Meet UAE’s six-year-old Tiny Miss World

Her parents claimed she was the first child ever to represent the UAE in Little Miss World competition and also one of the youngest in the fray.

Dubai resident Ankritha Rashmeeth is just six year old but she is already winning crowns and hearts, for the UAE with her cuteness and charm. 

The KG2 student from Indian International school Dubai recently took part in 'Little Miss World 2017' and won the titles of 'Best Talent' and 'Tiny Miss World 2017'. 

It was no small feat - 75 children from 25 countries, of ages 5 to 16, participated in the international beauty pageant held in Greece in September. Her parents claimed she was the first child ever to represent the UAE in Little Miss World competition and also one of the youngest in the fray. 

While she got her charm and wits from her mother, her father cheerfully pointed out, she got her looks from him. Rashmeeth Kalathil, a hospitality professional, said: "We are honoured to have our daughter represent the UAE. She waved the UAE flag among 25 countries and that made us immensely proud. The organisers said they would love to see more participants from the UAE." 

Earlier in June, the Kerala girl represented India in 'Little Miss Universe 2017' held in Georgia and won several titles such as 'TOD Little Miss Universe', 'Grand Prix Best Talent' and 'Little Miss Butterfly'. 

Her mother Nikhila Cheriya Veetil, who as a child wanted to become a model, taught Ankritha how to walk the ramp like a pro. To hone her skills, her parents enrolled her to ABCD dance studio at the age of five. Now not only are her dance moves bewitching, she can spin a hula hoop around her waist like no regular six-year-old. 

Her mother added: "When she was just four-and-a-half years old, she told me she wanted to walk the ramp and become a model, after seeing the fashion shows around Dubai. Then I started searching for events and competitions where we could showcase her talent. She got her first opportunity at an event by Mankamna collection held in Abu Dhabi. She exuberated poise and confidence on the stage and garnered huge praise and appreciation from everyone. On seeing her natural talent, we encouraged her to take part in more fashion shows and beauty pageants." 

This little beauty queen has miles to go, literally. "We are planning to send her to Cape Town and Thailand next year to take part in similar competitions," her mother noted. 

All the expenses for her travel have been borne by Ankritha's parents so far. Despite the financial restrictions, her mother said, they would support her in winning trophies for the UAE. 

"We would love to see her win the title of Miss World or Miss Universe someday. She has the talent in her and as parents, we will go all out to fulfill her dream," she added.