From Crowns to Stages: Suman Chellani on Her Journey from Miss India to Global Entrepreneur

by  Komal Darji Entertainment | January 9, 2025 | Interview

Suman Chellani

Suman Chellani is an accomplished Master of Ceremony, model, actress, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, renowned for her engaging and dynamic presence. With over a decade of experience in print, radio, electronic, and social media, she has become a prominent figure in the industry. Suman is honored to be listed in the UK Coffee Table Book of "Top 50 Most Influential Indian Women Worldwide," alongside influential personalities like Aishwarya Rai, Shilpa Shetty, and Sister Shivani. Passionate about both her career and social causes, she uses her platform to inspire and support various charitable initiatives.

In an exclusive interview with EVENTFAQS Media, Suman shares her inspiring journey from winning Miss India Intercontinental to becoming a successful entrepreneur, actor, and philanthropist. Her story is one of resilience, passion, and purpose, as she continues to empower communities and create lasting connections while redefining success across multiple industries.

Your journey to winning Miss India Intercontinental 2018 is truly inspiring. Can you share some of the struggles you faced along the way, and what it felt like to be crowned the winner? How did this milestone shape your life and career moving forward?

From Miss Gujarat to Miss India Intercontinental, my journey has been a beautiful tapestry woven with dreams, challenges, and triumphs. In 2011, I embraced the crown with joy, but life had other plans that led me to Dubai as a cabin crew member. Fast forward to 2017, and the stage of beauty pageants called me back! With resilience and hard work, I became a top finalist in Miss Universe, and though I didn’t take home the crown, the lessons learned were priceless. 

Training in Pune sharpened my skills, and in 2018, I proudly earned the title of Miss India Intercontinental. Representing India in the Philippines among 91 countries was a thrilling experience that pushed me to my limits. This journey has shown me that every twist and turn is a part of the grand adventure. Embrace your unique path, for it’s filled with lessons that will elevate you to new heights.

I have also had the privilege of being part of movies as an actress, including Vardaan 2 and Parvat. Keep dreaming, keep believing!

Having hosted over 2,500 events and shared the stage with global leaders and Bollywood legends, what goes into preparing for such high-profile events? Could you give us a behind-the-scenes glimpse of your anchoring process, from scripting to execution?

Hosting over 2,500 events has been a remarkable journey filled with learning and growth. Preparing for high-profile events requires a blend of passion, meticulous planning, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Behind the scenes, my anchoring process begins with understanding the essence of each event—its purpose, audience, and key messages. I dive deep into research to connect authentically with both the speakers and attendees. Scripting is not just about words; it’s about weaving a narrative that resonates emotionally while maintaining an engaging flow.

As I transition from scripting to execution, rehearsals become crucial. They allow me to refine my delivery and adapt dynamically to any unforeseen changes. Each event is unique, presenting its own challenges and opportunities for connection. Ultimately, it’s about creating memorable experiences that inspire others. I believe that every stage we step onto is an opportunity to ignite passion and spark change in our communities.

You’ve balanced multiple roles—actor, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and anchor—with such grace. How have your diverse experiences, such as traveling to 40+ countries as a cabin crew member, influenced your ability to connect with audiences across cultures?

Traveling to over 40 countries as a cabin crew member opened my eyes to the beauty of diverse cultures and perspectives. Each experience enriched my understanding of humanity, allowing me to connect more deeply with audiences from all walks of life. Every interaction and story shared during those travels has shaped who I am today.

As an anchor, I’ve learned that while our backgrounds may differ, our emotions and aspirations are often universal. This realization fuels my passion for storytelling—whether on stage or through philanthropic endeavors—reminding us that we are all part of a larger tapestry.

As the founder of the Ocean of Blessings Foundation, I believe that embracing diversity not only enhances our creativity but also empowers us to inspire others. Let’s continue to celebrate our differences while finding common ground. Together, we can create a world filled with compassion and understanding!

From starring in Vardaan 2 to appearing in iconic movies like 2 States and D-Day, how has your journey in acting evolved? Could you tell us more about the roles you took on in 2020 and what excites you most about your current projects?

My journey in acting has been nothing short of transformative. Each role, from Vardaan 2 to the memorable characters in 2 States and D-Day, has shaped my craft and deepened my understanding of storytelling. In 2020, I embraced diverse roles that challenged me and allowed me to explore new dimensions of my artistry. It was a year filled with growth, resilience, and a renewed passion for the craft amidst unprecedented times.

What excites me most about my current project, the Gujarati movie Parvat, is the opportunity to connect with audiences on a deeper level. Each character I portray is a chance to inspire, evoke emotions, and spark meaningful conversations. I'm thrilled to be part of stories that resonate with people’s experiences and aspirations.

As the founder of SCAK Play Tambola Pvt. Ltd. and the Ocean of Blessings Foundation, you’ve ventured into entrepreneurship and philanthropy. What are your current goals for these initiatives, and what is your vision for making a lasting impact in the future?

For SCAK Play Tambola, I envision expanding our reach to bring joy and engagement to even more families, promoting not just entertainment but also learning and bonding experiences that strengthen relationships. We currently offer over 25 themes of Tambola, from weddings to social and corporate events. Are you ready to take your Tambola game to the next level?  Let’s create unforgettable moments and strengthen bonds, one number at a time!

Through the Ocean of Blessings Foundation, we are committed to empowering individuals through education and support systems that uplift those in need. Together with a dedicated team of 50 volunteers, we tirelessly raise awareness and fight against animal cruelty. We proudly support over 2,200 businesses by promoting their efforts on social media. Let’s make a difference, one paw at a time!

What’s next? What are your future plans?

Striving to be the best anchor every day! With passion and dedication, I’m ready to navigate the waves of challenges and make a splash. My future plans include becoming an investor and continuing to create memorable events.