Diya Bhengra in running for Teen Miss Runway Supermodel crown

Diya Bhengra has been named a finalist in the 2021 Teen Miss Runway Supermodel competition. The program sees aspiring models compete for the title and a chance to begin their career in the fashion industry.

"It's always been a dream of mine to be like a Disney princess so it's like I am living that dream," Diya said. "But, there is an intellect behind it all that people don't see."

Diya explained the competition involves photoshoots, workshops and most importantly the runway.

"Although the other parts are a lot of fun and great for exposure, our focus is getting our catwalk down and modelling for companies," she said.

"It takes a lot of physical strength to walk the runway.

"You have to be quick and keep up with the beat while making sure to show off what you're wearing."

For Diya, the key to nailing the catwalk is "sharing the spotlight" with whatever design she is dressed in. She added that no company would want a model that wants the focus purely on them.

While she loves any opportunity to model, Diya has big dreams for when she finishes school.

"The beauty and fashion industry can be really unstable and there can be a lot of disappointment," she said.

"I am thinking of going into medicine as a full-time career but I will always have a passion for modelling."

On the night of the finals in 2021, judges will award points in different categories after the models walk the runway. They will also take into account participation in the program.

Diya said she hopes to win the title, but is grateful for the opportunity the competition alone has provided.

She added that models face a lot of stigma and pre-conceptions, especially online. But, Diya said it's still worth it.

"I think that's why it's important to make sure you balance the mental health and the physical health," she said.

Her mother, Laxmi Bhengra, said she is extremely excited too see how her daughter goes in the finals.

"I am very proud of her," she said. "I am glad to see her putting 100 percent in. She is quite dedicated and there really is a lot for her to do.

"Diya actually did modelling when she was five years old, she was born in Manchester, England, but since we came to Australia seven years ago it went a bit downhill."

When COVID-19 hit, and school students were sent home Diya was struggling with a lack of motivation and lonliness.

"Then, this opportunity came up and she got into it," Mrs Bhengra said.

"Diya has really developed a lot in the past few months. We are very excited to see where it takes her."

Mrs Bhengra said they are always looking for new sponsors or to style Diya in local designs, and any Wagga businesses are welcome to get in touch by emailing her at laxmi_mishra78@yahoo.co.uk.