Simran Sohal

Height: 5’6
Hometown: Toronto, ON
Languages: English, Hindi, Punjabi
Occupation:

Simran is a graduate of Bachelor of Arts with Specialized Honours in Theatre from York University. She has represented Canada internationally in Colombia as an “International Queen of Coffee Canada 2023”. She has directed, acted and was a production designer for shows like “Picture Perfect” and “Peeled”. She made her debut as a dubbing artist in Salman Khan Films “Dr. Cabbie”. She has been a performing artist for Immersive and Physical theatre shows. She has also facilitated a series of workshops for a group of students for acting and theatre shows. Simran has been very passionate and feels empowered and confident to be on stage since childhood. Dance intrigued her at the age of 4 and she is professionally trained in Contemporary and Bollywood styles. Simran is a creative innovator adept at creating dance movements. She exhibits her dance skills with grace and accuracy.

She has explored The Indian Himalayan Range and is an ardent food lover. She says her greatest strength is her family’s support. She is also a yoga enthusiast which inspired her to centralize her focus around mindfulness. She had the privilege of mentoring the youth in Toronto District School Board and Queens College. She facilitated mindfulness workshops for all age groups. She believes that people have undergone stressful times and perceived negative impacts on the quality of life during these unprecedented times. She would like to raise awareness on practices like yoga and meditation so that everyone develops abilities to self- care and balance for themselves.

Simran is a determined, dedicated and passionate woman who believes that life is beyond meaning and that is why it is beautiful. She loves life and wants to enhance its beauty through yoga, meditation, dance and music. She believes in the power of living in the present moment. She feels that being in resonance with nature is an effective way to live a peaceful life. This is what she has learned through yoga and meditation. Simran believes that there is a purpose in every individual’s existence in this world. We are not here accidentally but we are here with a specific destiny.

Simran holds a very deep connection with the Miss Universe title ever since she was 4 years old. Her mother had dressed her like Miss Universe for a competition in kindergarten, where she was supposed to walk on stage and say, “I am Miss Universe”. She received first place in the competition and since then her family nicknamed her Miss Universe. Her mother explained to her that Miss Universe is not just about being pretty, it is about bringing a change in the world and being the face of the society and a voice of the women. That was when her inspirational journey towards empowering women began. Even until this day, her parents and sister have saved her contact number in their phones as Miss Universe. The highlight of her career so far has been that she represented Canada internationally in Colombia as an “International Queen of Coffee Canada 2023”. She also participated in Miss World Canada 2021 where she was crowned as Miss GTA World 2021. She was placed among the top finalists and was awarded the Miss Influencer 2021 award. She wishes to bring her experience from these pageants to enhance her journey in Miss Universe Canada.

She has a desire to bring a change in the world. She hopes to inspire and become a role-model for women and youth. Simran feels one should have self confidence and Miss Universe Canada will give her an opportunity to voice her opinion and choices and make her strong and independent. It will also provide her with an opportunity to live her dream and promote women’s sense of dignity and self- esteem. She believes that every woman has a right to regulate her own life the way she wants. Simran hopes to use this reputable platform to encourage women to embrace and celebrate being a woman.

What are your interests and what do you enjoy doing the most?

I have always been interested in dancing, acting, public speaking, travelling, yoga and meditation.

I believe dancing is a way to express yourself and I have been dancing since I was 4 years old. The one thing I learned through dance is perseverance. I learned to continue to work towards achieving my goals despite the difficulty. I love being on stage and performing for the audience.

I enjoy acting because it provides me with an opportunity to live in the character’s body and express stories to educate and inspire people. It encourages me to take risks, be creative and think uniquely.

I also have an interest in public speaking because it allows me to share my ideas and thoughts. It provides me with a chance to motivate and encourage people. It also allows me to make connections.

I love to travel because it inspires me to explore new things, meet new people from different backgrounds. I also take this time to reflect on myself and rejuvenate.
Yoga and meditation are my way of living life. I incorporated mindfulness into my life with the help of yoga and meditation and found inner peace and contentment. I have learned the importance of being present in the moment.”

List any special training you have had (music, art, drama, dance, etc.)

I possess special training in dancing and acting. I am a graduate of Bachelor of Arts, Specialized Honours in Theatre from York University. I have sharpened and defined my acting, production, and direction skills. I gained experience from performing in different theatrical styles, such as immersive and physical theatre. I am also professionally trained in Contemporary and Bollywood dance styles.

In what sports, if any, have you participated?

I have participated in basketball, badminton and volleyball.

Name one person, other than your parents, who has had the most influence on your life. Why?

My sister has had the most influence on my life because she is the one person I have always looked up to since I was born. She is my first friend who knows me inside out. She has always encouraged and motivated me to work hard in turning my dreams into reality. I know that no matter what happens, she is always there to support me. She is the best personal cheerleader and an inspirational role model that I am blessed to have in my life. She is multi-talented and gifted with enormous skills from being my dress designer, hair stylist, make-up artist, manager to a personal life coach. I am grateful to have her on my side in my Miss Universe Canada journey.

What is your proudest personal accomplishment (other than participating in this pageant)?

