Exclusive: How an Aerospace Engineer Became Miss Diva Cosmo 2025

Avani Kakekochhi, the reigning Miss Diva Cosmo 2025, is redefining what it means to be supremely talented. A 25-year-old aerospace engineer from Bangalore, Karnataka, Avani balances engineering, classical dance, and entrepreneurship with ease. From contributing to India's 'Make in India' initiatives to performing on global cultural stages like the G20 Summit, her journey is truly inspiring. We caught up with Avani to talk about balance, ambition, and representing India on the world stage.

Aerospace engineer, classical dancer, entrepreneur, how do all these identities coexist in you?

Aerospace, classical dance, and entrepreneurship coexist in me because balance was taught to me early. From childhood, my parents ensured I grew with both academics and the arts, dance, music, violin, drawing, alongside school. That upbringing trained my mind to switch between logic and creativity seamlessly. Discipline and consistency became my common language across every field. Whether it's engineering, art, or business, the same rigour applies, and that's what allows all of it to exist in harmony within me.

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Working on ‘Make in India' initiatives is huge. What does contributing to the nation mean to you personally?

Contributing to the nation, for me, means building solutions that save lives and strengthen India from within. Through the Make in India initiative, working with technologies like RIGAS, which plays a critical role in emergency response and safety, I've seen how indigenous innovation can directly protect lives and reduce dependence on imports. Global collaborations on such innovations make a difference! Being part of a sustainable, self-reliant India fills me with pride and a deep sense of responsibility. Today, as I also represent India on a global platform, it feels even more special, almost as if my journey prepared me for this role all along. Serving the nation isn't a moment; it's a mindset, and I'm proud to live it.

From G20 stages to dance classrooms, what role does discipline play in your life?

From G20 stages to teaching dance, discipline is my constant. It's doing the hard things even when no one is watching, showing up through the worst breakdowns and the quiet days, not just the happy moments. Discipline built my confidence before the applause ever came. It's the reason I can lead, perform, and teach with the same commitment, because real excellence is trained in silence and revealed on stage.

One value you'll never compromise on?

Discipline, because talent may open doors, but discipline decides how far I go.

A moment you felt most proud of yourself?

I'm grateful for the many opportunities and personal achievements I've had, but my proudest moment is watching my students succeed, whether on stage or in their exams. Seeing them perform confidently, even without me present, feels like a full circle. That's when I know my impact goes beyond myself.

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What do you want young women to learn from your multidimensional journey?

I want women to learn that they don't have to choose one dream over another. You can be multidimensional, strong and graceful, disciplined and creative, ambitious and grounded. My journey shows that when you invest in yourself fully, you don't just build a life, you build options.

Your favourite beauty queen?

My favourite beauty queens are Priyanka Chopra and Asha Bhat, both of whom are entrepreneurial, expressive, and unapologetically bold. They've shown that a crown can be a launchpad, not a label. Their journeys inspire me to use my voice, build my own path, and represent India with confidence on a global stage.