Tell us something about your journey so far.

Mantasha: It has been a roller coaster ride for me. I have learnt so many things in the last five months. There were times when I felt frustrated and homesick. But Brishti was always there to cheer me up. She was the one who motivated me to stay stronger and patient. Whenever we had time, we used to sit and talk about how our lives had changed after coming here. 

Brishti: The journey of Channel i presents Lux Super Star is something that I will cherish forever. We went through extensive grooming sessions. Challenges became tougher as days went by. But I have always had Mantasha's back whenever I felt blue.  She helped me get through many difficult times.

How does it feel to be a winner of the biggest talent hunt show in the country?

Brishti: It feels ecstatic. I never thought of coming thus far. I wanted to explore something that's been completely unfamiliar to me, and that is why I participated in this talent hunt. I will always cherish the experiences I gathered here. These invaluable exposures to a new world have once again made me believe in myself.  

Mantasha: Life is of course different now. But I was ready for it (laughs)! I don't know why but somewhere in my mind I have always had a positive feeling about the result. I think if I hadn't won this pageant, Brishti would. She has every positive quality that a star should possess.

How has the experience been during the contest? Did you feel intimidated or has it been a fun ride? 

Brishti: It was intimidating at times. After going to bed every night, the first thing that came to my mind was, "I have survived another day! Will I be able to fight tomorrow's battle?" This is something that pushed me harder each and every day. I am a very optimistic person. So I always hope for a better tomorrow before sleeping. This really helps me overcome my limitations.   

Mantasha: I was never worried about the results. I valued the everyday lessons I was taught by my mentors. I believed in my on- screen performance. I knew that I had to compete with girls with more talent and experiences. I prepared myself as a tough competitor and the reflection was the result itself. 

It is said that pageantry and feminism cannot mix. Often feminists criticize beauty pageantry and female oriented talent hunt shows for objectifying women. What's your take on this as women and as pageant winners?

Brishti:  Today's women are more concerned about their well beings. They are self-dependent, confident and smart. The beauty contests and talent hunt shows provide a strong platform to develop a woman as a strong individual. The lessons they learn here help them to become more vocal and constructive in their personal and professional lives.  A woman will not be able to secure her rights if she does not participate in collective development, and this is just the platform for women who want to groom themselves to become self-reliant.

Mantasha: I agree with Brishti. This platform taught us to cope with difficult situations. Knowing what is good for us and thus improvising on the stage is something that we have learnt from here. After five months of rigorous training, now I know how to be polite and truthful at the same time, how to handle a situation with quick response, and how to maintain graceful public appearances. Today if people know me, it is because of this talent hunt show. Without this, I wouldn't have been half of what I am today!

Do you feel empowered after winning the pageant?

Brishti: Yes, I do! Now that people know me, I can make impactful efforts that they can't unsee. Now I have the courage to stand up for what is right. I can feel a solid ground beneath my feet.

Mantasha: Empowerment is something that should be reflected through work. If we let others control our decisions, our voices won't bring any change. Today I feel empowered because I have fought the barriers that hindered my growth. Now I take my own decisions. My family has played a big role in helping me realize my dreams, but Lux Superstar has played the bigger role in making me who I am.

How has your family and surroundings reacted to your decision to participate in a talent hunt show?

Mantasha: Honestly speaking, my family wasn't very happy with my decision at first. Many of us have a negative mindset towards the media and television. My family was no different. But I was determined to come and have a firsthand experience. This is something I want to tell the readers, media is a safe place and has a lot to offer for those who want to work in good production houses. We need to change our perception toward the media and the people associated with it. 

Brishti:  My family has been very supportive from the beginning, especially my mother. There were people who doubted my competence. I think my victory was an answer to all those people who questioned my capability.

What would you like to say to the girls aspiring to be in your shoes in the coming years?

Mantasha: One piece of advice from my end would be, don't aim just to win. Try to grab as much experience as you can. There are a lot of things to learn. Have the mindset of learning something new every day.

Brishti: Build your own personality and have faith in your skills. Work hard because hard work never fails to pay off!

Lux Superstars during an adda with Star Showbiz team

Advice

Mantasha: One piece of advice from my end would be, don't aim just to win. Try to grab as much experience as you can. There are a lot of things to learn. Have the mindset of learning something new every day.

Brishti: Build your own personality and have faith in your skills. Work hard because hard work never fails to pay off!