Srisubha Addepalli, an IT specialist hailing from Andhra Pradesh, was crowned Miss India South Africa Gauteng 2017.
The 25-year-old has been working for a leading bank here on contract basis for 18 months.
Apart from fairing the best in other segments of the contest, Addepalli also performed a dance number, which was well-received by the jury.
"Dance is my passion and because we were only allowed a maximum of three minutes, I chose three segments to represent different parts of my life. I was born and brought up in a family where all the emotions are very smooth and gentle.
"So, I first portrayed myself as a gentle lady and then when I experienced sadness and troubles in my life, such as when I lost my father. Finally, I depicted my search for who I am - all in that short time," she told PTI.
Addepalli said she entered the pageant after her friends challenged her and went on to beat eight other locals to get a shot at the international Miss India Worldwide title, where winners from other provinces of South Africa will vie for the opportunity to represent the country.
Farook Khan, who started the Miss India South Africa Pageant 27 years ago, said it was the second time in the history that an India-born entrant had won the title.
"Ayushi Chhabra, who won the title in 2009, has gone on to become a renowned model and actress in New York.
"We have always believed that the pageant should be open to anyone who subscribes to the ethos of our unique Indian culture, irrespective of origin," Khan said.
PTI
