Kasturi Srivastava has quietly built two careers at once — one in corporate HR, the other in front of the camera. A Miss Universe Uttar Pradesh finalist and the founder of Project Astitva,
her initiative for girl-child education, Kasturi Srivastava spoke to BalleBolly about balancing it all, and why identity matters so much to her.
Introduction
Let’s start from the beginning — how did your journey go from HR professional to model and content creator?
I think it all started with a dream when I was just 13. I always wanted to be someone who had the limelight and did something unconventional. So modelling was definitely on my mind since
my teenage years. But sometimes life happens and things take different turns, and you get to things a little later. I decided that once I started working, I would still follow my dreams. So from the moment I started working, I began applying for beauty pageants and posting pictures. And that’s how it all started.
You move between Varanasi, Lucknow, and Delhi — what role has each city played in your life?
I was born and brought up in Varanasi, so it has a very special place in my heart that nobody can take away. I travel to Lucknow and Delhi for work, and both cities give me a sense of peace
and satisfaction because I get to work and live my dreams there. Each city has played an important role in my life, and each has a separate place in my heart.
Did you ever imagine standing on a pageant stage one day, or did this all develop gradually?
It all started with a childhood dream. My mother once dreamt of becoming Miss India, and she used to tell me stories about Miss Indias who won internationally and made India proud. That
representation captivated me and ignited something inside me. Later, I realised that pageantry isn’t just about a crown. It’s about responsibility, knowing who you truly are, accepting yourself, and becoming a better person. I think I had been preparing for that moment in some way all my life, even as a child and teenager. I knew it would happen someday, but I didn’t know it would come with so many ups and downs. And honestly, I wouldn’t be the person I am today without those experiences.
Kasturi Srivastava’s HR Career & Modelling
Balancing an HR career with modelling — two very different fields. How have you managed both?
I believe that when you love something and genuinely want to do it, you find a way. Managing both has definitely been difficult, but not impossible. I always knew I would have to manage two
careers simultaneously. When it actually started happening, I was honestly tired, but I was also grateful because not everyone gets to live the life they’ve dreamt of. Sometimes it makes you feel like one career would be enough, but at the same time, it gives you confidence and satisfaction. So, it’s difficult, but it’s also incredibly fulfilling.
Does your corporate HR experience help you in any way in the modelling or content creation world?
Definitely. Being in HR taught me confidence, communication, how to hold a conversation, how to carry myself, present an idea, and even look at things from another person’s perspective. I’m
really grateful that I got the opportunity to build a career in HR because it has also helped me become a more confident person and someone who stands out because of her personality.
Was there ever a point where it felt like you’d have to choose between the two careers?
It sometimes does feel that way because managing two careers can be exhausting. But it also gives me a sense of satisfaction because I’m pursuing the dreams I’ve always had.
I come from a humble family, and financial independence and my education were very important to me. I knew I couldn’t risk either of them, so I had always prepared myself mentally to manage both careers. Yes, sometimes I feel like I should focus on just one, but ultimately, I enjoy both.
Kasturi Srivastava’s Miss Universe Uttar Pradesh Journey
What made you want to compete in Miss Universe Uttar Pradesh?
It started with my childhood dream, but eventually it became an amalgamation of so many ideas and beliefs. I was intrigued by the visibility, power and influence that beauty queens have to
create change — whether in the world or simply in the lives of women around them. I want women to believe in themselves and stop worrying about how society will label them. I want them to take space, follow their dreams, and never seek permission to rise. We should never tolerate injustice or inequality. We should create our own paths and prove, at the very least to ourselves, that we are capable. If I can inspire even one woman to think differently about her career and her life, I will feel fulfilled.
What was the hardest part of the journey to becoming a finalist?
I think the hardest part was believing that I was worth it — knowing that I was unique and had my own qualities, and truly believing in myself. Once you overcome those insecurities and self-doubts, you’ve already won half the battle. In a way, those insecurities and that struggle to believe in myself made me a stronger and better person.
Kasturi Srivastava on Preparation and the Finalist Moment
Did your disciplined HR working style help you at all with pageant preparation?
Definitely. HR demands discipline, and pageantry demands it too. If you’re not disciplined and consistent with your efforts, you won’t get the results you want. Discipline is something HR taught me, and I carry it throughout my pageant journey and in life. I believe it’s essential for anyone who wants to become the person they’ve always dreamt of being.
Aashi Bagga, Ashia Sahota and Manisha have all mentored you — what’s the biggest lesson each of them has taught you?
I’ve learnt a lot from Aashi ma’am, but I also want to mention two other incredible women who have trained me — Ashia Sahota ma’am and Manisha ma’am from Katwalk Academy. Aashi ma’am at Flying Femme made me confident about my body, my walk, posture and poses. Ashia Sahota ma’am and Manisha ma’am transformed me into the person I’ve always wanted to become. I was insecure about so many things, and Ashia Sahota ma’am completely changed my perspective and made me confident. All three made me realise that I’m not just a contestant or a pageant aspirant. I’m also a person with a life, achievements and my own identity. That sense of confidence is incredibly important.
What did it feel like the moment you were announced as a finalist?
