Taanusiya Chetty struggled with skin color at school, only realized when praised as an adult

Taanusiya Chetty, who holds the Miss World Malaysia 2024 title, has opened up about her past insecurities regarding her skin tone, sharing how negative comparisons during her school days impacted her self-perception.

Chetty, 25, revealed in a Threads Malaysia post that she often felt self-conscious about her "sawo matang" (tan) complexion. The constant comparisons with peers in terms of skin tone made her view herself differently during her formative years.

However, Chetty's perspective shifted significantly as she matured. She found that receiving numerous compliments and positive affirmations from people around her helped transform her self-image. This adult experience led her to believe in the inherent beauty and uniqueness of every woman.

"Now I believe every woman is beautiful in her own way and unique," Chetty stated. "When we accept ourselves as we are, we attract people who truly appreciate the beauty and value within us."

Chetty, who is of Indian descent, was crowned Miss World Malaysia in December 2024. Beyond her pageant title, she is also a teacher, influencer, and model. She actively champions inclusive education and mental well-being through her own welfare organization.