Diary of a Dubai Beauty Queen: Week 1 reflections—7 truths I learned

I’m Tasneem Raza, the contestant from Dubai competing for Miss Universe India.

It’s been just one week—but it feels like a lifetime. From sunrise to well past midnight, we’ve been on a non-stop carousel of shoots, glam sessions, sponsor visits, media unveilings, and emotional highs and lows. There are no weekends, random breaks, long waits, and barely any time to think. And yet, in the blur of it all, I’ve found immense clarity. This experience is shaping us—mind, body, and spirit.

Here are my reflections from the first week at Miss Universe India:

We are running on very little sleep, away from home, our bodies sore and minds constantly alert. The real test of a queen isn’t how well she poses when everything is perfect—it’s how she shows up when nothing is. I’ve learned that what truly sets a woman apart here is how she responds when things don’t go her way. That’s when resilience, grace, and presence shine through. Pageants are designed to test not just your beauty, but your spirit.

Every single woman here has something unique. The more she embraces her quirks, voice, background, or personality, the more she glows. The ones who shine aren’t trying to fit a mold—they are unapologetically themselves. And that authenticity is unforgettable.

With this kind of proximity, scrutiny, and pressure, it’s easy to slip into comparison. Many fall into the trap of thinking, “She’s obviously going to win because of XYZ.” But that’s a losing game. What works is inward focus—asking, “Why am I here? What are my intentions? Am I aligned with my values?” As long as I can answer those questions truthfully, I know I’m walking the right path.

There will always be something to complain about—exhaustion, delays, miscommunications. But I’m learning to shift my lens. I’m here as a 42-year-old mom of two, living out a dream most women don’t even dare to voice. That alone fills me with so much gratitude. And when I focus on that, even the hardest moments feel like a gift.

One thing I’ve realized this week is that we are constantly being observed. Whether in a casual encounter or at a camera-facing moment, your energy speaks before your words do. And in this space, you can’t hide. You’re seen—fully and wholly. You learn to be intentional with your presence, to surrender when things go wrong, and to bounce back when they do. The women who adapt and flow through the chaos, who hold their head high through imperfection—those are the women who truly embody the crown. Because this journey, more than anything, is a mirror. It shows you who you really are.

I’ve had moments this week when I didn’t do my best. My walk didn’t land, my speech fell flat, and the photo captured a version of me I wasn’t thrilled about. And yet, the moment passes. The pose is sealed, the shot is taken, the world moves on. I’ve realized I am climbing my Everest. And no one climbs a mountain without a few stumbles. A twisted ankle doesn’t mean you turn around. It means you keep going—wiser, more aware, more determined. The missteps are part of the journey. Not the end of it. I will make it to the peak.

We’re sharing not just rooms but beds with people we’ve never met before. That in itself is a test of maturity, compassion, and patience. In our first week, I got lucky with a wonderful roommate in Miss Universe West Bengal, Shaswati Bala. But that’s not everyone’s experience. Sometimes your roommate may be difficult, or simply different. Maybe they’re messy, maybe they’re moody. Your job isn’t to complain—it’s to respond with responsibility. To manage your own space, your own peace, and allow others to be who they are too.

So yes, it’s only been a week. But in this one week, I’ve met the strongest, boldest, most beautiful versions of women I’ve ever known. Most importantly, I have met the strongest, most empowered version of myself.

The real crown isn’t worn on the head. It’s felt in the heart—when you choose to rise, again and again, with courage and grace.