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The Rediff Interview/ Lara Dutta

'I can't wait to get home'

Speaking to Lara Dutta was not easy. A hectic telephonic chase across many oceans by News Coordinator and Special Correspondent Syed Firdaus Ashraf yielded a, "Sorry sir, No response from the room," at the hotel in Cyprus where Miss Universe 2000 lives for the moment.

Eventually, at 0800 Cyprus time, Lara finally appeared on the line -- only to say: "Please call after one hour as I am going out right now."

An hour later when we called again, "Yeah Syed, tell me, what did you want to ask me?" she said.

Was it expected you would win the crown?

No, not really. Because this year's bunch of delegates were a very nice lot. They were very intelligent and very beautiful but for the three weeks that we have been here, I have been the favourite of the media. It is a great feeling to win the title nonetheless. Lara on Real Audio

How confident were you when you left India?

I think the Times of India prepares you very well. And I felt confident when I arrived here in Cyprus.

What was your reaction when you were declared Miss Universe?

(Laughs.) Oh God, I've to go home, I thought. (Laughs again.) It was an incredible feeling. It does feel great to be Miss Universe in the millennium year. Lara on Real Audio

Does if feel any different because you are the second Miss Universe from India?

Not really for me, because I feel it is my greatest accomplishment and I don't think I can compare it to anything in my life.

Which, according to you, was the most difficult round and the most difficult question?

I didn't find the questions very difficult. I was prepared for them. But there were very difficult questions in the final round. Lara on Real Audio

And which was the most difficult question, if you could recall?

Probably the final one which goes like this: There is a protest outside the Miss Universe contest stating that whole pageant is degrading to women and the question was how would I convince the protesters. Lara on Real Audio

Whom do you attribute your success to?

To a lot of people in Mumbai. My trainers, the Times of India, my friends, my parents and quite a few other people.

Why do you think India is doing so well in beauty pageants?

Because they are sending the most confident and intelligent women out there. (Laughs.)

Are you eagerly waiting to return to India?

I can't wait to get home. I'm dying to return though I don't think I will be back before July or August. Lara on Real Audio

What are your future plans?

I have just won this title. And this year there will be a lot of opportunities for me, there will be a lot of changes in my life. I will wait and see what comes my way.

You named CNN reporter Christine Amanpour as the woman you admired the most. Why? Are you interested in journalism?

Yes, a little bit. I think she is a very gutsy and determined woman. She is a woman of substance.

Do you plan to get into films as your peers have done?

Maybe not right now. I have not given it much thought. But if something meaningful comes to me in the future, I will consider it. Lara on Real Audio

In your perspective, how do beauty pageants help contestants and their nations?

For a contestant, it is a wonderful, incredible three weeks that she spends. She gets the opportunity to work in this kind of atmosphere which is very organised. And as for the country, the pageant puts it on the world map. Lara on Real Audio

Do you think a lot of emphasis is paid to beauty pageants in India today?

Too much emphasis! No, I don't think so. I've been here for three weeks and I have seen the way girls from other countries come here, how well prepared they are. Other countries do a great job when it comes to handling their contestants. Lara on Real Audio

Why is it that no pageant winner continues to work with social/charitable causes after they give up the crown?

I think it is one's personal choice about what one would like to do. I know lots of winners who are doing good work all their life. And are goodwill ambassadors of the UN all their life. Lara on Real Audio

How will this victory affect your relationship with your boyfriend (television personality) Kelly Dorji?

I don't think it will affect me at all. (Laughs.) Ours is a pretty stable, strong and perfect relationship. Lara on Real Audio

Most Indian winners like you come from military backgrounds. Do you see a reason for this?

Maybe it is the upbringing and the person you turn out to be. A lot of emphasis is placed on discipline in such backgrounds and such things really help.

You come from a family of achievers. How did they react to your decision to contest in a beauty pageant?

They were very supportive when I entered the Miss India contest. And now, they are very, very happy and proud! Lara on Real Audio

EARLIER FEATURES:

Lara's theme rocks Cyprus
She's just made for the crown
Last night in Nicosia
'Right from childhood, Lara loved to pose for pictures'

The Rediff Interviews

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