Mrs Goa 2026 winner Mayuri Desai, who recently won three titles at an international pageant in Egypt, plans to open a pageant training academy for aspiring contestants in Goa and Sindhudurg
RAMANDEEP KAUR | NT BUZZ
Although Mayuri Desai, from Old Goa, had been interested in modelling and pageantry for years, she had not pursued either seriously. Her career in human resources and family responsibilities took priority until an audition for Mrs. Goa
caught her attention.
She says, “My experience in human resources for over 15 years has taught me a great deal about people, confidence and communication. I wanted to explore an interest beyond my professional life.”
The auditions for the pageant, organised by AB Productions, took place in January 2026, with judges assessing contestants on their ramp walk, confidence, and talent. Desai won the title and also received the Most Confident and Best Fitness awards. Her win qualified her to represent India at the Milestone Miss and Mrs. Global International World Pageant in Egypt, held from October 6 to 10. According to Desai, the pageant had 21 contestants from different countries, including France, South Africa, the Philippines, Ukraine and the USA. She was the only contestant representing Goa and India in the Mrs category.
Desai spent six months preparing for the pageant while managing her job and family responsibilities. Her schedule included fitness, grooming, ramp-walk practice, personality development, and talent rehearsals. Her family and close friends supported her throughout the process. She also encouraged her children to take on more of their daily tasks to give herself time to prepare. She followed a daily and weekly schedule and turned to her trainers and family for guidance whenever she felt overwhelmed. “It was truly a team effort and I learned that with the right support, planning and determination, we can make time for our dreams while fulfilling our responsibilities.”
Desai won three international titles here: First Runner-Up – Mrs Global International, Most Talented and Most Photogenic Woman.
Her First Runner-Up placement was based on her performance across several rounds, including fitness, communication, national costume presentation, professionalism, conduct and adaptability. “Social media presence, public voting and support for girl-child education was also considered,” she says.
For the talent round, Desai performed an Indian Bollywood contemporary dance choreographed by Amandeep of Goa-based AD Dance Company. The performance fused ‘Roshni Se’ from ‘Ashoka’ and ‘Dheevara’ from ‘Baahubali’. The ocean-inspired performance used choreography, expressions, costumes and props to depict the sea’s contrasting moods and convey the strength
of Indian women.
The Most Photogenic Woman title recognised Desai’s expressions, posing and confidence in front of the camera.
Travelling alone in Egypt, Desai managed her schedule and preparations, sometimes changing outfits three to five times a day for photo shoots, each requiring a different make-up look. She used a translation app to communicate with contestants from other countries and found it difficult
to adjust to the food.
Being away from her children was another challenge, as her eight-year-old daughter had exams during the trip. But her daughter reassured her, saying, “Aai, you go win the crown and come back. Don’t worry about me, I’ll manage my studies and get good marks.”
Desai says, “The experience taught me to stay calm under pressure, adapt to new situations and trust myself.”
Her four-year-old son was excited to watch the finale, while her mother, sisters, brothers-in-law and friends followed the competition from home. “My husband stood by me from day one and was involved in every part of my preparation, making sure I had
everything I needed.”
Desai now plans to launch a pageant training academy in Goa in early 2027, followed by an expansion to Sindhudurg in Maharashtra, her in-laws’ home district. The academy will offer training in ramp walking, grooming, communication, public speaking, personality development, interview preparation, and pageant rounds. She also plans to bring in make-up artists, choreographers and outfit designers to guide contestants on talent performances and styling.
“The idea comes from my own journey and the challenges a newcomer faces while entering pageantry,” says Desai, who aims to make professional training affordable for
aspiring contestants.
She also plans to take up modelling assignments, fashion shoots and brand collaborations with jewellery brands, while exploring acting opportunities and continuing to represent Goa and India
at pageants.
Desai advises women not to put their ambitions aside because of family responsibilities or self-doubt. “It is never too late to pursue a dream. As women, we often prioritise everyone else and forget ourselves. We do not have to choose between family and personal growth. With support, determination, and self-belief, we can create opportunities for ourselves,” she says.
