Complete with a record-breaking 121m-long train, her national costume, “Puteri Membara Malaysia”, turned heads and won her the Best Costume award on Feb 2. She also clinched the Mrs World Ambassador prize.
“When they announced ‘Malaysia’ for best costume, I had goosebumps,” she told FMT Lifestyle. “At international pageants, they don’t call you by name, only by country.
“For eight days in the US, I wasn’t Shalini – I was Malaysia.”
The Mrs World pageant, established in 1984, celebrates married women. Shalini first took part in Mrs Malaysia World in 2022, finishing as runner-up. Undeterred, she competed again last year, won the title, and set her sights on Mrs World.
And here’s a fun fact: her winning outfit, by Sarawakian designer Saran Anak Lagong, had earned a place last year in the Malaysia Book of Records for the longest train in a national costume.
“I didn’t expect to win because there were grander costumes,” Shalini acknowledged. “But then I realised it’s not just about the costume. It’s how you carry it. I walked like a warrior.”
She recalled being in shock when she won the ambassador award, which takes into account the participant’s personal and professional trajectory and accomplishments.
“I was just standing there in my swimsuit when they called my name. This is a big title, and it doesn’t happen every year. It’s a lifelong honour,” she said.
Yet, the road to the international stage hasn’t been easy for the 38-year-old medical doctor and wellness advocate. She grew up battling childhood obesity, at one point weighing 124kg.
Alongside her weight struggles, she faced typed-2 diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome, and hypothyroidism.
“I felt inferior all my life, struggling with my body and confidence,” Shalini shared. Determined to change, she embarked on a gradual but transformative weight-loss mission, shedding over 60kg.
“I didn’t lose weight to look good; I lost weight to live longer. My dad passed away from diabetes, and I didn’t want to follow the same path,” she added.
Her dedication led her to eventually co-found Dr Y Dr S Wellness and Fitness with her husband, Dr Yuveneswara Murti. Today, their chain of over 40 studios in Malaysia and Singapore helps individuals, including married couples, achieve better health.
Joining Mrs Malaysia World in 2022 required her to believe in herself.
“I’m not a model; in fact, I’m always wearing sports shoes, not heels,” she quipped, crediting national director Harveen Kaur and makeup artist Dr Rajavel Neelamekan for being key mentors throughout her journey to Mrs World.
As for what it was like being one of 40 participants in Vegas, Shalini called it an “eye-opening experience”.
“Every woman there was beautiful. Many were mothers, even grandmothers in their 60s. The youngest was in her 20s. Imagine that diversity,” she said.
She also dismisses the notion that pageants are frivolous. “Pageantry isn’t a waste of time. It uplifted my character and personality.”
Beyond the competition, Shalini champions sustainable fashion choices, donning gowns made from vintage sarees and upcycled materials in collaboration with Kloth Cares.
She is also a vocal advocate against cyberbullying, something she has faced firsthand, especially when she was heavier.
“I wanted to be the voice for the voiceless. A girl like me doesn’t usually end up as a beauty queen – but I have. And I want to stand up for those who think they can’t.”
Now back home, she retains the title of Mrs Malaysia World Ambassador until the end of the year. One of her plans is to upcycle the long train of her award-winning gown and repurpose it into clothing.
And while she didn’t end up in the top three of the contest – those honours went to South Africa in first place, followed by Sri Lanka and Thailand, respectively – Shalini has no regrets.
“My goal was simple: I wanted people to remember Malaysia,” she stated. “And I think I did just that.”
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