Anushiya has been soaring in popularity, and has captured a place in the European Tamil community, through Ithaya Sangamam, the most favoured phone in show on Deepam TV Europe.

Anushiya has her roots in Sri Lanka. She was groomed in India and now flourishing in London. She is the youngest of four siblings and was born in Sri Lanka.When her  family moved to India, she continued her studies in Sacred Heart Convent, Church Park, Chennai, where she earned the position of School Games Captain. She later attended Ethiraj College. She proved herself in basketball, cultural events and has won several prizes for her paintings. She represented Tamil Nadu twice in the National Basketball Championships and was the captain of her school and college teams

She is tall, fair, slim, intelligent and gregarious. What else can you expect from a former Miss Ethiraj? Well, there is more. She has also a few more titles to her glory: best Indian model, WCC titles, best model in Loyola cultural. Having won so many beauty titles, Anushiya did several catwalk shows for the leading labels in Chennai, including the mighty Nallis and Kumarans.

Life took a turn when she joined her parents in Britain. Surprisingly she started finance and has completed the AAT exams and is in the final year for her Chartered Management exams.

This upcoming celebrity strongly believes in justice and fair play to all mankind. She is a life member of Amnesty International and supports the charities, Child life, Children in Need, The Royal Society for the Blind and has also pledged to donate her eyes.

Speaking to Anushiya, I realised how easy it was to connect to this charismatic young lady. She loved
to talk to you all through Nilacharal.
 

Would you be interested in doing movies?
I have not given much thought to doing movies, However, if at all an opportunity arises, I might explore the possibilities.

Pepsi Uma has been awarded honorary doctorate. What is your opinion on that?
The hardest thing in life is to keep things simple, and Uma has done this so well in her programme, well done to her and Congratulations.

Can you share your experience of Ithaya Sangamam?
Idaya Sangamam is just tailor made for me. I am passionate about people. I have little kids as young as 3 years of age, to the over sixties who take part in the show. I must say I really enjoy the  conversations with the kids. This little boy said he would save me if I fell in the water coz I cannot swim, so cute, then I had this little girl who thinks I am her Barbie doll. I am so over whelmed by the love and affection I receive from the viewers and their steadfast support inspires me to greater heights. My motto is: Ever helpful never hurtful to my audience.

Being a presenter in a Tamil channel abroad is very different from being a presenter back home. Have you felt your popularity here?
We have to understand that back home the Tamil Channel is mainstream, where as here it is not so. I believe in simplicity, whether I am popular or not , it is all the same to me, I have the undying admiration of my viewers, which means most to me. I suppose, for some, it is nice to be important, for me, it is important to be nice.

Do you have an inspiration/role model in TV industry?
I like Oprah, I am amazed by her strength of character, and her ability to interact with people with ease and yet bring to light very strong and sensitive issues

You have participated in beauty contests. What do you think beauty is?
Winning beauty contests is similar to competitive sport. You have the winning formula you win the title. Does not necessarily mean you are the beauty incarnate of Lady Venus, because there are women out there, who by their milk of human kindness can even put lady Venus to shame. I perceive beauty as someone or something that is able to reign supreme over your soul, your being, your heart, your world.

You have flair for sports,modelling,painting and finance. If given a choice, which career would you choose?
I guess painting, it is a timeless and creative profession, I could be sixty and still splash colours over a canvas.

You have lived in Sri Lanka, India and Britain. Which is your  favourite?Why?
Although I was born in the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, that I will always love and cherish, I was compelled to leave Sri Lanka after the civil unrest there. Chennai welcomed me with open arms, and I am ever so grateful for their warmth and hospitality. But most of all I grew up in Chennai, the land that has given me the most happiest memories and everlasting friendships.

Did you feel the cultural shock when you came here to live?
No, not really. I have an open mind about such issues. I will never give up my culture but at the same time will respect another culture. If you think laterally, you might just pick some good points from another culture, so it is best not to be too critical.

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