Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India]April 15 (ANI): May 12, 2000 holds a special place in actor Lara Dutta’s life as it was on this day that she made Indians proud by winning the coveted Miss Universe title.
She was only 22 when she brought home the crown six years after Sushmita Sen, and since then she has been ruling hearts with her beauty, charisma and versatile acting talent.
Lara is a perfect combination of beauty and brain together. The answer that led her to the historic Miss Universe victory is a testimony to this fact.
In 2000, protests broke out in Cyprus regarding beauty pageants as a way of objectifying women. And during the final question-and-answer round of the contest, Lara was asked to persuade people protesting the contest outside the venue.
“I think pageants like the Miss Universe pageant give us young women a platform to enter the fields that we want to and pursue. Whether it’s entrepreneurship, whether it’s in the armed forces, whether it’s Be it politics. It gives us a platform to express our choices and opinions and makes us strong and independent who we are today,” Lara replied confidently and managed to impress the judges.
Happy Birthday Miss Universe 2000 Lara Dutta Bhupathi! [?] pic.twitter.com/ZdCnm7VBvv
– Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) April 16, 2022
Interestingly, she was also asked the question that how are women politicians different from male politicians in India. She responded by saying that women politicians have a certain amount of sensitivity.
She also explained the concept of Bharatanatyam, confidently telling the questioner that she could not even demonstrate some of the dance steps as she was in a gown.
Talking about her Miss Universe look, Lara chose a red colored backless evening gown and she was undoubtedly looking gorgeous.
In 2000, he celebrated two decades of achieving the milestone by sharing iconic photographs from the contest.
“20 years till date!! 12 May 2000, Nicosia, Cyprus. What a wonderful gift to receive from the universe! One I am forever grateful for. @missindiaorg @missdivaorg @timesofindia @missuniverse #MilleniumsMissUniverse,” he wrote.
Watch how the crowd of fans came out in full force to welcome her after her coveted Miss Universe win.
Just three years after winning Miss Universe, Lara made her Bollywood debut with the 2003 film Andaz. She is known for starring in films such as Bhagam Bhaag, Kaal, Partner, the Don franchise and Bell Bottom.
On the personal front, she married former tennis player Mahesh Bhupathi in 2011 and they are parents to a daughter named Saira. (ANI)
This report has been auto generated from ANI News Service. ThePrint is not responsible for its content.