SADE GREENWOOD

The Fame Game, an exclusive podcast series by The Sun - Daily Mirror, is hosted by the dynamic duo Kumar de Silva and Rozanne Diasz. Offering a rare glimpse beyond the limelight, the show features candid conversations with Sri Lanka's most celebrated personalities, uncovering the real stories, challenges, and milestones behind their fame. This week's guest is Sade Greenwood, who proudly represented Sri Lanka at Miss World 2021. Join us as we take a closer look at her journey from her early start in modelling to life after the crown.

- By Thasmina Sookoor

What's the biggest difference between modelling and pageantry?

They're two completely different things. As a beauty queen, your personality, beliefs, confidence, and communication skills matter so much more. Models can be introverts and still succeed. But as a beauty queen, you need to be confident, bubbly, and consistent in how you present yourself. It's a product vs person scenario.

Worst shoot experience, no names, but spill the tea!

Oh gosh. I once did a commercial for a beverage and had to take dozens of sips for multiple takes. I ended up with a full-blown sugar rush; it was coming out of my ears! They eventually gave me a bucket to spit it out between takes. I haven't touched that drink since!

Jacquie Mei has clearly been a big part of your journey.

Absolutely. Jacquie is like a second mother to me. She's protected and guided me from the very beginning. Even when I told her I wanted to try beauty pageants, she supported me like family would. I'll always be grateful for her presence in my life.

Your dad also played a huge role during Miss World?

Yes, he was amazing. He helped find sponsors, arranged my travel and everything. Competing in Puerto Rico was expensive, and we had to do it all ourselves. But we received so much support, even from strangers who believed in me. It reminded me how beautiful Sri Lankan generosity can be.

On a more personal note, your grandfather passed away on the day you were crowned. How did you cope with that?

It was a lot to process. My family kept the news from me until after the crowning. I was in shock and couldn't grieve right away. Later, everything hit me at once. I spiraled emotionally when I returned from the pageant. But my family helped me through it. My grandfather was my biggest cheerleader. I know he would have wanted me to carry on. That thought gave me the strength I needed.