My proudest personal accomplishment was when I was selected to represent Canada internationally in Colombia as an “International Queen of Coffee Canada 2023”. It was an exceptional experience where I had a chance to meet new people, explore new cultures and be part of their traditions. I received an opportunity to visit many coffee farms, meet the Mayor and Governor and was involved in different parades. I was able to immerse, connect and create bonds with the locals and police officers. The experience gained through such encounters gave me a better understanding of life. I felt very proud when people acknowledged me and I felt accomplished that I was able to create a special place in their hearts.

What is the most interesting or unique thing that has ever happened to you and/or what is the most interesting thing about you?

I won the award of “Miss Influencer 2021″ and became one of the top finalists at Miss World Canada 2021. This reminded me of the famous quote, ‚ÄúDon’t wait for the perfect moment, take the moment and make it perfect”. At that moment, I realized that success does not only lie in results, in the end what matters is your hard work, dedication and efforts. I lived in the moment and will always cherish these memories forever. This was one of the most unique things that has ever happened to me.

What is your career ambition and what are you doing or plan to do to accomplish that goal?

My ambition is to become a role model. I want to guide youth and women in the right direction that would help them make life decisions. I want to provide inspiration and make them self-aware of their own capabilities. Miss Universe Canada organization will provide me with an opportunity to advocate for women and youth who have the courage to push their limits and overcome their fears. I have the passion, ability and Miss Universe Canada will provide me with a platform to inspire generations to come. My goal is to influence people and contribute to society by evoking awareness, emotion, and thoughts about social and global issues.

What would be your “dream job” in life?

My dream job is to become Miss Universe and work towards making my country Canada, my parents and my mentors proud. I would like to take on the responsibility of empowering and celebrating women, bringing awareness to world issues, and encouraging people to lead a mindful and healthy life. I would like to be a strong role model for women and encourage them to build resilience, perseverance and create a positive outlook towards life. This is the dream job for me because it will allow me to be creative and make a difference in the world. I always wanted to be an inspiration to others and help people in need. I believe that being a woman is the gift of god and I have embraced and celebrated being a woman. I want to be an advocate for other women and motivate them to remember their great inner strength and resilience. I am very ambitious and strive to accomplish my goal. I have been working towards educating young girls and women in my community to be powerful and assertive towards their goals in life. I will continue to uplift young girls and women around me and leave a lasting impression in the universe.

Describe where you were raised and what your childhood was like.

I was born and raised in India. I was raised in the most diverse country in the world filled with rich culture. I had an amazing childhood filled with unconditional love and support. My dad, mom and my sister had made my childhood very special for me. When I was in India, I also had the privilege to learn traditions and values from my grandparents which I still cherish. My parents have raised me to be respectful, graceful, and confident. They have taught me to be humble and appreciative of the opportunities that life has to offer. My family immigrated to Canada when I was 11 years old. I am so grateful that my parents made a choice to come to Canada because Canada has given me so many opportunities to fulfill my dreams. I continue to abide by the values that I have learned from India and Canada. This has shaped me into the person I am today and I am thankful to my parents for giving me this life.

List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.

I have directed and acted in shows which focused on ‚ÄúFemale infanticide” and ‚ÄúMental Health”. These shows were based on very sensitive issues. I have been a performing mime artist for a theatre production. The most interesting thing about this theatrical technique was that I portrayed a character only through movements and facial expressions without using any words. I enjoyed this a lot because I had to express a story through bodily movements and grasp the attention of the audience.

List any volunteering you have done.

• Facilitated a series of workshops in Toronto District School Board and Queens College for acting, directing and mindfulness.
• Developed yoga and meditation programs for kids and youth.
• Executed dance workshops for kids and youth to learn different styles of dance.
• Tutoring
• Food bank
• Collecting and distributing food
• Mentoring the youth
• Fundraising for Make a Wish Canada
• Fundraising for SOS Children’s Villages

What is your most unusual talent?

My unusual talent is that I can perform Indian Classical Dance- Kathak. It originated in Northern India and is one of the graceful dance forms of India. I use footwork, hand movements and facial expressions to express a story through Kathak.

Where is the most interesting place you have been to?

Being a theatre artist, the most interesting place I have been to is Broadway in New York City. I had an opportunity to experience Broadway shows which was an exceptional experience. I was surrounded by the beauty of the theatre and incredible production. I discovered myself from this experience as this place made me realize that art is my life and stage is my canvas.

What do you hope to be doing in ten years?

In ten years, I would want to be known as a former Miss Universe and hope to live my dream life. I would like to build an organization that would empower and uplift young girls and women. I would ensure the rights of all women are valued and respected. I also hope to travel around the world to experience different cultures, religions and traditions. I would like to visit underdeveloped countries to inspire women to lead their life with poise and dignity.

Is there anything you would like to add that we haven’t asked?

Miss Universe Canada pageant is extremely important for me as I believe that every woman has a unique role and talent in society. A woman should be given a chance to exhibit her best assets and voice her opinions. This opportunity would be a life-changing chance for me as it would boost my confidence to take on a larger role in the community. I have always been passionate about participating in this pageant since my childhood. This platform will give me opportunities to meet new people, gain new experiences and confidence. I would use my voice to influence women and raise awareness on global concerns. If I am given an opportunity to become Miss Universe Canada, I will represent my country Canada with grace, confidence, dignity, compassion and fearlessness.