5’10 Kanishtha Dhankar, Pantaloons Femina Miss India World 2011, is a pretty package with an expressive face, curly mane and hourglass frame. She towers over her contemporaries by the sheer force of her personality. Sporting an easy-going attitude, her 'spirit of exploration' prompts her to travel incessantly and educate herself on different regions, their lifestyle and culture.

Raised in Mumbai, though she hails from Kasni, Kanishtha set off on a modelling journey two years back and in a short time was a regular face at fashion weeks and coveted fashion magazines. Proud winner of the most coveted pageant, she enthuses: ''There is no bigger platform than this to prove myself and the value of contemporary India to the world. Winning the crown was such a proud moment. It felt like all the hard work had paid off. I felt like I was on top of the world. As each day passes life as Miss India gets only more exciting.'' 

Kanishtha's style is mood dependant. ''I love experimenting; mixing styles is something that comes to me easily. Favourites include “ripped denims, backless dresses, chic jumpsuits, basic denim shorts with a white tee, cropped pants and high-waist bell bottoms. I admire Bhavna Sharma, Kate Moss, Anamika Khanna and Chloe Sevigny for their uniqueness, creativity and bold fashion sense.” Self-described “sucker for fashion”, a peek into her closest reveals her fave looks: “high waist black pants with white polka dots, ankle length red skirt by Wendell Rodricks, backless jumpsuit by James Ferreira and a sequinned top with a beaten gold neckpiece!

We wish the Pantaloons Femina Miss India World '11 sustained success!

— FARAH PALIA FOR EXPLOSIVE FASHION