Rysa books her place in Miss England final
Teenager wins public and social media votes in bid to win prestigious title
A NEWBURY teenager has made it to the finals of Miss England 2020.
Sixteen-year-old Rysa Saujani, a pupil at St Gabriel’s School, secured her place after winning both the public and social media vote in the semi-finals of the competition last Friday.
The actor and model – who has appeared in a number of films, television shows and commercials – is now in with a shot of being crowned the next Miss England.
She will compete against 19 other women for the title, with the winner of Miss England going on to represent the country at the Miss World beauty pageant.
Speaking to the Newbury Weekly News on Monday, she said: “It’s just so surreal and I really didn’t expect it at all. I can’t believe I’m in the final, it’s crazy.
“I’m delighted to have not only one, but two awards and I want to thank everyone who voted for me. It’s been really sweet the support I’ve had.
“It was so strange because this year it was all done virually because of Covid, so me and the family were all together watching it in the living room.
“We weren’t told before what the result was going to be so it was a complete shock when they read it out.”
She added: “It’s pleasing to be a double award-winner as these two categories were contested.
“The public vote is really pleasing to win as this is an unbiased vote and I am very grateful for all the overwhelming support, care and well wishes from those that voted for me.
“As for the Social Media Award, I couldn’t be happier and have appreciated all the accolades from my loyal and growing followers in UK, India, USA and Middle East for their likes, love and encouragement.
“I am humbled by the experience so far. Thank you very much to everyone.”
fiercely
Asked whether she’d dared to dream about going all the way and clinching the Miss England title, Rysa said: “I’m trying not to really think about the outcome and enjoy the experience.”
Rysa is no stranger to being centre stage.
In 2018, she played a starring role in a series about controversial Bollywood star Sunny Leone.
She hit the headlines and gained plaudits around the world for her portrayal of the younger version of Leone, who is the ‘most Googled’ woman in India.
Leone’s former career as an adult film industry actress and her reluctance to conform to cultural norms has gained her millions of fans and followers, but has also sparked protests and created controversy.
Rysa also starred in the 2017 Bollywood film Dobaara: See Your Evil, an official adaptation of the 2013 American horror film Oculus.
As the wildcard entry, Rysa skipped the qualifying stage of the Miss England competition and went straight through to the semi-finals, where she went head-to-head with 33 other women from around the UK.
For the semi-final, contestants were invited to submit three videos to enter which consisted of an introduction, a catwalk and a talent video.
It was originally due to take place at Kelham Hall & Country Park in Nottinghamshire on June 8, but due to social distancing and lockdown restrictions, this was not possible.
It was therefore held virtually for the first time in the competition’s history on Friday, with just the judges and host meeting at the Video News Factory in Milton Keynes and contestants from across England joining via Zoom as the results were read out.
The final of Miss England 2020 was due to be held at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole on July 30 and 31 as a two-day event.
However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, organisers have now postponed it until next year.