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Journalism of Courage
For many, fashion conjures images of Parisian runways and Vogue editors like Anna Wintour. But this perspective seems outdated as Sania Khimji has stomped on the stereotypes. With Down Syndrome, she is redefining beauty in India, especially after being crowned Miss India in the special needs category in 2023. But her journey isn’t about luck or privilege. This self-taught powerhouse from Karnataka honed her skills in art, makeup, and dance, proving that passion and dedication transcend labels. During a video call, Sania Khimji reveals to indianexpress.com that inclusive fashion, empowering everyone to express themselves through style, is the way forward.
The 22-year-old’s message reminds us that fashion should be a platform for personal expression, embracing bodies of all shapes, sizes, and abilities.
When asked about the moment Sania realised her journey had gained traction on social media, her mother Mudita Khimji recalls that it was when renowned fashion stylist Prasad Bidapa himself invited her to showcase her talent on stage at the Mega Model Hunt in Phoenix Market City, Bengaluru. “Despite lacking any prior practice, she delivered a stellar performance,” she says.
Apart from her daughter’s confidence, Mudita recalls that the audience was equally excited, with many capturing videos and photos as Sania walked the ramp. She received praise from prominent figures like Sumit Verma and Bia Sandhu.
“When I gazed upon the audience, it struck me that Sania will leave an indelible mark, unlike countless other fashion models who fade into obscurity,” adds her mother.
When it comes to revolutionary runway walks, Sania had the honour of receiving training from supermodel and former Miss India finalist Lakshmi Rana. Impressed by Sania’s talent, Rana and her team produced reels featuring her, which have now garnered over a million views. She was also trained by Prasad Bidapa who is known for launching the careers of top models and orchestrating iconic events like the Kingfisher Fashion Awards. “Launching Sania had been the biggest risk Prasad Biadpa had taken,” adds her mother.
Sania mentions that she draws inspiration from Lakshmi Rana’s distinctive walking style and overall demeanour.
Sania acknowledges that everything they showcase on social media platforms are authentic and raw. From her artwork to her personal life, Sania handles it all from the ground up, adds her mother.
According to Mudita Khimji, Sania acquired the skill of painting face portraits during a workshop, which involves a distinct artistic approach. “Initially, one outlines the sketch and then proceeds to paint it. Without proper guidance, mastering this technique is challenging, but after attending an art workshop, her proficiency in it became remarkable.”
From a young age, Sania has excelled as a versatile learner, delving into various fields of knowledge. “There are things she discovers independently, and that’s quite uncommon. Through YouTube tutorials, she mastered makeup trends. She even prepared biryani, which some claimed was superior to the cook’s food. Can you believe it?” Mudita mentions.
Expanding her repertoire of self-acquired skills, we asked about her favourite hobbies. With enthusiasm, she says, “I enjoy a variety of activities, ranging from sports like tennis and basketball to engaging in arts, crafts, and dancing.”
In validation of her talent, she conducted exhibitions of her artworks at Art House UK and MGM Delhi where some of her works were sold. “I find pleasure in watching celebrity cooking videos, particularly those featuring Farah Khan and Shilpa Shetty,” Sania adds.
Several videos were created to capture her performance in the beauty pageants.
“Given her consistent monthly accomplishments, it becomes challenging for me to continually update the videos,” says Mudita Khimji. She has recently emerged victorious in the CKC Calendar Contest, where she competed against neurotypical women.
Sania has accomplished remarkable feats in modeling, as she stood out among the thousands of contestants at ‘Walk With a Difference’ show held in 2016 and clinched the coveted ‘Best Walk’ title. She has graced the campaigns of renowned brands like Project Nightfall, representing their clothing and merchandise, besides collaborating with various brands, including Cult Sports, Aiyka Clothing, Cleo Cosmetics, and Senshi World Jewelry.
She was crowned ‘Miss Adyatma’ in 2023 and her runway prowess has been showcased at esteemed events such as NIFT Chennai as well as on platforms like NID Bangalore and the Paralympic International.
Sania says she was overjoyed when she was invited to inaugurate a bank in her native town of Hubli – an occasion that gave her immense pride and garnered admiration from the local community.
Finally, on a more serious tone, Sania and her mother say that representation should be inclusive without any shortcomings. “We hope that such inclusivity will contribute to making the world a better place. Acknowledging that imperfection is inherent in humanity, we advocate for supporting individuals with diverse perspectives in areas such as fashion, music, cinema, and beyond,” they assert.
So what’s next? Sania’s eyes sparkle with energy as they share they are looking forward for the upcoming Met Gala and the Heroine fashion show where she will be walking the ramp for designers Palak and Mehak at FICCO Flo on February 29. “Sania’s journey wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support, and we will forever be grateful for it,” the mother-daughter duo signed off.
