America’s past is plagued with an utter lack of diversity in television and film. Fortunately, changes are being made in terms of up-and-coming women of color in positions of power. Following the historic victory of Nina Davuluri, Emily Shah was crowned the 2014 Miss New Jersey USA. The talented and beautiful 18-year-old Indian-American will be competing for the 2014 Miss USA title in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on June 8, 2014. Talk about #WCW- this beauty queen has it all!
{Photography by Fadil Berisha}
We contacted Ms. Shah for an exclusive interview before her departure for Miss USA and we’re totally fan-girling. Read on and join us in supporting this rising starlet before her big day!
Emily cites Sushmita Sen as an early role model. She aspired to be like the former Miss Universe by entering pageants as a little girl. A self-proclaimed toddler in tiara, Emily later left pageantry to pursue dancing. At the age of 2, she was a dancer and actress-in-training at Miss Carol’s School of Performing Arts in Piscataway, New Jersey. Her hard work and dedication led to intense ballet training at American Repertory’s Princeton Ballet. And this girl can dance.
In high school, Emily decided to take another stab at pageantry and competed for the state’s preliminary competition, Miss NJ Teen USA. She was only fourteen years old!
Emily’s path to Miss New Jersey did not come easy, however. She was a victim of bullying. A boost in confidence and self-esteem helped her overcome this obstacle. Another major source of support has been her parents. “I am very grateful to them because they always pushed me beyond what I thought possible. The road to Miss USA has definitely been a joint effort between my parents and me.”
1. Have your parents always supported your ambitions? What is their take on your path to Miss USA?
• They have been more than supportive. My parents have always gone above and beyond for my future. I am so grateful.
2. How has your life changed since you became Miss New Jersey?
• My life has changed in so many ways! I am grateful for the opportunity to work with many amazing sponsors who have helped me prepare for Miss USA and more importantly, have helped me grow as a person.
• When asked about her celebrity status, Emily says that she occasionally forgets and steps out in sweats. (We feel for you Emily- sweats are amazing.)
• “Recently, while I was traveling to Los Angeles and Atlanta, people recognized me on my flight! So bizarre! Regardless, I’m still the same grounded and level-headed Emily- (minus her ability to wear sweatpants).”
4. In terms of your future, what do you want to do later in life?
• My father is in the entertainment industry, so I’ve grown up with this field in a way. The entertainment industry is like home- I feel at ease with filmmaking. While I appreciate all the work in creating new media, I’m partial to acting. I’ve been training to be an actress since I was 7! I’ve done courses in NYC, LA, and Mumbai (shoutout Bollywood) and I definitely want to pursue a career in acting.
5. What is your all-time favorite Bollywood movie? Favorite actor/actress?
• My favorite Bollywood movie has to be Kites. That was actually my father’s film, but that’s not why I’m biased.
• Favorite Actor(s): Hrithik Roshan & Abhishek Bachan
• Actress(es): Sushmita Sen, Aishwarya Rai & Preity Zinta
6. Which actors/actresses/directors/producers have you enjoyed working with? Are there any you would like to work with in the future?
• I really enjoyed working for Clint Eastwood. I definitely put it as one of my top five most memorable moments. Working on his film was a cherished opportunity and I would be the happiest girl alive to act in any of his films in the future!
• Another director I would be honored to work with is Sam Mendes, who directed my favorite Bond film, Skyfall.
• In terms of actors, I would love to work with Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio and/or Matthew McConaughey. Angelina Jolie is my number one idol and I would also love to do a film with her!
{Kunal Nayyer from TBBT with Emily Shah}
7. If your life was a movie or TV show, what would it be?
• Emily would title her life movie, “Age Is Only a Number.” She has never let her age limit what she pursued. At 15 years old (an age when most of us were working at our local grocery store), Emily was the youngest intern at the American Pavilion of the International Cannes Film Festival. She has worked on 6 Hollywood films: Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Jersey Boys, Run All Night, November Rule, Fast and Furious 7, and Monster Trucks. She is currently the youngest Miss New Jersey USA in history and she aspires to be the youngest Miss USA. Her achievements showcase that age is really just a number.
8. The Big Fat Indian Wedding team would love to know what type of wedding you may have dreamed of? Any thoughts or inspiration?
• Oh boy. I am so far away from thinking about that. It’s funny, because my parents like most Indian parents want their kids to focus on their education/job without a significant other, but once you hit mid-twenties, they expect all the guys or girls to show up at your doorstep. I always tease my family that I will never get married just because I am too focused on my career. IF I did get married, I would want an intimate and simple destination wedding. In terms of specifics, I’ll cross that bridge when I get there!
{Photography by Irene Sarah}
9. And speaking of weddings, what’s your favorite must-have dish at a wedding?
• BRING ON THE SAMOSAS! Gosh, I love a good crispy garam (i.e. warm) samosa. I really eat them as my meals.
10. What are your purse staples? What do you have to have on you at all times to make it through your crazy schedule?
• I always have to keep a protein bar on me. Because of my crazy schedule, I unfortunately can’t always eat on time. The bars are handy to curb my hunger until I can actually eat. I also always need my Blistex and Ray Bans. I really don’t know how I manage my crazy schedule. Honestly, the calendar on my phone is my life saver.
11. A little birdie mentioned that you worked on the sets of both the Fast and Furious 7 and Captain America. What was that like?
• That little birdie is correct. I really can’t express the gratitude I have towards Spiro Razatos, the stunt director who hired me as his personal assistant. He may have driven me crazy at times, but he taught me priceless lessons I could not have gotten at a four-year university. Both Fast and Furious 7 and Captain America come from amazing production houses that take care of their employees. Working on the sets of these films was a life changing experience for sure. With this experience, I know I want to pursue roles in action films.
12. What would you like your fans to know? Do you have a message to share with little girls who aspire to be like you?
• I would like my fans to know that I am forever grateful for their support. I can’t thank them enough for backing me in everything I do. They motivate me and inspire me every day.
• To the little girls who aspire to be like me- know that you are NEVER too young to follow your dreams. If you know exactly what you want to do and where you want to be in the future, don’t let age limit your goals. It is also VERY important to appreciate the people who help you reach those goals- i.e. parents and loved ones who help you grow. There may be disagreements along the way, but know that it might just be tough love. Thank your built-in supporters for constantly guiding you in making the right decisions.
Emily is the youngest Miss New Jersey USA to date and she will be one of the youngest contestants at the Miss USA competition. As a half-Indian, half European-American, she is far from your stereotypical pageant girl. She is passionate about her culture and hopes to dispel the negative stereotypes that follow pageant girls. “If you get to know a pageant girl, you will understand how kind, intelligent, humble, and caring they can be.”
Emily is not an exception to these words. She works with a number of causes, but the one closest to her heart is the Alicia Rose Victorious Foundation. The charity provides courage and comfort to pediatric patients by supply hospital lounges with technology and entertainment. Check out this link for more information and ways to donate.
Tune into NBC at 8PM ET/7PM C June 8th to root for our desi beauty queen, Emily Shah, as she competes at the Miss USA pageant!
Follow Emily via Twitter here.