Honestly, it was a dream come true. I was still doubtful and nervous about whether I would be selected. I had been part of other pageants before and hadn’t made it, which affected my
confidence. So when I was announced as a finalist, I was overwhelmed. It felt like the universe had different and bigger plans for me. It was surreal, and I was incredibly happy and confident that day.
Kasturi Srivastava’s Project Astitva
How did the idea for Project Astitva come about, and what is it about?
Project Astitva is very close to my heart. It’s my initiative towards girl-child education and helping girls build their confidence, education and identity. I was born and raised in a village and was fortunate to have extremely supportive parents. But I saw many girls around me being denied education, even at the age of 12, 13, 16 or 17. That really affected me. I wanted these girls to know that education is their basic right and that they deserve to believe in themselves. We started by visiting orphanages and places where there were more girl children. Eventually, I
came up with the name Astitva because I strongly believe in having an identity of your own. I also believe education should go beyond basic academics. Girls should know how to manage their lives and households and be independent enough to handle things on their own. The essence of Astitva is helping girls believe in themselves, take up space and create an identity of their own.
“Astitva” means one’s own existence or identity — what was the thinking behind that name?
To me, Astitva means identity. I strongly believe that every woman should have her own identity, and that belief should be instilled from childhood. We don’t belong to anyone — not our father, brother, husband or partner. We belong to ourselves. Education can help us build that identity and understand that every person has a purpose. That’s the thought behind Project Astitva.
Impact and the Road Ahead
What message do you want to get across through this project?
I want people to understand that education is a basic right, that women should have an identity of their own, and that they belong to themselves. I want women to believe in themselves and take up space in society.
What has the response to the project been like so far?
I’ve only recently initiated the project, so it’s still in its early stages. The response has been quite positive. I’ve visited schools and conducted seminars where many girls actively
participate. We also work with women who are building something of their own. For example, there are women in a village near my home who make delicious achar. We’ve interacted with them and
encouraged them to find ways to expand and sustain their businesses. The response so far has been very encouraging.
Where do you want to take this project going forward?
I want Project Astitva to go beyond girl-child education. I also want to support women who are doing something on their own by helping them expand and sustain their businesses and create
their own identities as entrepreneurs. Ultimately, it’s about women having an identity of their own and taking up equal space in society.
Content Creation & Personal Brand
What made you get into content creation, and what kind of content do you enjoy making the most?
I basically post what I do in my life, but I’m particularly interested in fashion content. I haven’t found a fixed niche yet; I’m still figuring it out. It started with me simply posting things I loved about myself, and gradually it started growing. I’m still at the beginning of my content-creation journey, so I’m exploring what works for me and enjoying the process.
What matters most to you when building your personal brand online?
I want people to see the real me, not just the version I want them to see.
Social media can create unrealistic beauty and lifestyle standards, and I don’t want to contribute to that. I don’t delete my old pictures because I want people to see that transformation takes
time. Becoming a better or more confident version of yourself is a gradual process, not something that happens overnight.
I want my audience to understand what I do, what I believe in and what I stand for.
What kind of content gives you the most satisfaction when connecting with your online audience?
Sharing my story in a raw and honest way — especially my transformation and the journey of my life. When people connect with that content and respond positively, it gives me a lot of satisfaction. That’s what I really enjoy.
Balancing It All
How do you manage your HR job, modelling, content creation and Project Astitva?
I definitely don’t manage all of them in one day! It’s a roller coaster ride. I take things one at a time, although sometimes I do multitask. I don’t think it’s possible for anyone to do everything at once, so I prioritise what’s important at that particular time and manage things accordingly. When you really want something, you find the time for it.
Has it ever felt overwhelming doing all of this at once? How do you keep yourself motivated?
Definitely. Sometimes I cry, sometimes I crib, and sometimes I’m extremely happy about it. It can absolutely feel overwhelming. But at the end of the day, when you’ve done everything and it gets appreciated, you feel that sense of satisfaction. That’s what makes the hustle worth it.
What has the reaction from your family and close friends been to this journey?
Everyone has been extremely supportive. I always expected that from my friends, but honestly, I didn’t expect it as much from my family. So their support has been amazing.
Advice & What’s Next
What advice would you give to young women who want to pursue a passion alongside a corporate career?
Listen to your heart, do it, and don’t ask too many people for permission or validation. But be careful and wise while making your choices. Evaluate everything for yourself, understand the
right path, and then go for it.
Where do you see yourself in the next year or two — HR, modelling, Project Astitva, or all of it together?
All of it. I see myself as a successful HR professional, a successful model who has worked on many projects, and someone who has taken Project Astitva to another level. I want to continue doing everything I’ve always dreamt of doing.
Is there a dream you haven’t fulfilled yet but really want to?
There are a lot of dreams I haven’t fulfilled yet, but I definitely want to. I have many things in my mind, and I’m excited to see how they unfold.
Closing
Any updates on Project Astitva or other upcoming work you’d like to tease for our readers?
There are quite a few modelling projects coming up in the next few months, and I’m also planning something for Project Astitva. You’ll get to know about it very soon on the page. I’m working on a few things and really hope they turn out great.
In one line — how would you define yourself and your identity?
I’m someone who does what she wants, isn’t afraid to take an unconventional path, belongs to herself, and believes in uplifting other women — a woman who does it anyway, no matter what.
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