Dr. Shabana Parvez, MD, FACEP, US Bureau Chief of The Desi Buzz and founder of ArlingtonIntegrative.com, sat down for an exclusive and insightful conversation with Fallon Shilanthi — a celebrated beauty queen and multifaceted personality. Fallon, who holds the titles of Mrs. Canada World 2025/2026 and Miss Sri Lanka World 2010, is also a professional cosmetologist, international fashion model, and was the 1st runner-up at the prestigious Best Model of the World competition in 2008. The interview explored their shared passions for wellness, beauty, and empowering women across cultures.
Fallon Shilanthi makes history as the first-ever Sri Lankan and South Asian woman to win Mrs. Canada World 2025/2026.
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Watch the interview on YouTube
Section 1: Background & Early Journey
Dr. Shabana Parvez: Fallon, welcome! Let’s start at the beginning. You won your first pageant at just five years old in Sri Lanka. What drew you to modeling and pageantry so young?
Fallon Shilanthi: So I was born and grew up in Sri Lanka. So when I was in teenager, I loved fashion. That’s the reason I entered this industry. If I talk about pageantry, my first pageant, it’s called Out of the Kumariya. It’s meaning like a little princess. So when I was five years old, yeah, I won that title.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: Your international career took off with Best Model of the World 2008 and Miss Sri Lanka World 2010. What were the hardest lessons from those early competitions?
Fallon Shilanthi: Oh, the pressure was intense! I learned that losing doesn’t mean failure – it means preparing. After being 1st runner-up in 2008, I worked for two years before winning Miss Sri Lanka. Patience and self-belief were everything. And… (smiles) no stage is too big if you stay grounded.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: How does your Sri Lankan-Canadian identity influence your advocacy today?
Fallon Shilanthi: It’s my compass. In Sri Lanka, I saw poverty but also resilience. In Canada, I learned diversity is strength. Now, I merge both worlds – using traditional values to advocate globally. Like my mother taught me: “Help others while staying true to who you are.”
Section 2: Pageant Journey & Purpose
Dr. Shabana Parvez: You took a break from pageants after marriage and motherhood. What sparked your return for Mrs. Canada?
Fallon Shilanthi: People say marriage ends a woman’s dreams – I wanted to prove them wrong! My husband actually encouraged me: “Why stop now?” And my son? He thinks Mommy’s crown is his toy! (Laughs) But seriously – motherhood gave me more strength to compete.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: Tell us about Hope for Little Lights. Why focus on children?
Fallon Shilanthi: Because they’re innocent. In Sri Lanka, I’d see kids without shoes walking miles to school. In Canada, some go hungry. My foundation started in 2007 quietly – just me buying supplies. Now, we provide food, clothes, education… Every child deserves light. That’s why the name.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: How does “Beauty with Purpose” translate practically?
Fallon Shilanthi: The crown opens doors, but the work matters. Last month, we partnered with Toronto schools for backpacks filled with supplies. The Mrs. Canada title let me secure sponsors I couldn’t before. Glamour gets attention; action creates change.
Section 3: Family, Balance & Motivation
Dr. Shabana Parvez: Walk us through your daily routine as a mom, wife, and titleholder.
Fallon Shilanthi: Chaos! Up at 6 AM – make breakfast, school drop-off, then meetings for the foundation. Evenings are sacred family time: no phones, just stories with my son. My husband handles dinner when I travel. Teamwork makes it work!
Dr. Shabana Parvez: How do you avoid getting lost in the pageant world’s glitter?
Fallon Shilanthi: This crown? It’s a microphone, not my identity. I meditate daily – even five minutes centers me. And my family loves keeping me humble! (Grins) Yesterday, my son asked if queens clean toilets like Mommy does.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: What cultural values do you instill in your child?
Fallon Shilanthi: Respect above all. We speak Sinhalese at home, celebrate Sri Lankan festivals, but also embrace Canadian diversity. I tell him: “Your roots make you unique; kindness makes you universal.”
Section 4: Health, Beauty & Self-Care
Dr. Shabana Parvez: Your skin glows! Share your secrets.
Fallon Shilanthi: Sri Lankan tricks! I rinse my face with just water in the morning – no soap. At night: coconut oil cleanse, then eye cream – yes, even at 35! (Winks) And sunscreen – I mix mine with a drop of foundation for light coverage.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: No gym? How do you stay fit?
Fallon Shilanthi: Chasing a toddler is workout enough! (Laughs) But seriously: I walk everywhere, eat home-cooked Sri Lankan meals – lots of veggies, coconut milk, and herbal teas. No extreme diets – balance is sustainable.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: Any Ayurvedic rituals?
Fallon Shilanthi: Every Sunday: warm coconut oil hair masks. And ranawara herbal tea – it’s Sri Lankan, detoxes the liver. My grandma swore by it!
Section 5: Message to South Asian Women
Dr. Shabana Parvez: What’s your advice to girls facing societal limits?
Fallon Shilanthi: I was told modeling was “shameful.” But my parents supported me. To girls: Find your people. Dreams need oxygen – don’t let others suffocate yours.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: How can moms prioritize themselves guilt-free?
Fallon Shilanthi: Flight attendants say it: “Put your oxygen mask first.” A happy mom = a happy home. Take that 10-minute bath, join that dance class – your family will thrive because you did.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: What must our communities change?
Fallon Shilanthi: Stop policing women’s choices! A woman in pageants isn’t “vain”; a working mom isn’t “neglectful.” Support without judgment – that’s real progress.
Section 6: Fun & Fast Favorites
Dr. Shabana Parvez: Saree or gown for empowerment?
Fallon Shilanthi: Saree for culture, gown for power! At Mrs. Canada, I wore a saree-inspired gown – best of both!
Dr. Shabana Parvez: Guilty pleasure?
Fallon Shilanthi: Dark chocolate with sea salt! I hide it from my son… poorly. (Laughs)
Dr. Shabana Parvez: Dream dinner guest?
Fallon Shilanthi: My mom – she’s in Sri Lanka, so we video-call daily. But a hug? Priceless.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: Final message to women?
Fallon Shilanthi: You are enough. Not just as a mother, wife, or daughter – as you. Now go shine!
Closing
Dr. Shabana Parvez: Fallon, you embody grace and grit. We can’t wait to see you at Mrs. World!
Fallon Shilanthi: Thank you for this heart-to-heart. Let’s keep lighting up the world – one little light at a time!
