Introducing The Rising Star Behind The Cover Of The Latest Issue Of StarCentral Magazine: Manny Basran

In the dynamic world of fashion and pageantry, Manny Basran stands out as a remarkable example of determination, versatility, and passion. Known for her achievements in modelling, bodybuilding, and beauty pageants, Manny has built a reputation as someone who confidently balances multiple pursuits while embracing every moment of the journey.

Manny first gained widespread recognition as a finalist in Miss Earth Australia 2017, one of the country’s most prestigious pageants that celebrates beauty, environmental advocacy, and purpose-driven leadership. Her participation highlighted not only her poise and elegance but also her commitment to personal growth and self-discipline. Competing on such a respected stage helped introduce Manny to a broader audience within the modelling and fashion community.

Her pageant journey continued to flourish when she was crowned Miss India Global 2019. The title further elevated her profile and opened doors to international opportunities in fashion and modelling. With a natural confidence and stage presence, Manny quickly became known for her ability to command attention both on the runway and in front of the camera.

Beyond the glamour of the fashion world, Manny is also deeply dedicated to fitness. As a bodybuilding competitor, she has demonstrated incredible discipline and resilience, qualities that translate seamlessly into her modelling career. Training for bodybuilding competitions requires intense commitment, and Manny approaches the challenge with the same enthusiasm she brings to fashion shows and photo shoots.

What makes Manny truly inspiring is her ability to juggle these diverse passions while maintaining a positive outlook. Whether she is walking the runway, preparing for a competition, or posing for a photoshoot, she embraces every opportunity to grow and express her creativity.

For Manny Basran, life is about pushing boundaries, celebrating strength, and exploring the ever-evolving world of fashion with confidence and joy.

StarCentral Magazine sat down with Manny Basran for an exclusive interview, and here’s what unfolded.

What inspired you to enter the Miss India Global 2019 pageant, and how did winning shape your journey in modelling and fitness?

What inspired me was that a year earlier, I had entered a supermodel contest in the Blue Mountains, where I placed 2nd runner-up. Through that experience, I was introduced to the world of pageantry, which inspired me to give it a try. To my surprise, I ended up winning.

Prior to that, I had been competing in bodybuilding fitness competitions for two years, from 2017 to 2019, so I wanted to try something different.

Photo Credit: Elegantography

How do you balance your career as a model with competing in bodybuilding and other demanding activities?

I’m not going to lie—it can be challenging juggling multiple things at once, but it’s also fun because I truly enjoy everything I do. I did bodybuilding before getting into pageantry, so I haven’t competed in any bodybuilding competitions recently.

Can you share your favourite experience from a fashion show or photo shoot so far?

I have quite a few, actually. I love doing a variety of different shoots. Recently, I did a shoot portraying Red Tara, a Buddhist goddess, which was something very different from anything I had done before. I also did a photoshoot at Cockatoo Island in Chung Hom Kok, which was a wonderful experience.

My favourite moments are enjoying every single shoot and being fully present in the moment. I love the costumes and the locations used for the shoots—they add something extra and make the experience even more special.

What drew you to the world of fashion, and how do you stay motivated to explore it further?

As I mentioned before, I fell into it after participating in a supermodel contest in 2018. I loved it so much and had so much fun doing it that I continued pursuing pageantry from then on, exploring everything and anything that seemed interesting.

How has participating in pageants and bodybuilding influenced your personal confidence and self-discipline?

Participating in bodybuilding taught me a lot about discipline—in everything: eating, exercising, and waking up early. Before that, I was a night owl (laughs).

Pageantry allowed me to explore a world of colour, style, and fashion that I enjoyed very much. It gave me a different kind of confidence than bodybuilding—feeling good in everything you wear, whether it’s gym clothes, glamorous dresses, or various costumes —and learning to truly own it.

Photo Credit: Elegantography

What are some of the challenges you face juggling multiple careers, and how do you overcome them? Who are your role models in the fashion and fitness industries, and why?

Challenges for me involve trying to fit everything in and attempting to do it all. Overcoming them comes down to prioritising what is most important at the time.

A key role model in my fitness journey is my coach, Alex, who pushes me even when I feel tired or tempted to skip training.

In fashion, I am still exploring. What I enjoy most are shoots that are different from the norm—unique concepts such as goddess shoots, sci-fi shoots, and other creative themes.

How do you prepare physically and mentally for a fashion show or bodybuilding competition?

I just focus on what’s in front of me. For example, if it’s a fitness competition, you need to be in a certain shape by a specific date, so you concentrate on that goal. By doing so, you naturally surround yourself with like-minded people, which helps you stay focused. Mentally, it’s about maintaining that focus and not getting distracted by the noise around you.

What advice would you give to young women aspiring to enter modelling or competitive fitness?

I would say go for it and give it a go—you never know what’s in store for you until you try, because that’s exactly what I did.

Even if you don’t gain much from the experience, you still walk away with valuable lessons and great memories—provided, of course, it was a positive experience.

Looking ahead, what are your goals in the fashion world, pageantry, or fitness competitions?

I take things as they come. Right now, I am rehearsing for a play coming in June and getting more involved in acting. I don’t have any fitness plans just yet, but I do have some shoots lined up, which will be fun. I’m really looking forward to those for now.