defence. I love the Brazilian jiu-jitsu because the whole concept of jiujitsu is you don’t need to be stronger or bigger than your opponents to win them. Also, it doesn’t involve punching or kicking someone,” she said.
First runner-up was Jeyabarathi Rajagopal, 26, a professional graphic and fashion designer from Kuala Lumpur, who also won the Miss Best Talent subsidiary title for her performance of a dance showing different saree-draping styles and a song that explained the significance of the saree for a woman.
Second runner-up went to Suwanna Chin, a 28-year-old police lance corporal from Kelantan.
Jeyabarathi proved her worth by finishing first runner-up. “There are so many people who have touched my heart. My sincere gratitude and deepest appreciation to all those who believed in me, voted and supported me in this pageant,” she said.
“I want to thank the organiser, sponsors, crews, ambassadors, judges and fellow contestants for their useful guidance, insightful comments, and considerable encouragements throughout my entire journey of this competition. And last but not least, I would like to express my indebtedness to my family who has given me constant support and love throughout my life,” she added.
At the same event, Dr Shalini Devi Ramachandran of Shah Alam, Selangor, standing at 169cm (5’ 6.5”) tall, was crowned Mrs. Saree Malaysia 2019. This was her first step to beauty journey and she won.
The medical doctor and nutritionist who is the owner of Aranda Clinic and Dry&Drs Fitness also won the Miss Eloquence subsidiary title award.
“Winning this crown has changed me both physically and emotionally, as I’m surprised what life can take you from being an ordinary doctor and to a winner today,” she said.
“I am a nutritionist and trainer to help people in losing weight which is my main priority. Sharing my weight loss journey has inspired many,” added Dr Shalini who had lost 57 kgs in total.
Giving health talks and motivation are the things that bring Dr Shalini joy and keep her motivated. She also provided Zumba classes in schools, hospitals and her fitness centre.
“Fitness is a favourite pastime of mine and makes me happy. I would like to provide free run and hiking in groups because it’s a fun fitness way to enjoy your favourite activity and make new friends,” she said.
“I want to become an international motivational speaker one day and share my story to inspire the people with my real life experiences,” added Dr Shalini, who hopes to open more Aranda clinics in more neighbourhoods.
Pressena, a 42-year-old sustainability clerk and Shafira Dhalan, a 25-year-old part time model were adjudged first and second runners-up respectively.
Organized by Miss Malaysia Kebaya (MMK) organisation, the Miss and Mrs Saree Malaysia pageant aims to bring a harmonious relationship among all ethnics in Malaysia and encourage each other to experience other cultures, practices and values.
Miss Saree Malaysia 2019 national director Bkay Nair said the pageant was aimed at promoting culture and unity of all races in Malaysia through the beauty of sarees and the art of saree draping.
MISS SAREE MALAYSIA 2019
Champion: Tamilarasi B Tamil Selvam, 30
1st Runner Up: Jeyabarathi Rajagopal, 25
2nd Runner Up: Suwannachin, 28
3rd Runner Up: Tarsyinie, 20
4th Runner Up: Puteri Nur Maisarah, 16
Subsidiary Titles
1. Miss Eloquence – Tamilarasi B Tamil Selvam
2. Miss Popularity – Diyanaah
3. Miss Best Talent – Jeyabarathi Rajagopal
4. Miss Photogenic – Prema Vijayan
5. Miss Congeniality -Sharmila Devi Muniandy
6. Miss Best Catwalk – Puteri Nur Maisarah
MRS SAREE MALAYSIA 2019
Champion: Dr Shalini Devi Ramachandran, 32
1st Runner Up: Pressena Balakrishnan, 41
2nd Runner Up: Shafira Dahlan, 25
3rd Runner Up: Liyana Mohd Ramli, 33
4th Runner Up; Anetha Pillai, 31
Subsidiary Titles
1. Mrs Photogenic – Pressena Balakrishnan
2. Mrs Eloquence – Dr.Shalini Devi Ramachandran
3. Mrs Best catwalk : Intan Falahah
4. Mrs Congeniality- Sherry Sokmum
5. Mrs Popularity- Mageswari Kupusami
6. Mrs Best Talent- Maalineedevi Krishnasamy
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