Of Confidence, Crown and Grace

Once a shy girl, Sweezal Furtado, found her true self when she stepped into the spotlight. The moment the lights hit her on the runway stage, her charm ignited. A model, actress, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and above all, a kind soul, she has worn many hats with grace. She was crowned Miss Global 2024, and starring in the Kannada film Gowri, was the cherry on top. Sweezal shares her story

Corporate Citizen: Tell us a bit about yourself.

Sweezal Furtado: I was always a shy, quiet and timid girl. But, what set me apart was my trait of being observant and my aspiration for achieving something big. As a child, I would often get lost in my world of thoughts and imagination. As I grew up, so did my dreams. Pageantry came as a breath of fresh air, and the way I was, as a child, all started connecting the dots. That experience helped me to overcome my fears and step into my potential.

Since then, every challenge, every small victory has continued to shape me. Since the time I first set foot on the stage, I knew I belonged here. All through this, my family has been my support system, guiding me through thick and thin. I may have started as a shy little girl, but thanks to my family’s support and especially my mother’s guidance, I have grown into someone who believes in herself and her ability to inspire others.

On the stage

My journey into pageantry began long before I consciously realised it. It all started in late teens, post my board exams, that’s when I decided to pursue it seriously. What started as a fascination with the stage and style soon became something deeper. I came to understand that pageantry isn’t just about glitz and glamour, it’s a powerful platform to make a difference, champion causes, and inspire others.

At first, I was self-trained, learning through observation, practice and passion. But, as I progressed to international levels, I recognised the need for professional training. I invested in myself by refining my walk, improving my communication, stage presence and purpose.

CC: From Udupi to Miss Global India 2024, how did it feel to win? Describe that "pinchme" moment.

The saying ‘Heavy is the head that wears the crown’, is quite close to my heart. Yet, when my name was announced, time stood still. In that moment, I didn’t just understand the adage, I was also swept up in a whirlwind of emotions. My journey from the coastal town of Barkurpete, a small town in Udupi, Karnataka, to being crowned Miss Global India 2024, was a dream come true. Joy, pride, disbelief, happiness, and an overwhelming sense of gratitude, all surged through me at once. This wasn’t just about winning a title, it was about embracing the responsibility of representing not only myself, but my entire country on a global stage. And, in that instant, I knew this was only the beginning of something far greater.

My number one advice to those with big dreams but struggling with self-doubt is, believe in your potential even when you don’t see it yet. Everyone faces moments of uncertainty and it’s completely normal. But, the key is to keep moving forwad, one small step at a time

— Sweezal Furtado

CC: Modelling requires a strict diet and fitness routine. What's yours like?

I’ve come to realise that true beauty comes from within. And, to nurture it one must embrace a healthy and disciplined lifestyle. Rather than restrictive diets, I focus on sustainable habits that prioritise my overall well-being. Health and fitness aren’t just for the stage, they’re for life.

That said, preparing for a pageant does demand extra dedication. I train six-days-a-week, blending strength training, flexibility work and cardio, to keep my body strong and agile. My fitness routine isn’t just about physical results, it also sharpens my mental focus and fuels my energy.

When it comes to nutrition, balance is key. I steer clear of extremes, opting instead for clean and wholesome foods that truly nourish. My mornings begin with a glass of warm lemon or turmeric water, followed by oil pulling, a small ritual that detoxifies and sets a positive tone for the day. Hydration is nonnegotiable—I drink plenty of water to maintain glowing skin and steady energy. Ultimately, it’s about consistency and treating your body with the respect it deserves.

CC: Tell us about your experience of acting in Gowri film

It was incredible, a world apart from pageantry. Gowri is a Kannada-language musical film written and directed by Indrajit Lankesh. Acting pushed me to explore raw emotions, storytelling, and a new side of myself. My role, maybe brief, but it sure is a stepping stone. From day one, the set was electric, more challenging yet inspiring, filled with talented professionals. I learned not just acting but discipline, teamwork and preparation.

The most rewarding part was, delving into my character’s emotional depth and bringing honesty to the role. Every detail like costumes, lighting and dialogue, mattered, and I am glad I was a part of it. Watching the script come to life was pure magic.

CC: You studied entrepreneurship while competing at Miss Global. How did you manage both? Any time-management tips?

Juggling my BBA in entrepreneurship with pageant preparation was certainly demanding, but it taught me invaluable lessons in discipline, prioritisation and resilience. When you’re truly passionate about something, you find a way. For me, that meant meticulous planning. I structured my days in advance, set fixed goals, and maintained a strict routine to ensure neither my studies nor my pageant journey suffered. Every minute counted, and I learned to use mine wisely.

CC: Why entrepreneurship? How does it tie to your work in fashion and social impact?

I chose entrepreneurship because I’ve always dreamed of building something meaningful, like a platform that empowers young women to unlock their potential. For me, it’s not just about launching a business, it’s about fostering innovation, leadership and tangible change. Entrepreneurship leverages fashion and social impact as powerful tools for confidence and self-expression. And, I aim to bridge the gap between opportunity and aspiration. My goal is to create spaces where talent is honed, confidence is cultivated, and dreams are given the wings to soar.

CC: How are you using social media for your benefit?

Social media has become such a powerful tool, not just for visibility, but also for creating meaningful connections. I use my platforms to showcase not only my journey in pageantry, but also the hard work, values, and purpose behind it. Whether it’s sharing behind-the-scenes moments, fitness routines, fashion shoots, or my thoughts on social causes, I try to give my audience an honest glimpse into my world.

CC: For students with big dreams but self-doubt, what's your one advice for them?

My number one advice for students with big dreams but struggling with self-doubt is, believe in your potential even when you don’t see it yet. Everyone faces moments of uncertainty and it’s completely normal. But, the key is to keep moving forward, one small step at a time.